**Chinese Manufacturer Doubling Sugar Land Plant Size**
A prominent Houston-based employer is significantly expanding its operations in Sugar Land, as it moves much of its production from mainland China and Taipei back to the United States.
Applied Optoelectronics Inc. (Nasdaq: AAOI) has secured a 10-year, $2 million incentive package from the Sugar Land Office of Economic Development to support this expansion. The company plans to occupy approximately 266,000 square feet in a newly established manufacturing facility, which will be located near its current headquarters at 13139 Jess Pirtle Blvd. in the Sugar Land Business Park. The existing headquarters spans 139,450 square feet within the 1,000-acre development.
As part of the agreement, AOI has committed to a capital investment of nearly $80 million and the creation of 500 new jobs over the next five years. The company currently employs 387 people at its Sugar Land location.
Applied Optoelectronics specializes in the development and manufacturing of advanced hybrid fiber-coaxial and optical networking technology, including lasers, components, modules, and equipment that help power the internet. The new facility is expected to be completed by next summer.
