Alcatel-Lucent transfers optical transport manufacturing site to Flextronics

Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU) says it has transferred its optical transport equipment plant in Trieste, Italy, to Flextronics Manufacturing. Flextronics will assume responsibility for new product introduction, manufacturing, integration, and repair services of Alcatel-Lucent optical equipment at the site.

The two companies have signed a five-year, renewable contract for the supply of optical products as well.

The asset transfer, which includes manufacturing, real estate, support, and service activities as well as employees and temporary workers currently on staff, began when Flextronics agreed to buy the assets this past May. Meanwhile, Alcatel-Lucent subsequently agreed to be acquired by Nokia (see "Nokia pulls trigger on Alcatel-Lucent buy").

The transfer begins Trieste's transformation into "a global center of excellence for optical transport technologies," Alcatel-Lucent asserted in a press release.

"The Trieste plant will benefit significantly from becoming a global center of excellence, with employment levels maintained and even increased. Alcatel-Lucent is transferring the Trieste plant to a proven player in manufacturing on this industrial scale, a track record that ensures the highest level of quality for the company's optical transport products," explained Roberto Loiola, CEO and managing director of Alcatel-Lucent Italy.

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