Jeff Groce, LaserComm's production facilities manager, tells GlobeSt.com the firm is investing about $2.5 million, minus shell costs, in the expansion. Argent, building developer and owner, has given a first-option right to LaserComm for the remainder of the structure, positioned on 4.7 acres.

LsaerComm, anticipating a March 2001 move-in, will more than triple its manufacturing capability plus use part of the space for a state-of-the-art customer resource center, outfitted with leading-edge transmission and testing equipment. Groce says finish-out will begin in January.

The company's expansion plans also include beefing up its workforce to more than 200 employees by year-end 2001. The firm, which currently employs about 60, will add jobs in optical manufacturing, testing, engineering, development, customer support and business sectors. LaserComm Inc. is a privately held company that develops and manufactures broadband optical components and modules for communications networks.