Applied Optoelectronics has chosen LCC3 Solution for a $94.1m design-build contract.
The contract is for a new cleanroom manufacturing facility in Houston, Texas.
The agreement specifically covers the design and construction of the facility.
Applied Optoelectronics manufactures fibre-optic networking products used in hyperscale data centres, telecommunications and broadband networks, with demand for high-speed optical connectivity continuing to grow alongside AI infrastructure investment.
The project will deliver approximately 195,600 sqft of ISO Class 6 cleanroom space alongside 36,500 sqft of office accommodation and almost 73,800 sqft of logistics and support areas.
Under the contract, LCC3 Solution will provide a full design-build service, including engineering, procurement, construction, testing and commissioning.
LCC3 also recently put out a call on Linked In for an Office Manager to help run daily operations at their Houston office.
Construction will be funded through monthly progress payments, with substantial completion targeted for 10 January 2027.
The agreement includes performance provisions designed to incentivise delivery, with schedule-based bonuses of up to $6m and performance incentives worth up to $9.8m.
Liquidated damages for project delays are capped at approximately $4.9m.
The new facility represents AOI's latest investment in expanding US manufacturing for optical transceivers and networking technologies.
The move follows an earlier $30.9m contract awarded this year for a separate ISO Class 6 cleanroom project at its Sugar Land, Texas operations.
The latest Houston development more than doubles the cleanroom footprint of that earlier project and significantly increases the company's planned manufacturing capacity.
