Apr. 23, 2008 (China Knowledge) - Canada's EXFO Electro-Optical Engineering Inc, a leading telecom test and measurement solution provider, on Tuesday opened its first manufacturing plant outside its headquarters in south China's Shenzhen city.

The new factory, located in an industrial park near the airport with a total floor area of 4,600 sq. m, would assemble hand-held fiber-optic test and measurement equipment for global markets, the company said.

It expects sales at the Shenzhen plant will account for 50% of its total sales in 3 to 4 years, company founder and CEO Germain Lamonde told reporters.

China is a pivotal segment in EXFO's global expansion strategy, as the Chinese government invests tremendously in telecom infrastructure, Lamonde said, and there is growing opportunities with the rising demand for faster and better telecom facilities.

China is now the second largest market for EXFO and will gain more significance in the future, according to Lamonde.