Finisar Australia manufactures Wavelength Selective Switches (WSS), which are sub-systems for routing optical signals in telecommunications networks. They enable high-speed voice, video and data communications for telecommunications, networking, storage, wireless and cable TV applications. These switches sell for about $10,000 each.
The company was founded in 2001 and has since then gained a massive 40 per cent of global market share, making them the world’s largest manufacturer of WSS. They derive 100 per cent of sales from export.
In 2010–11, Finisar Australia’s exports increased 70 per cent due to strong sales into China and Europe. Their customers are some of the world’s best known telecommunications equipment manufacturers, including the major Chinese manufacturer, Huawei.Other key markets include the US, Europe and other parts of Asia.
The Export Awards judging panel commended Finisar’s global focus on key customers. The judges were also impressed by Finisar’s targeting of products and services to the specific needs of their customers.