The Czech Republic-based fiber optics firm OPTOKON has reentered the U.S. market after 15 years, establishing a new entity, known as OPTOKON North America in Eustis in cooperation with the management consultant Gardant Global.
The re-entry has been facilitated by UCF’s Business Incubation Program.
The partnership aims to establish a calibration facility for fiber optic equipment.
Eventually, it could grow to become a auarter-mile long manufacturing facility.
OPTOKON North America provides services for organizations such as Internet companies, the Armed Forces and the Federal Aviation Administration.
Paul Karch, founder and CEO of GARDANT GLOBAL, a strategic management consulting firm with expertise in government contracting, explained the company’s choice.
“Eustis and Lake County provided a unique value proposition to capture the eyes and ears of leaders in the community,” he said in a press release. “Being located here will be one of the things that will differentiate us.”
The Eustis location is strategic. The building’s HUBZone designation gives companies preferential consideration for certain federal contracts.
This is a key advantage for OPTOKON.
A key partner with NATO, Czech Army
The company is a major global supplier of fiber optic components for military tactical networks.
Its customers include the Czech Army and NATO.
CEO and Founder Jiri Stefl said the company had been seeking a way back into the U.S. market.
“We believe venturing with a company like Gardant Global best pathway back,” he said.
He added that the mission in Florida is to build a robust platform for local service, assembly and calibration.
The UCF Business Incubation Program’s Soft Landing Program helps companies headquartered outside of the region establish a foothold here.
It also includes offering business development support and local connections.
UCF incubator director Rafael Caamano said more companies have looked to establish footholds in the U.S. through such partnerships as the country seeks to build manufacturing jobs.
“We are also seeing more companies look regionally for expansion, not just in places like Research Park and Lake Nona,” he said.
Employment counts and total investment for OPTOKON North America are dependent on new business.
The company expects to have its first U.S.-based, large-scale contract in place within the first six months.