STL (Sterlite Technologies Ltd), an Indian optical and digital solutions company, opened a $56 million manufacturing facility in the United States on Sept 21 to help drive rural broadband development in the country. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster dedicated the 'The Palmetto Plant' manufacturing facility. Over 150 people are employed at the plant.

"The inauguration of STL's manufacturing plant marks a significant stride forward for our state's broadband efforts and will provide new opportunities for our people in Kershaw County," McMaster said in a statement. According to the company, this strategic investment and expansion in the United States reinforces STL's commitment to the 'Make in America' vision.

"This facility reflects our ethos and STL's larger purpose of connecting the world to transform billions of lives," said Paul Atkinson, CEO of STL's Optical Networking Business.

To meet market demand for 5G and the push for rural broadband, the 168,000-square-foot manufacturing plant will specialize in future-ready optical solutions, such as high fiber count cables with smaller diameters. According to the company, the emphasis will also be on cutting-edge designs, such as high-capacity ribboned cables and ruggedized designs for rural deployments.

STL is one of only six players in the world with end-to-end capabilities in this space, covering everything from glass to fiber, cabling, and optical connectivity.