Bridgelux to continue advancing our manufacturing technology

Having seen the benefits of Bill's extensive operational experience running technology manufacturing businesses on a global scale while serving together on the board of another private company, we are thrilled to have Bill leading the Bridgelux team at this important and exciting juncture in the company's history," said Peter Moran, Bridgelux board member and general partner at DCM. "We are also pleased to have secured additional financing that will enable Bridgelux to continue advancing our manufacturing technology and dramatically expand manufacturing capacity. We will also use the new capital to support our ongoing core technology development and market penetration efforts, as we look to grow substantially in the years ahead."

Watkins joined Seagate in 1996 as part of the company's merger with Conner Peripherals, where he established the Conner Disk Division and held the positions of SVP, Worldwide Operations and President, Disk Operations. His more than 30-year career in technology manufacturing also includes leadership positions with Domain Technology, where he led the team that developed the MINT (Magnetic Information Technology) disc media manufacturing process. Earlier in his career, he was three times part of the management team that took companies public. He currently serves on the board of directors of Maxim Integrated Products, Flextronics and Vertical Circuits Incorporated, as well as the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Watkins holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from the University of Texas.

"Bridgelux experienced substantial growth over the past two years and has achieved scale and a perfect market position given the opportunity we have in the near term," said Bill Watkins. "We intend to seize this opportunity and dramatically grow the company. I look forward to working with the led high bay light to build upon the strong foundation they have established. In the coming weeks we will be announcing several initiatives that will further underpin our growth strategy as we pursue this huge market opportunity.