BTI Systems is opening up new operations in China with the announcement of a new partnership with Wuhan FiberHome Networks Co. Ltd. (FHN), which will allow Ottawa-based BTI to expand its Asian business.

The photonics company said it has signed a development and supply agreement that covers joint research and development initiatives with FHN, combining BTI's carrier-grade packet optical networking technologies with FiberHome's expertise in the design and manufacturing of Ethernet switches, Internet protocol routing technology and high-definition video systems.

"BTI and FHN create a powerful force in the intelligent services edge and carrier Ethernet access solutions market with the cross-linking of skills, cultures and strengths," said BTI chief executive Gregory Koss in a statement.

The company said it would be hiring 15 Chinese people to staff the new subsidiary in Shanghai, which will allow BTI to maintain a close working relationship with its Asian partners and ensure a strong collaboration with FHN.

The two companies will be working together on feature definition and research and development for their combined technologies, as well as on marketing and customer engagements.

The partnership will also give BTI access to FHN's parent company FiberHome Group, which was the first organization to pull optical fibre in China and employs more than 9,000 employees, as well as to its network of subsidiaries.