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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

British-Based Lightbox Opens First US Manufacturing Hub in Gresham, Oregon

11/01/2020
Lightbox, a Britain based laboratory-grown diamond jewelry company, opened its $94-million advanced manufacturing facility in Gresham, Oregon.

Located just outside of Portland, Lightbox facility started its first US manufacturing this summer as construction on the 60,000 square foot structure was being completed. According to company officials, it will continue to ramp up production through 2020 and once fully operational, will produce approximately 200,000 carats of 'Grown in the USA' lab-grown diamonds annually.

According to company officials, employing about 60 full-time engineers, technicians, and administrative personnel, the two-story manufacturing operation efficiently maximizes mechanical and utility needs while providing a multifunction workspace.

"The opening of this facility is a true milestone for the company," said Steve Coe, Lightbox CEO. "Manufacturing lab-grown diamonds in the US was a goal from the beginning and we are so proud to have achieved it with this state-of-the-art laboratory in a region that has become a hub for advanced industries. With this facility and our ground-breaking partnership with Blue Nile, we have an incredible opportunity to grow our business, improve consumer education and further establish Lightbox as the leading lab-grown diamond jewelry brand."

A product of science and technology, the company explained Lightbox lab-grown diamonds are created in blush pink, pale blue and white using chemical vapor deposition. The opening of this new future-forward facility gives Lightbox the ability to further improve efficiency and provide consumers increased offerings at exceptional value. With its close proximity to reliable hydroelectric power and access to a tech savvy, highly skilled workforce, Lightbox is well positioned to continue its pioneering role in the lab-grown diamond space.

The company also entered into a partnership with Blue Nile, the largest online fine jewelry retailer. An exclusive fashion jewelry collection featuring Lightbox lab-grown diamonds will launch on the Blue Nile website, marking the first time in the online retailer's 21-year history that it has sold lab-grown diamonds.

"We're thrilled that the launch of the Blue Nile Lightbox collection is a milestone that now adds even more variety, quality and value for our customers as we head into the new year," said Sean Kell, Blue Nile CEO. "In collaboration with Lightbox, Blue Nile will further expand and transform its product assortment to meet the needs of evolving consumers in the jewelry space."

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