Align-Rite to Expand Facilities in Burbank

Align-Rite International Inc., a Burbank maker of equipment used in the manufacture of semiconductors, said it will expand its leased manufacturing facilities in Burbank during the next year.

The $9-million expansion will increase the company’s manufacturing capacity by 50%. Chief financial officer Peter Katurich said the expansion is prompted by increased demand for the company’s products, called photomasks, due to the rapid growth of the semiconductor market. Proceeds from a recent public offering will help cover the firm’s expansion, he said.