Abstract: An interconnect for ferruled optical fibers which assures that the ferrule tips will not touch when inserted into an interconnect housing provides for a small, repeatable, yet non-zero spacing between the ends of opposed ferrules through a manufacturing technique in which the interconnect housing is provided with inserts pressfit into the housing utilizing a tool that establishes a precise spacing for the distal ends of the inserts regardless of the lengths of the inserts, thereby to provide precisely spaced-apart recessed seats for the flanges of the ferrules. The use of inserts also permits the formation of a central cavity in which an alignment sleeve may be either loosely or tightly captured. In one embodiment, a carrier is provided for the alignment sleeve to insure retention of the alignment sleeve during manufacture or use. In other embodiments, recessed seat spacing is provided by a precise length part or parts.