October 21--TRUMPF Inc., a subsidiary of the German-based TRUMPF Group, announced plans to expand its North American business. The plans are to increase manufacturing operations in North America and strengthen the company's laser business in the market. The TRUMPF Group is a $1.78 billion international company and a world leader in industrial lasers and production technology.
As part of a multimillion-dollar expansion plan, TRUMPF Inc. will build a laser research, development, manufacturing, and demonstration facility in Farmington, CT. Around the globe, TRUMPF lasers are used by manufacturers in such industries as automotive, aerospace, agricultural, medical, electronics, and others. To meet increasing demand for industrial lasers, the new factory will produce lasers for cutting, welding, and marking sheet metal and other materials. The planning for the new 30,000 to 40,000 sq. ft. building has already begun, and this stage is expected to be finished within the next twelve months.
The company also will invest in capital machinery for existing production facilities and increase its focus on advanced laser technology and more sophisticated manufacturing in Connecticut.
"Our goal is to keep--and grow--next-generation laser manufacturing and development here," says Rolf Biekert, president and CEO of TRUMPF Inc. "TRUMPF Inc. already has one of the largest CO2 and Nd:YAG laser production areas in the United States. The increased focus on laser technology will help us to better serve the needs of U.S. customers."
The company's laser business has increase dramatically over the last few years. Last year, it had a nearly 30 percent increase in U.S. sales, and lasers were a strong contributor to this growth. Investments related to the manufacturing of new laser products have also increased significantly. In addition, over the last three years, TRUMPF has spent close to $40 million on research and development efforts in the U.S. More than 70 people work in R&D at the U.S. subsidiary, which has more than 640 employees in North America.
An additional expansion project is planned for Mexico. A new sales, service, demonstration, and production facility in Monterey will help the company develop a stronger Mexican market, which buys machinery made by the U.S. subsidiary, and will serve as a machine frame supplier to the U.S. facility.