Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle visited Mitsubishi Laser customer GenMet (Mequon, WI) in January to launch the Next Generation Manufacturing Plan, a plan that focuses on efficiency and lean manufacturing principles. The plan will target $85 million in existing and new tax credits to leverage $1.6 billion in private capital investment, creating 5000 new jobs and training 4000 workers for the jobs of tomorrow.
"To remain competitive, our manufacturers must continue to become leaner and more efficient," the Governor explained in his speech. Main plan objectives include making manufacturers more competitive, expanding lean manufacturing, and creating tax credits to help invest in the future of the industry.
GenMet recently upgraded its flexible manufacturing system (FMS) from Mitsubishi Laser. The FMS system includes two 3015LVP/40CFX lasers with a 16-shelf material tower, six nest carts, and automated material handling system. The system minimizes setup time, provides automatic load/unload capability, and can run unattended, reducing costs for both GenMet and its customers. GenMet has been a Mitsubishi company since the first laser was purchased in 1998. This is the company's third equipment upgrade since.
"Mitsubishi has helped grow GenMet from $3M in revenue in 1999 to $12M last year. The new machines cut twice as fast and their cutting conditions are vastly improved," says GenMet CEO Eric Isbister.