After two years of planning, Mazak Optonics Corporation (Elgin, IL) held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the opening of its new 50,000 ft2 Laser Technology Center, which company President Bill Citron says is the world's largest such facility, dedicated exclusively to laser cutting technology. The $25.6 million project is a firm statement by parent Yamazaki Mazak Corporation in its belief that the U.S. market for sheet metal cutters will return to growth profitability in the very near future. This action by Mazak, investing heavily in a down market, truly defines the ILS Sliver of Light concept.
The $11 million building contains $9 million dollars in demonstration and training equipment (currently 13 laser cutting machines) and $5.6 million in automatically retrievable machine parts and accessories.
The demonstration and training hall has a 20-ton crane that allows for rapid and easy machine placement on the floor. and the 37-foot ceiling of this hall lends itself to the industrial atmosphere the company intended.
Located adjacent to a major Interstate highway, Mazak Optonics occupies a four-acres site that allows for future expansion including a 150-seat auditorium planned for the future.
At the ribbon-cutting ceremony Citron thanked the city of Elgin and the State Chamber of Commerce for their support that allowed the building to be occupied one year after ground breaking.
The Northwest suburbs of Chicago are now home to showrooms and technical centers for many of the top suppliers of laser cutters in the North American market.