April 28, 2006, Crawley, United Kingdom--Powerlase, manufacturer of diode-pumped solid-state (DPSS) lasers, is expanding operations during 2006, including occupying an extra 12,800 sq. ft. space in a new building to increase capacity threefold to cope with escalating demand from customers. The expansion follows their impressive 233% growth year-on-year and the company being listed as fifth fastest-growing venture-capital-backed company in the UK.
Powerlase has seen a rapid growth in demand for its lasers as industries are recognizing their use in a wider range of applications. More than 50% of the new manufacturing space will be dedicated to assembly, alignment and testing of lasers. Part of the area will also be used to extend reliability testing of components and laser systems. The new space will also enable Powerlase to increase its manufacturing capacity by around 300% over 2006 with the capability of further expansion in 2007 and beyond.
Tony King, Powerlase executive director and COO says, "We are showing tremendous growth through our ongoing commitment to product innovation and quality customer service. Our expansion reflects wider industry recognition of the use of lasers in manufacturing and is a direct response to our leading position as a primary supplier of high power lasers in the field of ITO ablation in the flat-panel display (FPD) industry." He adds, "We are continuing to invest heavily in research and development to make sure that the giant strides made to date continue into the future. Our expansion plans include the development of several dedicated applications and development labs which will be announced shortly."
For more information, visit www.powerlase.com.