For Immediate Release:  September 12, 2005

Contacts:

Mario Winterstein, Director-Business Development, 703-827-5228, email: mwinterstein@AMTonline.org

Alicia Alfiere, International Economist, 703-827-5259, e-mail: aalfiere@AMTonline.org

SECOND QUARTER 2005 INDUSTRIAL LASER SHIPMENTS

           At $169.6 million, second quarter 2005 shipments of industrial laser equipment and systems for North America and U.S. exports are roughly equal to shipments of the same quarter in 2004, according to the Laser Systems Product Group (LSPG) of AMT - The Association For Manufacturing Technology.   Industrial laser equipment and systems shipments within North America by the 38 companies reporting to the second quarter 2005 LSPG statistical program totaled approximately $115.8 million, while exports amounted to $53.8 million. 

            The report from the LSPG shows that shipments of CO₂  laser systems increased 4 percent, while Nd:YAG lasers decreased 6 percent, compared with second quarter 2004.  The report also shows cutting applications as the largest source of industrial laser activity in second quarter 2005, accounting for nearly 60 percent of all second quarter 2005 shipments.  In addition, roughly 60 percent of industrial lasers shipped for second quarter 2005 were of the CO₂ variety and over 80 percent of total shipments were configured as a laser system (laser source + workstation).

            Second quarter 2005 dollar figures are based on data supplied by 38 contributors to the second quarter LSPG statistical survey.  The year-on-year percent change in CO₂ and Nd:YAG lasers reflects the contributions of only those companies that participated in the statistical program in both the second quarters of 2004 and 2005.  The report does not include increased shipments reflecting the addition of new program participants in second quarter 2005.

"During the depression of capital spending, from 1998 to 2003, the decline of laser shipments was less severe than that of other manufacturing technology providers," stated Dave Plourde, LSPG Chairman and Vice President - Sales, Preco Laser Systems.  “During that period, the growth rate of laser exports outpaced the growth rate for exports of manufacturing durable goods.  On a very positive note, in 2004 the laser market's recovery trend was much steeper than that of other manufacturing technology producers.  As a result, 2005 laser results reflect more of a controlled landing in the overall industrial machine tool business cycle.  The good news is that the laser based sector is going into 2006 more prepared and stronger than at any time this decade."

           The Laser Systems Product Group comprises AMT member companies that produce laser systems and industrial laser sources.  The LSPG operates as a forum for the industrial laser systems supplier community, acting cooperatively to increase the rate of growth of industrial laser products and systems in North America.  While LSPG members must be members of AMT, any North American company building or supplying industrial laser equipment may participate in the LSPG statistical program. Companies that meet the eligibility requirements and would like to participate in the LSPG statistical program should contact Alicia Alfiere, International Economist, at 703-827-5259 or aalfiere@AMTonline.org. 

            Questions about the industrial laser market in North America, or the LSPG statistical program, can also be directed to Alicia Alfiere.  For more information about the LSPG and its efforts to promote the industrial laser industry in North America, please call Mario Winterstein, Director-Business Development, at 703-827-5228 or mwinterstein@AMTonline.org.

Second Quarter 2005 Industrial Laser Shipments