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Contacts:
Mario Winterstein, Business Development Director, 703-827-5228, e-mail: mwinterstein@AMTonline.org
Frank Kolbe, Senior Economist, 703-827-5262, e-mail: fkolbe@AMTonline.org
Fourth quarter 2005 industrial laser shipments up 5.1 percent
March 2006 - At $201,070 million, fourth quarter 2005 shipments of industrial laser equipment and systems for North America and U.S. exports are up 5.1 percent from 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 37 companies reporting to the fourth quarter 2005 LSPG statistical program totaled $155.0 million, while exports amounted to approximately $46.1 million.
The report from the LSPG shows that shipments of CO2 laser systems increased 1.9 percent, while Nd:YAG lasers increased 2.1 percent, compared with fourth quarter 2004. The report also shows cutting applications as the largest source of industrial laser activity in fourth quarter 2005, accounting for over 60 percent of all fourth quarter 2005 shipments. In addition, nearly 65 percent of industrial lasers shipped for fourth quarter 2005 were of the CO2 variety and over 85 percent of total shipments were configured as a laser system (laser source + workstation).
Fourth quarter 2005 dollar figures are based on data supplied by 37 contributors to the fourth 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 fourth quarters of 2004 and 2005. The report does not include increased shipments reflecting the addition of new program participants in fourth quarter 2005.
“Although shipments are increasing ten percent, prospects of the future are still bright,” stated David Plourde, LSPG Chairman and Vice President - Sales, Preco Laser Systems. “Orders for our top four customers (consumer electronics and aerospace) are up 25 percent and 60 percent, suggesting the need to expand production and increase capital investment in 2006.”
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 Frank Kolbe, Senior Economist, at 703-827-5262 or fkolbe@AMTonline.org. Questions about the industrial laser market in North America, or the LSPG statistical program, can also be directed to Frank Kolbe.
For more information about the LSPG and its efforts to promote the industrial laser industry in North America, please call Mario Winterstein, Business Development Director, at 703-827-5228 or mwinterstein@AMTonline.org.
Fourth Quarter 2005 Industrial Laser Shipments
ND - Not disclosed
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