For Immediate Release: June 2, 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
FIRST QUARTER 2005 INDUSTRIAL LASER SHIPMENTS UP 29%
At $158.5 million, first quarter 2005 shipments of industrial laser equipment and systems for North America and U.S. exports were up 29 percent, compared with the previous year, according to the Laser Systems Product Group (LSPG) of AMT - The Association For Manufacturing Technology. In first quarter 2005, industrial laser equipment and systems shipments within North America totaled $109.9 million, while exports amounted to $48.6 million.
The report from the LSPG shows that shipments of CO2 laser systems increased 39 percent, while Nd:YAG lasers increased 17 percent, compared with the previous year. The report also shows cutting applications as the largest source of industrial laser activity in first quarter 2005, accounting for nearly 55 percent of all shipments. In addition, nearly 60 percent of industrial lasers shipped for the year were of the CO2 variety and over 80 percent of total shipments were configured as a laser system (laser source + workstation).
First quarter 2005 dollar figures are based on data supplied by 39 contributors to the first 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 first quarters of 2004 and 2005. The report does not include increased shipments reflecting the addition of new program participants in first quarter 2005.
“Manufacturing productivity has grown by 63 percent over the past ten years, in large part due to the investment in advanced manufacturing technology, such as laser systems. America’s global competitiveness and economic health hinge on American manufacturers offsetting low labor costs overseas with more effective investments in their U.S. plants,” stated Dave Plourde, LSPG Chairman and Vice President - Sales, Preco Laser Systems. “Washington must address the 22 percent competitive cost disadvantage American manufacturers face, particularly the ability to expense capital equipment in the first year.”
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.
