Employees and the Managing and Supervisory Boards of SPI Lasers have today celebrated completion of their new UK manufacturing facility with a grand-opening ceremony. Completed in only 6 months, the new building increases manufacturing space by approximately 40,000 sq ft (3,716m2) and its overall site footprint to over 100,000 sq ft (9,290m2).
The Opening Ceremony was performed by Dr Christian Schmitz, CEO of Laser Technology for TRUMPF, SPI Lasers’ parent company, and attended by SPI staff from across the UK as well as representatives from TRUMPF, Southampton Universities ORC, and Eastleigh Borough Council.
In addition to the expanded production facility the new site will also include a new mezzanine floor to accommodate new offices, product development and training areas, meeting rooms and a staff canteen.
SPI Lasers CEO, Dr Mark Greenwood, stated:
“I am delighted to welcome both SPI and TRUMPF colleagues to this significant event in our history, today’s opening is a culmination of years of planning to further cement SPI’s vision to lead the way in Fiber Laser innovation and production. This new facility will allow us to not only enhance our level of customer service and support but will also ensure we can cater to our growing global customer base. This new state of the art facility has been purpose built to integrate some of the very latest manufacturing technology, ensuring our products are of the highest possible quality.”
The first lasers are expected out of the new facility in August, with productivity continuing to ramp up over the course of the next year.
As part of the days celebrations attendees were encouraged to wear key colours from the SPI Lasers brand palette (mainly red and black) and make a donation to MIND the Mental Health charity; in total £452 was collected on the day!