Lean, Efficient Manufacturing

Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle visited Mitsubishi Laser customer GenMet to launch the Next Generation Manufacturing Plan, a plan that focuses on efficiency and lean manufacturing principles.

The plan will target $85 million in existing and new tax credits to leverage $1.6 billion in private capital investment, creating 5,000 new jobs and training 4,000 workers for the jobs of tomorrow.

GenMet recently upgraded its flexible manufacturing system from Mitsubishi Laser. The FMS system includes two 3015LV P/40CFX lasers with a 16-shelf material tower, six nest carts and automated material handling system. The system minimizes setup time, provides automatic load/unload capability, and can run unattended, reducing costs for both GenMet and its customers. Gen- Met has been a Mitsubishi company since the first laser was purchased in 1998. This is the company's third equipment upgrade since.

"Mitsubishi has helped grow GenMet from $3 million in revenue in 1999, to $12 million last year. The new machines cut twice as fast and their cutting conditions are vastly improved," says GenMet CEO Eric Isbister.

"GenMet continues to make decisions and purchases that keep the company evolving and growing successfully," comments Bill Isaac, VP of sales for Mitsubishi Laser. mitsubishi-world.com