Jun 08, 2015 
A-Laser, an FCT Companies business, today announced that it has doubled the size of its precision laser and marking facility to accommodate growing demand for its services. Simultaneously, the company has appointed optics, photonics and global inventory specialist, Fred Schumacher, to the position of Operations Manager. Together, these moves will position A-Laser for continued growth and success.
With over 25 years of optics and photonics experience, as well as an extensive background in operations and global inventory management, Schumacher’s broad knowledge of manufacturing efficiency and laser systems is ideally suited to the role at A-Laser. Prior to joining A-Laser, Schumacher held notable positions including OEM Manager for Spectra Physics Lasers and Global Inventory Control Manager for Apple.
“In the short time that Fred has been with A-Laser, we have already seen tremendous improvement in operational efficiency and staff engagement,” says Josh Saunders, who is President of A-Laser and identified the need for this new role. “We anticipate substantive business growth in several market sectors and Fred’s oversight and involvement are integral to the continued progress of A-Laser.”
Among Schumacher’s top priorities are reorganizing the manufacturing flow for optimal efficiency, progressing continuous improvement and quality control programs, cross-training staff and developing a route for professional advancement for A-Laser employees. Over the longer term, Schumacher looks forward to helping the business achieve substantial growth.
“I think 15% to 20% growth year over year for the near term is achievable,” confidently states Schumacher. “With the additional floor space we now have, we’ve been able to organize the facility for maximum productivity and we are increasing employee skill sets on a daily basis. To be able to grow production output and revenues without adding significant headcount is the primary objective and I have every confidence that we will do this.”
Headquartered in Milpitas, California, A-Laser’s state-of-the-art facility has 12 lasers – eight for UV and marking processes and four for precision cutting applications. The recent expansion of A-Laser has increased total square feet to just over 11,000 and has afforded a more streamlined set-up to accommodate the increasing quantity of customer jobs, with the ultimate objective of moving from the current two full shifts to a 24/7 operation.
“For customers, the addition of Fred and the expansion of the facility mean increased throughput, improved service and on-time delivery of quality products,” says Saunders in conclusion. “Our full-service approach – from development and engineering to ramp up and full production – continues to be a differentiator and we look forward to expanding on this with our additional resource.”
