Mazak opens laser technology center

Mazak Optonics recently opened its new 50,000-square-foot North American headquarters in Elgin, Ill., which company officials say hosts the largest laser technology center in the world and a 25,000-square-foot showroom for precision cutting machines.

The $25.6 million project is a part of a push by parent company Yamazaki Mazak to invest heavily in a down U.S. market, with the hope being that the metal cutting industry will soon return to profitability.

Mazak invested nearly $26 million in the Elgin facility, $11 million of which was allocated toward building construction, along with an additional $14.6 million for parts, accessories and machines for demonstration and training.

The company also plans to erect a 150-seat auditorium in a few years to run manufacturing symposiums.