LAI Int'l Opens Contract-Manufacturing Facility in AZ

LAI International has opened a new contract-manufacturing location in Tempe, AZ, in order to meet a growing demand for precision-machined components in the aerospace market, among others.

LAI, a strategic supplier of precision components and subassemblies for original equipment manufacturers,  has combined its three Arizona facilities—its manufacturing plants in Phoenix and Tucson, and corporate headquarters in Scottsdale—into the 32,400ft² Tempe facility, expanding the size of its production space in the state by one-third. LAI operates additional manufacturing plants in Minneapolis, MN., Westminster, MD, and Scarborough, ME.

“Our new center of excellence spotlights LAI's precision manufacturing processes and innovations in advanced manufacturing technology,” says Patrick Gruetzmacher, CEO and president of LAI International. “Plus, we have available space to expand our manufacturing capabilities for producing make-complete components in our strategic markets.”

Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) capabilities have been added to complement the facility's complete-part manufacturing capabilities. The facility features the company's core machining capabilities of advanced waterjet and laser machining in separate production areas, in addition to secondary machining operations, including metal fabrication and finishing areas, tool shop, and a larger assembly area.

“The facility is producing product now and will be fully operational Dec. 24, after we complete our moves from the Phoenix and Tucson locations,” says Joe Wagner, V.P. of Manufacturing Excellence, LAI International, and site leader for Arizona Operations. “The production floor is configured and workstations laid out for efficient material throughput and increased production-line capacity.”