As I write this newsletter column, it is still early in the new administration’s economic stimulus plan, which includes programs for energy saving and lighting retrofit. Encouragingly, while new construction may be down, opportunities in retrofit exist in projects where the focus is on modernizing lighting in buildings for improved productivity as well as energy conservation.

There's a "Buy American" provision in the stimulus plan that some feared would disrupt or delay spending. As it stands, however, it simply supports US manufacturers, as well as its existing trade relationships with such entities as the EU, Canada and Mexico. I’m all for it! We take pride in the strong manufacturing operations we have built in this country, from New Jersey to Georgia, and Michigan to Mississippi and Tennessee.

While we have globalized our organization where it makes sense from a distribution and customer service standpoint, we remain firmly committed to this country and our preference is, first and foremost, to invest in the U.S. I am the son of Ukrainian immigrants, and you’d better believe that I am a flag waver! They came to this country to seek opportunity and I’ve thought of that often in today’s tough economic conditions.

I am optimistic that as banks stabilize themselves relative to their mortgages and subprime challenges, projects that have been on hold and still remain viable will be funded, and the construction process will begin again. In the meantime, banks are extremely concerned about their outstanding loans, and suppliers must be careful that whatever products they sell will be paid for. Remember, a purchase order is a gift to the company receiving it until the bill is paid.

To be honest, at the age of 80 I have seen my share of economic cycles, ups as well as downs. Out of every downturn, we’ve always emerged stronger. We encourage our customers and the manufacturers that BBS represents to keep a positive attitude, roll up your sleeves, and spend your time outperforming the competition. Our companies and our country are on the right track. Have a great Lightfair!

A.L.P. Adds Laser Capacity with Virtually Limitless Applications
6-axis laser cuts hardened, mild and stainless steel, aluminum and plastics

Because of its ability to precisely and efficiently machine metal and plastic, the new 2500 Watt Mazak Space Gear 48 MKII laser center is sure to be one of the busiest workstations at A.L.P. Lighting Components, Inc.’s Charlevoix, MI facility. From creating prototypes without hard tooling, to performing secondary operations, it can cut 2D or 3D parts using its 6-axis capability. This added capacity supplements the plant’s existing laser center, and replaces traditional manufacturing operations, such as drilling, beveling and notching, at a reduced cost and with increased accuracy in either low or high volume.

This latest addition, with its ability to machine metal, opens up a whole new world of opportunity for the traditionally plastics-oriented plant, not to mention possible synergies with A.L.P.’s existing Metals operation. Potential includes prototyping new steel housings for A.L.P.’s Steel Craft brand or its customers, producing socket plates or other components for the company’s fixture kits, and machining aluminum profile extrusions.

The LexaLite plastics experts also will be putting the equipment to good use, pushing boundaries previously not possible with existing laser equipment. Edge finishing and polishing of panels and profiles will be much quicker and more cost effective using the new Spacegear. Operators also have the ability to stack layers of film and sheet. With the laser’s precision ability, LexaLite brand can capitalize on the growing LED market by performing intricate LED layouts without expensive tooling.

Talk to your Bill Brown Sales representative about how this new laser capability can open up new product opportunities for your company, help you get to market faster, or replace existing manufacturing processes with a cheaper, faster alternative.