The Fabricator's Technology Summit

SHOWROOM TOUR: Mazak North America Laser Technology Center
2725 Galvin Ct. | Elgin, IL 60123

Mazak Optonics Corp. (MOC), a leader in laser technology since 1987, offers an extensive range of 2D and 3D laser-cutting equipment, including a Tube Laser, that can significantly improve production efficiency, competitive positioning, and profitability for the metal fabrication markets. MOC utilizes innovative engineering and intelligent automation to simplify operations and deliver consistent machine performance.

The Laser Technology Center represents a $25.6 million commitment to the growth of the North American laser market. Mazak has made this commitment to help companies meet application development challenges and to educate the industry on the potential impact of emerging laser technology. The Center features a combination of both application and dedicated training laser machines with a total capacity of 18 machines under power. Applications development, training and the Customer Support Call Center utilize 37,500 square feet of the 50,000 square foot Center.

SHOWROOM TOUR: Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas Plant Tour
240 N Prospect St. | Marengo, IL 60152

More than 100 years of history and material handling experience, Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas currently manufactures five different brands of forklifts - Mitsubishi forklift trucks, Cat® lift trucks, Jungheinrich®, UniCarriers® forklifts and Rocla® automated solutions.

The Marengo, Illinois, location is a state-of-the art manufacturing facility, serving North and South American operations. At over half a million square feet, the space employs sophisticated manufacturing and robotic equipment — plus more than 475 highly skilled and well-trained professionals. They also have a Parts Distribution Facility, a 120,000-square-foot manufacturing annex building and a brand-new design center on campus.

SHOWROOM TOUR: AMADA AMERICA, Inc. Solution Center
180 Amada Ct. | Schaumburg, IL 60173

AMADA AMERICA AMADA AMERICA, INC. was established in Seattle, Washington in 1971 and has been located in California since 1973. Its company headquarters are located in Buena Park, California. AMADA machine tools consistently set global standards for performance and reliability. And each year, AMADA continues to develop and perfect innovative sheet metal manufacturing and automation solutions with a single objective: to maximize your productivity.

The AMADA Solution Center in Schaumburg, Ill. is a 133,000 sq. ft. facility set on 10.5 acres—a stunningly designed example of AMADA’s commitment to redefine performance and reliability while giving you a voice in the process. It showcases the latest advances in automation, laser cutting, press brakes, punching, robotic bending and much more—all resulting from AMADA’s global position as a single-source provider for the manufacturing industry.

SHOWROOM TOUR: TRUMPF Smart Factory
1900 W. Central Rd | Hoffman Estates, IL 60192

Until now, many people have believed that fully networked production is only possible in theory. We present proof to the contrary and demonstrate in Chicago how a fully connected production works in practice. People, machines, automation and software already interact seamlessly in TRUMPF's new technology centre. In the Smart Factory, sheet metal processors experience connected manufacturing systems in a real-life environment.

The Smart Factory is aimed at all sheet metal processors, ranging from small and medium-sized contract manufacturers just starting out with digital networking through to customers with fully automated production. Skywalk in the Smart Factory in Chicago. A walkway that stretches over the production hall provides a bird's eye perspective. The so-called skywalk helps you gain understanding of the production systems with their flow of material and information as an entire system. The control room – a control center with large display areas – provides visitors with key process indicators from the ongoing production in real time.

SHOWROOM TOUR: Bystronic Inc. Customer Experience and Manufacturing Center
2200 W. Central Rd | Hoffman Estates, IL 60192

Bystronic is a worldwide supplier of high-quality laser cutting systems, press brakes, automation, and software for the economical processing of sheet metal and tubes. Bystronic stands for reliability, high-performance innovation, an outstanding price-performance ratio, and user-friendly operation. The focus is on the automation of the complete material and data flow of the sheet metal cutting and bending process chain.

The company’s Headquarters for the Americas is located in Hoffman Estates, IL. Completed in early 2020, the 165,000-sq.-ft. headquarters for the Bystronic Americas region includes a Customer Experience Center and Manufacturing Center. It locally serves as the hub for U.S. business operations including sales, service, training, spare parts, assembly of new Bystronic machines, and refurbishing of used Bystronic machinery.

Make valuable connections over dinner buffet and drinks.

PLANT TOUR: Larsen Manufacturing LLC
401 Terrace Dr | Mundelein, IL 60060

Larsen Manufacturing is a premier metal manufacturer specializing in precision sheet metal stamping, metal fabrication, powder coating and contract manufacturing.

From stamping parts for World War II era weapons in the 1940’s to producing intricate parts for high-technology Department of Energy research today, Larsen Manufacturing has remained a pioneer in precision metal products and tool and die production. With corporate headquarters in Mundelein, Illinois, Larsen Manufacturing has 5 locations serving the automotive, medical, engergy, and electronics industries. Larsen offers metal fabrication services including punching, bending, laser cutting, machining, stamping, MIG/TIG welding, spot welding, powder coating, grinding, polishing, and assembly. Larsen is ranked #16 in The Fabricator's 2024 Fab40 list.

PLANT TOUR: Ludlow Manufacturing Inc
3821 Hawthorne Ct | Waukegan, IL 60087

Founded in 2005, Ludlow Manufacturing Inc. (LMI) is a family-owned and operated metal fabrication shop. LMI was founded to service OEM manufacturers with all their megal fabrication needs. The 120,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing activity that includes laser cutting, punching, forming, welding (manual and robotic), laser welding, machining, polishing, shipping/receiving, and inspection and testing. Most cornerstone equipment averages is less than five years old. LMI supplies components and finished goods for various industries, including automotive, lawn and garden, agriculture, power supply, recreation, appliance, and industrial parts. In addition to implementing advanced automation, Ludlow has invested in employee safety including advanced filteration (no weld smoke on the shop floor), safety shoes for all employees, and upgraded LED lighting.

LMI is an FMA Premier Member. LMI is the the 2024 Fabricator of the Year Award winner, 2023 and 2024 FMA/CNA Safety Award of Honor recipient, and 2024 Rusty Demules Award for Safety Excellence Honoarable Mention.

PLANT TOUR: Nu-Way Industries
555 Howard Ave | Des Plaines, IL 60018

Founded in 1968, Nu-Way Industries was a small welding and fabricator of sheet metal products with only a handful of employees. Nu-Way grew out of that small shop and moved into the current Des Plaines, IL facility in 1994. Building additions were added in 2001 as the operations and business expanded to meet additional customer demand. Almost fifty years since its founding, Nu-Way Industries continues to provide its customers with value-added services and manufacturing capabilities as a single source, global reaching, end-to-end fabrication and display solutions provider. The 362,000 sq. ft. facility features laser cutting, punching, shearing, bending, stamping, machining, MIG/TIG/Spot/Tack welding, laser welding, robotic welding, powder coating, silk screening, decal printing, electro testing, and assembly.

Nu-Way Industries is ranked #26 in The Fabricator's 2024 Fab40 lis and is an FMA Premier Member.