In our ongoing series featuring
conversations with CEOs, we're pleased to introduce you to Derek Kern. He holds
the position of President and CEO at Kern Laser Systems, headquartered in
Minnesota, United States. Kern Laser Systems stands at the forefront as a
prominent supplier of laser cutting and engraving solutions across diverse
industries. Emphasizing quality, precision, and innovation, Kern Laser Systems
consistently delivers state-of-the-art technology to businesses globally.
David Bloom: Good day, Derek. Thank you for taking the time to speak with us. Let's start by delving into the history of Kern Laser Systems. Could you provide us with an overview of how the company came to be and its journey so far?
Derek Kern: Certainly, it's a pleasure to be here. Kern Laser
Systems was founded in 1982 by my father, Gerald Kern, with the main objective
to design and manufacture top-quality industrial laser cutting and laser engraving machines
to meet demanding production schedules. The company headquarters are located in
the beautiful lakes country of Minnesota. The facility consists of a modern
90,000 sq. ft. building with 50 full-time employees.
Kern Laser Systems started by
supplying motion systems for the existing computerized rotary engraving
machines. As the sealed CO2 lasers became commercially available, Kern
incorporated its motion package with the laser, developing a complete turnkey
laser cutting and engraving solution. Kern’s vision has always been to
manufacture laser systems that will fit the customer’s needs, at an affordable
price, with the versatility to suit a variety of industries.
Today, Kern Laser Systems is proudly owned and
operated by the first and second generations of the Kern family. Our goal
moving forward is to constantly improve our products, improve processing times
and continue to offer our customers the best customer service in the laser industry.
David Bloom: That's quite an inspiring journey. Can you highlight
some key milestones or pivotal moments in Kern Laser Systems' history?
Derek Kern: One significant milestone was in 1993, when we
introduced our first commercial laser system. This marked our transition from a
small-scale operation to a full-fledged manufacturing company. Another pivotal
moment was when we expanded into international markets, which allowed us to
reach a broader customer base and solidify our position as a global leader in
the industry.
David Bloom: Impressive growth indeed. Now, let's shift our focus
to your products. What range of products does Kern Laser Systems offer, and
what sets them apart from competitors?
Derek Kern: At Kern Laser Systems, we specialize in providing
cutting-edge laser cutting and engraving solutions for various industries,
including manufacturing, signage, aerospace, and beyond. Our product lineup
includes a diverse range of laser systems, from entry-level machines for small
businesses to high-powered industrial systems for large-scale production. What
sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to quality, reliability, and
innovation. We continually invest in research and development to ensure that
our products incorporate the latest advancements in laser technology. I would
like to explain here that there are two types of services we provide: systems
for laser cutting and the technology used for laser cutting. A few names to mention
regarding the systems are: OPTIFLEX, LaserCELL, FiberCELL , EcoFlex ,MICRO, OptiDual. And laser cutting technologies
we provide are Metal Cutting, K-Vison Camera, Pipe & Tube Rotary, Laser
Safety, KCAM Laser Software.
David Bloom: It's evident that innovation is at the core of Kern
Laser Systems' ethos. Can you provide us with some examples of how your
products have evolved over the years to meet the changing needs of your
customers?
Derek Kern: Absolutely. Over the years, we've introduced several
groundbreaking technologies that have revolutionized the laser cutting and
engraving industry. For instance, our proprietary software solutions streamline
the design and production process, making it easier for our customers to create
intricate designs with precision and efficiency. Additionally, we've
incorporated advanced features such as automatic focus adjustment and real-time
monitoring to enhance the performance and usability of our systems.
David Bloom: Fascinating insights, Derek. Before we conclude, is
there anything else you'd like to share about Kern Laser Systems or any
upcoming developments that our audience should be aware of?
Derek Kern: I'd like to express my gratitude to our loyal
customers and dedicated team for their continued support and hard work. Looking
ahead, we remain committed to pushing the boundaries of laser technology and
providing unparalleled solutions to meet the evolving needs of our customers.
We have some exciting projects in the pipeline, including the launch of new
product lines and expansion into emerging markets. Stay tuned for more updates!
David Bloom: Thank you, Derek, for your time and valuable insights
into Kern Laser Systems' history and products. It's been a pleasure speaking
with you.
Derek Kern: Likewise. Thank you for having me.
0 comments:
Post a Comment