LAI International, a strategic supplier of precision components and subassemblies for original equipment manufacturers, announced the official opening of its new contract-manufacturing location in Tempe, Ariz. The plant expands the company's footprint in the Western United States and increases production capabilities to meet the growing demand for precision-machined components in aerospace, power generation and other industrial markets.

LAI has combined its three Arizona facilities—its manufacturing plants in Phoenix and Tucson, and corporate headquarters in Scottsdale—into the 32,400-square-foot Tempe facility, expanding the size of its production space in the state by one-third. LAI operates additional manufacturing plants in Minneapolis, Minn., Westminster, Md., and Scarborough, Maine.

"Our new center of excellence spotlights LAI's precision manufacturing processes and innovations in advanced manufacturing technology," said Patrick J. "P.J." Gruetzmacher, Chief Executive Officer 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," said 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."

Renovations and improvements to the building were started in October, and manufacturing equipment was moved and installed in the facility during the past several weeks. The facility is located at 708 W. 22nd St., Tempe, Ariz.