Lansing’s AP Lazer Targets Expansion in North America

AP Lazer, a manufacturer of patented open-architecture laser machines based in Lansing, plans to expand its operations and facilities in the U.S. and Canada after experiencing a sales jump of nearly 50 percent since COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns began in March 2020.
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Manufacturer of patented open-architecture laser machines, AP Lazer, announced plans to expand in North America. // Courtesy of AP Lazer
Manufacturer of patented open-architecture laser machines, AP Lazer, announced plans to expand in North America. // Courtesy of AP Lazer

AP Lazer, a manufacturer of patented open-architecture laser machines based in Lansing, plans to expand its operations and facilities in the U.S. and Canada after experiencing a sales jump of nearly 50 percent since COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns began in March 2020.

The company purchased a 3,000-square-foot building at 1326 Ottawa St. in Windsor, Ontario, which will house a new public showroom and technical support center. This is in addition to the company’s 12,500-square-foot Windsor manufacturing plant at 1153 Tecumseh Rd.

The latter facility is where AP Lazer builds six open architecture laser machine models that engrave and cut wood, granite, brick, acrylic, glass, ceramic, marble, tile, cloth, leather, and other materials. It also is in the process of purchasing an 85,280-square-foot building at 2325 Jarco Dr. in Holt to house its headquarters.

The company also has a Las Vegas Las Vegas showroom, and branch offices in Texas and Florida.

“When COVID-19 hit and trade shows went dark, we had to be fast on our feet,” says Dillon Li, general manager of AP Lazer. “We quickly evolved from dabbling in digital marketing to making it our number-one lead generation source.”

AP Lazer shifted the company’s quarterly LazerCON! trade shows from in-person to virtual, to continue to give new prospects, existing customers, educators, and entrepreneurs opportunities to see the machines in action, understand their capabilities and competitive advantages, and get to know AP Lazer’s sales, management, and tech support teams.

The company’s laser machine engraves small to large items from watches and mugs to picnic tables and monuments. Tong Li, founder and CEO of Ap Lazer, attributes its increase in sales to its transition from in-person trade shows to digital marketing initiatives during the past two years, as well as to the evolving COVID-19-era business climate inspiring individuals who want more flexibility, meaning, and creativity in their careers to become entrepreneurs.

“The Great Resignation has led to creative individuals with entrepreneurial spirits taking control of their own destinies, and AP Lazer offers them the freedom to enter the world of entrepreneurship,” says Li.

“Ninety percent of our new sales since March 2020 are with business startups. Our customers no longer want to work traditional jobs. We have individuals, couples, and retirees building home-based businesses that unleash their creativity, provide flexibility, generate profit, and add meaning to their lives and the lives of others.”