LPKF Laser & Electronics AG has purchased a production facility in Fürth to support the expansion of its laser plastic welding department, which has grown to more than 100 employees over the past 12 years. Despite repeated expansions at its Erlangen location, including the conversion of auxiliary buildings to storage and production areas, the building is “bursting out of its seams,” and the potential for more expansions have been exhausted, the company said. LPKF has purchased a production facility in Fürth to support the expansion of its laser plastic welding department. The 10,000-sq-m building will provide 2.5 times more space than the company's current location. Courtesy of LPKF. LPKF bought the Fürth property for about €14 million (about $18.3 million) — the company’s largest single investment, said CEO Dr. Ingo Bretthauer. The purchase, he said, shows the growth potential LPKF sees in laser plastic welding, which has seen double-digit growth since its inception in 2001. The 10,000-sq-m building, constructed in 2008, will provide 2.5 times more space than the company’s current location. It also has acquired an additional undeveloped area for later expansion. Office spaces will be converted before staff relocation. Production will begin in August; final relocation of all employees will be completed in 2014. The company also was in the news last week, reporting that it is suing an undisclosed mobile phone manufacturer for infringing on its patented Laser Direct Structuring (LDS) antenna manufacturing process for cellphones and tablets. (See: LPKF Sues Cellphone Maker for Infringement) For more information, visit: www.lpkf-laserwelding.com