Laser Cutting San Jose
The Attraction of Manufacturing In Silicon Valley
San Jose and Silicon Valley has grown over multiple decades and continues to flourish today attracting new technologies and manufacturing companies. Growing up in San Jose California the perspective on the city and valley was much different for me as a child. Remembering the large agriculture industry with many fruit orchards in the local area and supporting farms in towns like Morgan Hill, Gilroy, and Cupertino, it seemed 55 years ago that agriculture was here to stay. There were canneries to process foods and numerous fruit and farm stands. Many of our fruits and vegetables were purchased not at the local stores but at these local vendors. The seeds however of industry were already planted and would be a precursor to Silicon Valley, that would make it so attractive to laser manufacturing.
Companies like IBM, FMC Defense, Ford Motor Company were local and seemed almost out of place, but indeed were just a glimpse of what would be synonymous to San Jose, which is high tech. Being located south of San Francisco and having three major universities nearby namely Stanford University, University of California, Berkeley and San Jose State University, allowed new businesses to access this pool of knowledgeable individuals and grow new ideas. It was a gradual transition that took the Santa Clara Valley into a growing industry of semi-conductor research and manufacturing during the 1970’s. For laser cutting in San Jose, the opportunities would grow, just like a well planted crop.
Though the groundwork was laid, it was not immediately known what changes to manufacturing would be in demand in the San Jose area. By 1980, high tech was in its infancy. Semiconductors were changing how the world functioned and opened many new possibilities for technology to produce products and for industry growth in manufacturing. Laser technology would benefit from this as well and become a new tool that was aided by developments in software and hardware. The early days of A-Laser were in Tualatin, Oregon, back in the mid 1990’s. The surrounding area is beautiful with key cities of Portland and Vancouver Washington, just short drives away. However, this was not Silicon Valley and not being in proximity to new start-ups and established high tech companies meant some opportunities were being lost. Around 2009, the decision to move to Milpitas, CA, the neighbor to San Jose on its northern boundary was great move. One key factor that attracted A-Laser and other laser service providers was the opportunity to provide precision components to these these emerging companies in fields such as medical device, semiconductor, solar, defense, automotive, aerospace, alternative energy, optics, electronics and many more. Being a local laser service provider gave engineers, scientists and entrepreneurs the ability to speak directly with A-Laser. This helped in providing a clear understanding of the numerous variables to every new job or project that comes forward. Being able to review and evaluate firsthand of the proposed designs and materials allowed for great cooperation between the customer and manufacturing team. As a local vendor it also cut down on shipping time and allowed for pick-up and delivery. In 2023, A-Laser moved to a location in San Jose, cementing the commitment to support customers.
Supporting R&D in the San Jose and the surrounding Bay Area was another factor that confirmed the demand for laser manufacturing support. For customers, perhaps well experienced in working with manufacturers or perhaps talking the first big leap from a concept to a working prototype, the cooperation helps them in directing the next path or next generation of product and or technology. Multiple iterations would be ideally just a few minutes’ drive away. Laser cutting continues to be a relied upon presence, supporting all stages of manufacturing but the ability to be a laser service provider does not stop with current capabilities. Having the fortunate opportunity to be relied upon for laser manufacturing techniques also means in learning what customers need and how best to solve these issues. Investment in new laser technology and manufacturing processes like clean room facilities is addressed directly from customer feedback. As technology advances, so do the capabilities to provide support and encourages manufacturing to adjust. We must not forget why companies do continue to operate and move to the San Jose Area, besides being a well-established technology hotbed.
Geographically, San Jose is located with an hour to several hours to the ocean and beaches. It is four hours to some of the nations best ski resorts and Yosemite Valley too is about 4.5 hours away. The climate in mostly moderate and culturally unsurpassed with available events occurring daily. Foodies do get their gratification from cuisine that is savory from small cafes to Michelin rated restaurants and did I mention professional sports teams? That’s just another great draw to the region. Laser cutting in San Jose benefits from all this from individuals working and raising their families in an area rich in many aspects we measure our quality of life too. With all the challenges every urban city has, the prospects are positive for business and personal growth.
San Jose is a major city located in the Bay Area, which Silicon Valley is a part of and is a strong hold for start-up companies. The talent of so many individuals focusing on numerous disciplines of engineering and science, seek laser cutting technology for its capabilities that include rapid turn times and iterations, for laser cutting, for engraving, and laser manufacturing of extremely delicate materials and complex geometries. Laser processing In San Jose provides the region with this expertise and knowledge. As companies grow, we seek to support them with the services and capabilities provided today and learn how can expand to support them tomorrow.