Behind the Laser A Conversation with Derek Kern, Visionary CEO of Kern Laser Systems
"Behind the Laser" spotlights Derek Kern, CEO of Kern Laser Systems. Founded in 1982 by Gerald Kern, the company delivers cutting-edge laser solutions from its Minnesota base. Kern's journey is marked by milestones like international expansion. Their diverse product lineup, like OPTIFLEX and FiberCELL, reflects their commitment to innovation and quality, serving various industries worldwide.
- Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN-WI (1888PressRelease) February 21, 2024 - 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.
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