The Protocase Companies announced today the launch of laser cutting operations at its Wilmington, North Carolina manufacturing facility, a significant step in expanding its U.S. manufacturing footprint. The first production parts were successfully cut on July 7, bringing one of the company's foundational capabilities to its growing U.S. operation. Laser cutting is central to Protocase's High Velocity Mass Customization (HVMC) model, enabling end-to-end precision sheet metal fabrication within the U.S. facility.
This milestone comes during a period of rapid growth for the North Carolina operations. Between May and July, the company grew its Wilmington workforce from 39 to 72 employees while expanding production inside its 20,900-square-foot facility. The investment reflects a long-term commitment to growing advanced manufacturing capacity in the United States and creating skilled manufacturing careers in southeastern North Carolina.
According to Co-founder and Vice President Dr. Doug Milburn, "High Velocity Mass Customization isn't just about the equipment. It's about how experienced people, proven systems, smart facilities, and years of proven advanced manufacturing know-how work in harmony together. Bringing laser cutting to Wilmington is another step in building a stronger manufacturing operation."
For engineers, researchers, and product developers, manufacturing speed often determines how quickly ideas become prototypes and products. Expanding core production capabilities in Wilmington enables Protocase to move projects from design to finished parts in days instead of weeks, helping customers accelerate development without compromising precision or quality.
The company is already investing in the next phase of expansion, with a dedicated CNC machining operation planned to further broaden U.S. manufacturing capabilities. Exploratory plans are also underway for a larger Wilmington campus that would include expanded manufacturing space and corporate offices to support continued growth.
With laser cutting now online and additional investments underway, Wilmington is becoming an increasingly important manufacturing hub for The Protocase Companies. Each new capability strengthens the company's ability to deliver rapid, custom manufacturing to engineers and organizations across the United States and worldwide. For more details, visit the original release at www.newmediawire.com.
