General Motors making a big push into laser welding

From Laser World Focus, some news on GM's increased investment in laser welding and the efficiencies it can bring. Given the extremely difficult financial situation it's in, this makes sense. Europeans had been more inclined to automate and increase efficiency while American manufacturing giants have hesitated.

Laser welding is an excellent way to do this.

"By working together in the early stages of the vehicle design process, we can work with GM to maximize the benefits of laser-welded flat blanks and tubular structures," said Steven Prue, Noble president. "We believe this agreement provides us with the opportunity to drive the growth of the market for laser-welded structural components, thereby creating additional value for General Motors and their customers, as well as for Noble and its shareholders."

Let's hope this is one, tiny improvement that helps them on the path back.