MetalTech's Laser Sentry Approaches 15th Anniversary

    PUNTA, GORDA, FL, March 22, 2017 /24-7PressRelease/ -- With continued emphasis on buying American and bringing manufacturing back to American shores, many companies are searching for ways to make American-made products more affordable. For some, reshoring, or bringing manufacturing back to the United States, is a costly prospect. But for others, being made in America is simply a way of life. Metal Tech Controls Corp., in Punta Gorda, Florida, designed the Laser Sentry press brake safety device in 2003. The device is approaching its 15-year anniversary and is proudly made in America.

It was not always smooth sailing for this American success story. A competitor challenged the concept almost immediately with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA responded by sending a letter of disapproval to Metal Tech, stating that the Laser Sentry did not meet the "safe distance" rule. The rule states that a presence sensing protective device for a press brake must be a minimum of 6 inches away from the nearest pinch point.

Metal Tech Controls Corp. quickly contested the letter. Owner Glen Koedding claimed their Laser Sentry device prevented the press brake ram from closing if a presence was detected; therefore, there is never a pinch point. OSHA representatives performed rigorous on-site testing, on an actual press brake, and determined that laser presence sensing devices were acceptable safety devices for hydraulic press brakes.

Metal Tech Controls Corp is extremely proud of the fact that the Laser Sentry device is designed and manufactured in the United States. All components of the Laser Sentry device, except some board level parts, are manufactured in the USA. Additionally, all of its components are at least UL and CSA listed; some carry a CE mark.

Buying American doesn't always mean that a product or service is more expensive. Koedding, Metal Tech's CEO, explains, "Our products are sold directly to the end user thus keeping our cost down, which is why we are priced about half of the few competitors we have." Sending production and manufacturing overseas was never an option for Koedding and the Metal Tech family. They remain committed to providing high-quality, American-made safety devices for machine operators across North America. There are currently over 400 Laser Sentry devices installed in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Metal Tech Controls Corp., a family owned business, was founded in 1989. They manufacture, sell, and install machine safety devices for press brakes and punch presses. All of their controls are made in quaint Punta Gorda, FL.

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