Fabrication Shop Finds Niche in Thick-Plate Cuttting
During his 20 years of employment at a metal service center, Bill Hohler recognized the need for a laser cutting facility in northern Indiana. In the summer of 1998, he started Bralin Laser with one Mitsubishi Laser 3015LXP machine.

Nine years later, this Garrett, IN –based fabricator has 30 employees and occupies 47,000 square feet in two main facilities. Bralin Laser specializes in thick-plate cutting for heavy applications. In addition to laser cutting, the company offers a full range of other fabrication processes.

“Our core business is and will always be laser cutting, but by offering complementary technologies, we’re able to deliver more solutions to our customers,” explains company President Bill Hohler.

The company fabricates material handling systems and factory equipment, including loading dock components, processing tables and material hopper carts. Bralin Laser also supplies heavy industrial mixing equipment to asphalt manufacturers, plus parts for the off-road and agricultural industries.

Within its laser shop, Bralin Laser operates three Mitsubishi 3015LVPs. The LVP machines are constructed on a single-unit platform, combining high speed and heavy-duty performance, an ideal fit for the industries Bralin Laser serves.

“The Mitsubishi machines help differentiate us from other fab shops,” says Hohler. “Because we can cut 1/4-3/4" carbon steel and other thick materials, we occupy a specialized niche within the marketplace.” Bralin Laser also lasers many structural shapes, such as channels and steel tubes for its customers.

Hohler has been loyal to Mitsubishi since he started his company. “I did a lot of research before I bought our first laser,” he recalls. “Mitsubishi was one of the only full-system manufacturers at the time. It was important to know that if there was ever a problem with the machine, an answer was only one phone call away.”

Mitsubishi Laser has always been a single-source manufacturer, meaning that they produce every single component of a Mitsubishi Laser cutting system, from the cutting head to the controller and resonator. Plus, Mitsubishi Service delivers fast response time with team members located throughout North America.

“We have a very strong relationship with our local distributor, too,” Hohler says of Wally Baker at Fabrication Equipment Sales. “He is always very helpful when it comes to making new purchases. He makes an effort to understand my business and recommend the right equipment to fit our needs.”

Beyond the strong service and support Mitsubishi delivers, Hohler adds, “the machines themselves can’t be beat. They’re fast, accurate, and easy to use.” The machine’s Windows-based controllers greatly simplify in-house operator training, scheduling and maintenance.