The Protocase Companies announced the launch of laser cutting operations at its Wilmington, North Carolina manufacturing facility, marking a significant expansion of its U.S. manufacturing footprint. The first production parts were cut on July 7, integrating one of the company's foundational technologies into its growing U.S. operation.
Laser cutting is central to Protocase's proprietary High Velocity Mass Customization (HVMC) manufacturing model. By bringing this capability to Wilmington, the company establishes end-to-end precision sheet metal fabrication within its U.S. operation, increasing production capacity and supporting the fast turnaround times customers require for custom-manufactured parts.
This milestone occurs during a period of rapid growth for the company's North Carolina operations. Between May and July, Protocase expanded its Wilmington workforce from 39 to 72 employees while continuing to expand production inside its 20,900-square-foot facility. The investment underscores the company's long-term commitment to growing advanced manufacturing capacity in the United States and creating skilled manufacturing jobs in southeastern North Carolina.
“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,” said Co-founder and Vice President Dr. Doug Milburn. “Bringing laser cutting to Wilmington is another step in building a stronger manufacturing operation. Every capability we add gives us more capacity to serve customers while maintaining the speed and quality they've come to expect from Protocase.”
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 more projects from design to finished parts in days instead of weeks, helping customers accelerate development without compromising precision or quality.
Protocase is already investing in the next phase of its Wilmington expansion. A dedicated CNC machining operation is planned to further broaden its U.S. manufacturing capabilities, while exploratory plans are underway for a larger Wilmington campus that would include expanded manufacturing space and corporate offices.
With laser cutting now operational 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, innovators, and organizations across the United States and worldwide.
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