Kern Laser Systems was founded in 1982 by Gerald Kern with a single driving objective: to design and manufacture heavy-duty, high-precision laser cutting and engraving machines engineered to endure grueling multi-shift industrial production schedules.
Originally developing advanced motion control systems for computerized rotary engraving equipment, Kern rapidly expanded into turnkey laser cutting technology as commercial sealed CO2 laser sources emerged. By tightly integrating high-speed motion packages with industrial laser sources, Kern established a reputation for manufacturing ultra-reliable, high-power laser cutter platforms at competitive price points.
Headquartered in Wadena, Minnesota, USA, our state-of-the-art 90,000-square-foot facility houses complete in-house design, steel welding, electrical wiring, laser integration, and rigorous quality testing. Today, Kern Laser Systems is proudly family-owned and operated by first and second generations of the Kern family, maintaining an unwavering commitment to quality manufacturing and global factory support.
Our commitment to vertical integration and industrial reliability delivers lower cost-per-part and long-term operating profit for global manufacturing facilities.
Every Kern laser machine is built from the ground up at our Minnesota headquarters by experienced American technicians. From heavy structural frame welding to optical alignment and burn-in testing, our skilled workforce ensures every unit meets strict accuracy and durability standards before international shipment.
Kern laser platforms feature flat open-bed designs and dual-source options, allowing seamless transitions between non-metals like acrylic, wood, foam, and textiles to metals like stainless steel, mild steel, aluminum, brass, and copper with minimal setup downtime.
We build our global reputation part by part. Every Kern CO2 laser platform comes backed by our comprehensive factory warranty, direct engineering phone diagnostics, rapid global spare-parts delivery, and remote technical service to keep your manufacturing lines operational.
Through our sister organization, Kern Technologies, we develop and build super-pulsed CO2 laser sources in-house. Our dedicated R&D center continuously advances beam quality, motion speed, control software, and automated camera registration systems.
Equipped for large format assembly, precision component machining, optical testing, and export-ready logistics.
Industrial production requires equipment that performs without fail under continuous operational stress. Kern laser cutters feature stress-relieved steel gantry structures, ground linear guides, and closed-loop servo drives engineered for high-speed repeatability (±0.001").
Whether you operate a commercial signage plant in Europe, an aerospace component facility in Asia, or a custom packaging workshop in Australia, Kern laser platforms provide the precision, throughput, and operational longevity your business requires.
