A Century of Legacy in Cutting-Edge Technology: The History of LUXAR (U.S.) and Hengkuai Laser (ECO2 LASER) (China)
I. Brand Origins: The Birth of LUXAR and the CO₂ Glass-Tube Laser in the United States (1988)
In 1988, LUXAR was officially founded in Seattle, Washington, by Kathy Laakmann-Crothall, together with former XANAR laser engineers Paul Diaz and Michael Levy. From its inception, the company focused on high-tech research and development, becoming an industry pioneer in the manufacturing and R&D of carbon dioxide (CO₂) glass-tube lasers.
II. The Period of International M&A and Industrial Restructuring (2000–2005)
1. Integration into the LUMENIS Group and Overseas Relocation of Production Lines, 2000–2003: LUXAR was initially sold to ESC Medical Systems. Subsequently, ESC merged with COHERENT MEDI-CAL and was officially renamed LUMENIS in 2001. Global Strategic Realignment: During the merger and restructuring of LUMENIS LTD, the entire LUXAR production line, originally based in Seattle, was relocated overseas. The core industrial laser manufacturing operations were transferred to SPECTRON LASERS in Rugby, England.
2. The Acquisition of GSI LUMONICS and the Birth of the SLC Model 2003–2005: GSI LUMONICS, Inc. formally acquired SPECTRON LASERS SYSTEMS, LUMENIS’s industrial laser systems subsidiary located in Rugby, UK. Technological Enhancement: This move significantly expanded GSI LUMONICS’ product line, successfully incorporating diode-pumped solid-state (DPSS) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) laser technologies. Introduction of the SLC Series: Subsequently, the CO₂ laser tubes sold by SPECTRON LASERS SYSTEMS were officially designated with the “SLC” model designation.
III. Relocation of Production Lines to the Asia-Pacific Region and Brand Rebranding (2005–2013)
1. Establishment in the Suzhou Industrial Park, China (2005–2007): GSI LUMONICS INC. undertook a global supply chain optimization initiative, relocating its carbon dioxide laser tube production line for the first time to Xifeng Air Bearing Co., Ltd. on Gangtian Road in the Suzhou Industrial Park, China. 2007–2010: Subsequently, GSI LUMONICS also relocated the production line for JK LASERS pump solid-state lasers to the same location (Building 8, Gangtian Industrial Park, Suzhou Industrial Park).
2. GSI GROUP Rebranding and the Launch of ECO2 SLC 2010–2013: The parent company officially changed its name to GSI GROUP INC. and fully adopted the globally recognized “JK LASERS” brand to rebrand its YAG and CO₂ lasers. During this period, the CO₂ laser series was officially named “ECO2 SLC.”
IV. Acquisition of Cutting-Edge Technology and Brand Reimagination (2013–Present)
1. The Brief Transition Under SPI, a Subsidiary of TRUMPF October 2013: GSI GROUP INC. sold its Suzhou Laser Division to SPI, a subsidiary of global laser giant TRUMPF.
2. Tianhong Laser’s Full Acquisition of JK LASERS’ Core Technology 2013–2015: Tianhong Laser, a major Chinese laser manufacturing group, formally acquired the trademark rights to the globally renowned brand “JK LASERS” from SPI. Comprehensive Acquisition of Technical Assets: Tianhong Laser not only acquired all core technologies and product lines for CO₂ lasers under the brand but also fully integrated its top-tier team of technical experts into its organization.
3. Hengkuai Laser (ECO2 LASER) Inherits the Technological Essence, Serving the World 2015 – December 2017: Tianhong Group officially established Suzhou Hengkuai Laser Technology Co., Ltd. (U.S. registered trademark: ECO2 LASER). Modern Production Base: A specialized CO₂ laser R&D and production base spanning 20,000 square meters was established in the Suzhou Industrial Park, China.
Core Technology Evolution & Brand Timeline
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Authoritative Outlook: Jin Chaolong, Chairman of Tianhong Group, emphasized: “The soul of the brand is about to be reborn. We will ensure that the top-tier quality and core technology of JK LASERS are perfectly preserved and further developed at Hengkuai Laser, thereby serving more users worldwide.”
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