LazeStar is Manufacturing the Future

Illustration by Volodymyr Kryshtal

One of the deciding factors in LazeStar Inc.’s relocation from California to Fairview was the sense of community that owner and CEO Michael Hartman felt. The company specializes in hermetic laser sealing and package fabrication for the defense, biomedical, aerospace, microwave and commercial industries.

“Fairview immediately stood out to us as a great fit,” he says. “The sense of community that is extremely apparent, the local officials who have done everything in their capacity to help the transition. The excitement and encouragement from the community have been way beyond anything we could have imagined.”

LazeStar’s Relocation: A Commitment to Community

When he learned about Fairview High School’s mechatronics program, he saw it as an opportunity to give back to the community that had so quickly embraced his company and family.

“We see Fairview High School’s mechatronics program as an incredible opportunity,” he says. “It aligns with the kind of hands-on technical work we value. Getting involved early will allow us to both support local education and begin building meaningful, long-term connections in our new home. We didn’t want to wait to make an impact; we wanted to be active contributors from day one.”

The LazeStar Work-Study Program: Skills for Modern Manufacturing

LazeStar hosts a work-study program for students that allows them to gain a mix of technical and professional skills directly applicable to modern manufacturing and engineering environments.

On the technical side, Hartman says students will get hands-on experience with precision tools, assembly, programming, CAD/CAM software and precision measurement systems.

“They’ll also learn how to read blueprints, follow process documentation and adhere to industry safety and quality standards, which are imperative for compliance in this industry. Beyond the technical skills, we also focus on teamwork, time management, problem solving and communication in a workplace setting,” Hartman says.

“The goal is to expose them to as many aspects as possible and help them apply classroom theory to practical tasks. We want students to complete this program feeling confident, capable and inspired by what a future in this field could look like.”

A Win-Win: Investing in the Future Workforce

Hartman says the company’s partnership with Fairview High School is a win-win for students and LazeStar.

“For LazeStar, we see it as an investment in the future – not just of our company, but of the local workforce,” he says.

“By mentoring these students early, we’re helping shape the kind of talent we’d love to eventually hire. Long term, it creates skilled, motivated individuals who are already familiar with our tools, our processes and our culture.”