How West Coast Exhibits Scaled to New Heights with Laguna CNC Machines
In the world of exhibit design, precision, efficiency, and adaptability define success. No one embodies this better than West Coast Exhibits, a powerhouse in the industry that has evolved from its modest beginnings into a full-scale production facility crafting high-quality exhibits for major trade shows and events. Their journey is a testament to innovation, resilience, and the transformative power of Laguna CNC machines.
From Humble Beginners to Industry Leader
West Coast Exhibits, founded nearly 30 years ago by Michael Taylor, began as a small operation with limited resources, labor, and skill. In the early days, every project was a labor-intensive process requiring significant manpower. But as demand grew, it became clear that manual production alone wouldn’t be enough to keep up with the fast-paced exhibit industry. Enter Laguna CNC routers.
The Turning Point: Automation & CNC Technology
The addition of Laguna CNC routers changed the game for West Coast Exhibits. Instead of increasing labor costs, they focused on enhancing efficiency and precision through automation. As Michael puts it, "With the evolution of bringing in Laguna, we didn’t have to increase our labor—we just had to increase our assembly force. That meant producing more, faster, and getting to the show floor quicker."
With Laguna’s SmartShop® CNC routers, West Coast Exhibits was able to:
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Streamline production without sacrificing quality.
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Increase throughput while keeping labor costs manageable.
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Expand their material capabilities, cutting not just traditional wood but also PVC, Plexiglass, acrylic, and even lightweight plywood.
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Ensure reliability with machines that run 8 to 12 hours daily for nearly a decade without major issues.
Growth, Expansion, and the Future of Exhibit Manufacturing
Now operating out of Anaheim, CA, West Coast Exhibits is on a rapid growth trajectory. Over the next 24 to 36 months, Michael expects to double their current facility size—a testament to their increasing workload and success. With expansion comes further investment in automation, digital printing, and laser technology.
But what role does Laguna play in this future growth? As Michael puts it, "Laguna is always going to be something that I’m going to implement in the growth of West Coast Exhibits—especially because of dependability." His first Laguna router, purchased nearly a decade ago, still runs daily with minimal maintenance, demonstrating the machine’s workhorse durability and cost efficiency.
Looking ahead, West Coast Exhibits plans to:
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Integrate more Laguna CNC routers to expand production capacity.
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Move into metal fabrication, investing in fiber laser cutting technology.
The Impact of CNC Technology on Exhibit Making
West Coast Exhibits' journey is a prime example of what’s possible when craftsmanship meets cutting-edge technology. Their ability to deliver high-quality, custom trade show displays—under tight deadlines and evolving client needs—is made possible through CNC automation. By leveraging the versatility of Laguna routers, they continue to set new industry standards.
For businesses in the exhibit, signage, and display manufacturing industry, this story serves as an inspiration: investing in CNC technology isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about unlocking new possibilities.
Ready to Elevate Your Production?
Whether you’re looking to scale operations, optimize workflow, or expand into new materials, Laguna CNC machines provide the tools you need to get there.
Want to see the transformation firsthand? Check out the full West Coast Exhibits story in our exclusive video interview.
