Marzee: From Waterjet Pioneers to Laser Leaders

For nearly three decades, Marzee has been a name synonymous with precision and quality in the world of waterjet cutting. Founded in 1998 by Ed and his father Neil Wenz, the company has earned a reputation for craftsmanship, problem-solving, and treating every customer—no matter the size of the order—with respect.

But what many people don’t realize is how far Marzee has evolved beyond its waterjet roots. Today, the company also offers high-speed laser cutting, CNC press brake forming, and in-house deburring services—allowing them to provide end-to-end metal processing under one roof. That combination of experience, technology, and values has positioned Marzee as a cutting-edge manufacturer ready to meet modern demands.

“Waterjet cutting put us on the map,” Ed says. “But adapting and investing in the right technologies is what’s kept us relevant. We’re not afraid to evolve.”

The Turning Point: A Strategic Laser Investment

About four years ago, Ed had a realization: Marzee was losing jobs to competitors equipped with fiber lasers. “Speed was a factor,” he says. “Especially on thinner materials, lasers were just faster and more cost-effective than waterjets.”

So he made a bold move—investing in a 6kW fiber laser.

“It immediately changed the game,” Ed recalls. “We started winning back jobs we’d been losing, and customers were impressed by the speed and finish. From that point forward, demand for laser work just kept growing.”

Recognizing the opportunity, Ed didn’t stop there. Two years ago, Marzee invested in two state-of-the-art Eagle fiber lasers—one 20kW and one 30kW. The 30kW acquisition came unexpectedly when another buyer backed out during the delivery of the 20kW machine, allowing Ed to secure a deal on the higher-wattage system.

“They’re German-engineered and Polish-built,” he says. “In terms of performance, they’re on another level.” These Eagle lasers deliver astonishing performance, with cutting speeds of up to 13,000 inches per minute and acceleration of up to 6Gs. The cutting head moves so quickly that it’s nearly impossible to track with the naked eye. And they’re built for endurance.

“They’re designed to run 24/7,” says Ed. “And that’s exactly what we can do.”

Waterjet vs. Laser

While the laser equipment has dramatically expanded Marzee’s capabilities, Ed is quick to point out that waterjet cutting is still a foundational service.

Waterjet technology uses a combination of high pressure water and abrasive media to cut through virtually any material—metal, glass, foam, plastics, rubber, tile, and composites—with no heat-affected zones (HAZ). That makes it invaluable in industries like aerospace and medical manufacturing, where thermal stress can alter the material properties and compromise performance.

“If you’re cutting titanium or aerospace alloys, heat is a deal-breaker,” Ed explains. “That’s where waterjets shine.”

Waterjet cutting also allows for tight tolerances and clean finishes, making it ideal for parts requiring secondary machining, tapping, or coatings. It’s especially useful for exotic materials or multilayer composites that other cutting methods struggle with.

By contrast, fiber lasers are best suited for cutting metals up to 1” thick with extreme speed and precision. Marzee runs their lasers with nitrogen assist gas, which prevents oxidation and results in clean, burr-free edges on thinner materials. That’s particularly beneficial when parts need further fabrication, such as tapping or welding.

“With tolerances as tight as ±0.003”, fiber lasers are unbeatable for sheet metal work,” says Ed. “The turnaround time is dramatically faster than with waterjet, and for high-volume jobs, the cost savings are significant.”

More Than Just Cutting: Full-Service Fabrication

As Marzee’s customer base expanded, clients began asking for more complete part solutions. They didn’t just want flat parts—they wanted them deburred, formed, and ready to assemble. To meet this need, Marzee brought deburring and forming in-house.

Laser-cut parts, particularly in thicker materials, often leave burrs or sharp edges. That’s not an issue with waterjet, but with laser, deburring becomes essential. Marzee invested in equipment and training so they could handle that process internally— saving customers time and ensuring quality control.

Next came the CNC press brake, which allows Marzee to bend and form metal parts to exact specifications. Using a punch-and-die system, the machine is repeatable to ±0.0004 inches, ensuring consistency across production runs. “It’s all about convenience and quality,” Ed explains. “If you can get cutting, bending, and finishing from one trusted source, why go anywhere else?”

Who They Serve: From Sky Harbor to the Street

Marzee’s capabilities serve a wide range of industries: aerospace, defense, architecture, manufacturing, utilities, and more. They’ve completed work for major names like APS, U-Haul, and Valley Metro—as well as hundreds of small businesses and startups.

One of their latest accomplishments? Cutting the terrazzo inlays at Phoenix Sky Harbor’s Terminal 4—a project that spanned eight months and showcased the intricate, artistic potential of waterjet cutting.

They’ve also fabricated custom architectural panels and screening walls for the Valley Metro Light Rail South Extension, adding both function and beauty to transit stops across the city.

“We’ve got over 3,000 active customers,” Ed says. “And we treat them all the same—whether they’re a Fortune 500 company or someone off the street with a sketch and an idea.”

That philosophy carries over to pricing and accessibility. Marzee has a $20 minimum for waterjet and a $50 minimum for laser, making their services accessible even for hobbyists and inventors.

Inside the Shop: Team and Culture

Today, Marzee operates out of a 20,000-square-foot facility, staffed by a lean but capable team. Automation has played a big role in scaling efficiently. “Loading and unloading is fully automated on the lasers,” Ed says. “That keeps our throughput high without needing a huge headcount.”

What really sets the team apart, though, is the culture.

“Most of our employees have been here five years or more,” Ed says. “One has been with us over a decade. That kind of loyalty is rare in this business.”

Marzee goes out of its way to support the team. The company buys lunch for employees every single day, contributes significantly to health insurance, and pays for all major holidays. “You take care of your people, and they’ll take care of your business,” Ed says simply.

Quality, Integrity, and Legacy

Marzee is ISO9001:2015 certified, a rigorous quality management standard that is applied to every job, regardless of the client.

The average turnaround time is 5-8 business days, but rush jobs are a regular part of their schedule. “Expedites happen almost daily,” Ed says. “If you need it fast, we’ll make it happen. I don’t believe in ‘it can’t be done’—it just means I haven’t done it yet.”

They also pride themselves on quoting with honesty and never outsourcing work. Every cut, every bend, every finish happens on-site at Marzee. “That’s how we maintain control,” Ed explains. “We’re loyal to the suppliers who help us deliver quality, and we expect the same integrity in return.”

Looking Ahead: Just Getting Started

Despite all the growth, Ed says Marzee still stands on the same two pillars it was founded on: craftsmanship and relationships.

“We’ve come a long way since 1998, but we haven’t changed who we are. We believe in doing the job right, treating people well, and staying ahead of the curve.”

Waterjet built the business. Laser is helping it scale. And with a team of dedicated professionals, industry certifications, and high-powered technology, Marzee is just getting started.

---

Whether you’re a billion-dollar enterprise or a local entrepreneur, Ed leaves the door open:“If you’ve got a vision, we’ll help you cut it into reality.” Want to learn more or request a quote? Visit marzee.com, call: (602) 269-5801 or stop by their facility in Phoenix — no appointment necessary.