As well as its laser cutting facilities, CEL, which operates from a 25,000 sq ft factory, has punching, forming, pressing and welding machines, as well as the ability to provide 3D modelling through its in house design service.

The firm’s state-of-the-art machinery includes a Trumpf 5030 High Speed Laser System, Trumpf 2530 Laser System and a Trumpf 2020 CNC Punch. Materials processed are mild steels, aluminium, all grades of stainless steel, brass and copper.

Nigel Fielding, the company’s Managing Director, said: “China Enterprise Ltd manufactures in China and ships components into the UK, supplying UK companies, but over time existing customers have requested other components too which fall under the scope of UK manufacture.

“One of the many areas is a source for laser cutting brass tube, an activity not carried out to any great extent in the UK, with companies instead having to look to Germany and Italy for a supplier.

“With the need to plug this gap in the market in mind I worked with the other directors to set up a manufacturing base in the UK. CEL Sheetmetal trades separately to China Enterprise, while both companies benefit from sharing resources at their Telford location’’.

Fellow director Mr Painter added: “The contribution from Advantage West Midlands has been absolutely vital. Without their crucial support the business would probably only have proceeded on a smaller scale which would have reduced the overall service package that CEL offers. A smaller business offering fewer services would lose the interest of the very customers we want to target.

“The funding from AWM has allowed us to invest in better quality equipment. The business is now turning over £2 million and as we are experiencing rapid growth we are discussing the potential for an updated laser machine.

“We are managing to create local jobs here in Telford thanks in part to the products we are exporting to China. It is very comforting for the Telford factory to have a back-up operation in China.”

 www.celsheetmetal.com