The laser cell facility incorporates an extensive material storage and handling system which automatically feeds the flat bed laser allowing sheet metal to be cut without any loading / unloading interruption, without any downtime caused whilst the operator retrieves sheet from a traditional racking store and without having to actually rely on a full time machine operator to be at the machine whilst its running. The time efficiency of the facility provides a quick indirect payback against lost non productive man hours and handling and significantly improves the company’s laser cutting capacity and turnaround time.

Thanks to consistent growth in sales and profitability over the last 15 months the company has invested in substantial infrastructure improvements and modernisations to further progress operational efficiency & effectiveness throughout the entire business. New management, manufacturing planning, purchasing & goods inward offices have been constructed, aiding & supporting those responsible for driving the business and its systems. The factory has benefited from a large new central stores room, a customer despatch bay and a sub contract control area. In addition, and mindful of their responsibilities to the environment, the company has also adopted more energy efficient plant having completely overhauled its compressed air and lighting systems recently.

However, it isn’t just the premises and plant that has benefited from substantial investment as managing director Stuart Small explains: “We have invested both time and money in all our staff this year and continue to operate a comprehensive training & development programme aimed at furthering skills & capabilities throughout the business. We have also invested in local talent by employing two young lads who are undergoing our EDF backed engineering apprenticeship scheme.