Worcester-based Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd (www.mazakeu.co.uk) says that 2016 was a record year for sales of its laser machines in the UK, driven by a combination of new products and the recent formation of a dedicated UK laser sales team; and while growth was achieved in various sectors, there was a particularly strong performance in construction and general sub-contracting.

Ian White, general manager for laser sales in the UK, said: “The dedicated laser sales team is still a relatively new construct, but its impact on the UK market is already being felt.

“We have seen strong growth in all machine classes and sectors, with our 3D Fabri Gear tube laser and our 6kW Optiplex 3015 Fiber II (pictured) the stand-out performers.

“We are confident that the sales growth can be continued into 2017, particularly as we have a number of new products to launch in the UK market, including a ‘world first’ with the introduction of new Direct Diode Laser technology, the Super Turbo-X 3015 Fiber — a fibre laser version of the CO₂ range — and new laser automation systems.”

Alan Mucklow, managing director (UK sales), said: “We invested in our laser sales force because we knew that, while we had excellent products, they did not necessarily have the profile that they deserved in the UK market.

“We now have the correct customer support structure and products to make further inroads into the UK laser market.”