In the UK, the sales performance of Luton-based Trumpf Ltd (www.trumpf.com) in its 2017/18 financial year was as impressive as that of the overall company; it recorded an order intake of £53.3 million and a preliminary operating profit of £951,239.

Managing director Lee Moakes said: “Proven machines and systems across all Trumpf technologies continue to prove popular with UK manufacturers — along with notable new additions.

"The introduction of a new modular-format punching/laser combination machine has been successful, as has a wider portfolio of automated bending solutions.

"Furthermore, Trumpf continues to introduce innovative solutions in the laser market, such as High Speed Eco, which reduces gas consumption while increasing processing speeds for the same laser powers.

“We continued to see a high number of new customers this year and existing customers purchasing more-complex solutions, with several taking their first steps into the digital revolution of the machine tool world.

"Furthermore, Trumpf is now providing its most ‘comprehensive package’ ever to ensure that our customers get the best return on their investment.

"We are also continuing to grow our service support and have increased our technical service capacity by more than 10% this year; and with the current order intake and the forecast for 2019, recruitment is set to continue.”