Yorkshire-based Purex International Ltd, which has been manufacturing fume extraction units for over 30 years, has invested in a new Trumpf TruLaser 2030 Fiber 4kW laser cutting machine — only the second one of its type to be installed in the UK — and two TruBend 3066 bending machines from Luton-based Trumpf (www.trumpf.com).

This follows a decision by Purex last year to address its outsourcing requirements, after its supplier in Italy struggled to keep up with demand.

As a result, the company decided to invest in a new 20,000ft² production facility in Brough to fabricate stainless-steel enclosures in-house.

Purex was acquired by Andy Easey and Trefor Jones in 2015.

Mr Easey said: “When we bought the company, there were 41 people helping to generate a turnover of around £8 million.

However, in just four years, we have expanded the business to employ 68 people and will almost certainly turn over £12 million in 2019.”

As is often the way, the capability and versatility of the new TruLaser mean it has fulfilled a slightly different role than was originally anticipated.

“Although we are running stainless steel cabinets on the machine, we have probably only taken about 25% of the business from Italy.

“The reason is that we have found the machine to be excellent for new product development, which has opened up a number of new markets that are now taking up capacity.”

Previously, Purex would design a new product in the UK and send it to Italy for a prototype to be produced.

This would then be sent back to the UK for review, before being returned to Italy for changes — the process could take months.

“Contrast this to using the TruLaser, and the difference is plain to see. We design it, make it, correct it and make it again.

“Our time to market is now just two weeks for a typical new product introduction, which is a huge competitive advantage.

“The laser is very easy to use, exceptionally fast and produces high-quality finishes.”