Telford-based
Fabweld Steel Products, a leading manufacturer of access covers and steel products for the construction, water, energy and security sectors, has made a significant investment in new equipment, as it looks to almost double turnover within the next five years.
To increase production capacity and to help the firm achieve its ambitious target, the company has invested in a new Accurl 15kW fibre laser, supplied by Milton Keynes-based
Axe & Status Ltd, the exclusive UK agent. The new machine replaces the company’s previous 3kW fibre laser cutting machine, which was handling 95% of products manufactured at the Telford factory.
Managing director Wayne Carter said: “It is my aim to boost sales by 75% within the next five years. The Accurl laser is the latest investment to help us achieve that, and follows previous work to extend our welding capability and nitrogen gas generation. All three investments will ensure we have the right infrastructure to sustain the growth we require. After more than 10 years of hard work, we had simply outgrown our 3kW fibre laser and this new machine will provide us with far greater cutting speeds and scope, ultimately removing a major barrier to growth and creating many more new opportunities for FSP. Going forward, the increased speed, capability and capacity will position us in an upward trajectory to achieve our full potential.”
The process to decommission the 3kW laser, remove it, install and commission the new Accurl, train staff, and get up to full production capacity, took almost three weeks and was completed at the end of October. With 95% of our products going through our laser, this upgrade has taken a considerable amount of planning. Ultimately, we had reached a point where we were unable to grow the business or expand our scope any further. Upgrading our laser will enable us to do both.”
Steve Thomas, managing director of Axe and Status, said: “Our objective is to supply quality and reliability at an attractive price, which allows our customers to remain competitive. We have enjoyed a long-standing relationship with FSP and are pleased to be part of its ongoing expansion plans.”
FSP is also proud to be an accredited Real Living Wage employer and is committed to improving sustainability by investing in ‘green technologies’. A large solar panel system now powers the factory and the company’s nitrogen generator, as well as a double-fast electric vehicle (EV) charger which is available for community use when the factory is not open at weekends.