The laser investment strengthens Telford FSP’s ambitious growth plans

Fabweld Steel Products, based at Court Works in Telford, aims to almost double sales in the next five years.

To help the company achieve this goal, it has invested in a 15kW Accurl fiber laser to increase its production capacity and capabilities to fuel growth.

The new machines replace the company’s 3kW fiber laser cutting machine, which processed 95 percent of the products at the Telford factory.

Managing director Wayne Carter said: “My goal is for us to increase sales by 75 percent within the next five years.”

“The Accurl laser is the latest investment to help us achieve this and follows previous work to expand our welding capabilities and nitrogen gas production. All three investments ensure that we have the right infrastructure for the desired growth.

“After more than 10 years of hard work, we had outgrown our 3kW fiber laser. This new machine will give us far greater cutting speeds and capabilities, ultimately removing a major barrier to growth and creating many new opportunities for FSP.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all employees who worked extra hours to meet our cutting schedule so that we could install and commission the new laser as smoothly as possible.”

“Going forward, increased speed, capability and capacity will quickly put us on an upward trajectory to achieve our full potential.”

The process of decommissioning, removing the 3kW laser, installing and commissioning the Accurl, training personnel and reaching full production capacity was expected to take nearly three weeks and was completed in late October.

Wayne added: “With 95 percent of our products going through our laser, this upgrade required a significant amount of planning. Ultimately, we reached a point where we were no longer able to grow the business or expand our scope. By modernizing our laser we can do both.”

The new laser was manufactured by Ax and Status Machinery Ltd. based in Milton Keynes. Managing director Steve Thomas said: “Our aim is to deliver quality and reliability at a competitive price so that our customers remain competitive.”

“We have a long-standing relationship with FSP and are pleased to be part of their ongoing expansion plans.”

FSP is a market leader in the design and manufacture of access covers and other fabricated steel products for the construction industry, including non-structural and structural applications.

The company is 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 company’s factory and nitrogen generator, and there is also a dual rapid charger for electric vehicles available to the community when the factory is not open on weekends.

For more information visit www.fsp.co.uk/