New laser machine Makes Sheffield firm Largest UK tube cutter
New technology imported from Italy could make Sheffield-based Laser Cutting Company the largest sub-contract tube cutter in the UK.The Darnall firm have taken delivery of a £500,000 laser cutting machine following a deal done with BLM Adige UK at the recent Mach 2004 exhibition at the National Exhibition Centre. Managing director John Stalker, who bought the business just six months ago, said, “This new machine will bring our total tube cutting facility to four laser cutters, two of which are capable of multiple shapes, making us probably the largest sub-contract tube cutter in the UK.”He added, “The introduction of state-of-the-art machinery allows for much more reliable turnaround times which is essential for our manufacturing partners who, in the main, are offering finished items on ‘just in time’ principals.”The Laser Cutting Company was formed over 20 years ago when laser cutting was in its infancy and pioneered production on its own ‘in house’ designed machines. Lasers enable extremely complex profiles for the construction industry and oil exploration markets to be cut which cannot be economically done by conventional tooling.John commented, “The accuracy, speed and availability of laser cutting of both tube and flat plate has moved at such a pace in the last few years that it is rapidly overtaking the need for hard tooling in manufacturing production. It is now part of the essential process to keep the UK at the forefront of technology on high quality and cost-effective finished goods.”This investment is part of his growth strategy for the company and enables the management team to actively pursue new customers as well as allowing existing customers to maintain their competitive edge. Laser Cutting continues to be backed by The Bank of Scotland, South Yorkshire Investment Fund and UK Steel Enterprise.

The new laser cutter can process round, square, rectangular and other shaped tubes and is specifically designed for their industry. It will open up new markets as it enables the Laser Cutting Company to process aluminium as well as mild and stainless steels. It also features a software package which will allow operators to speedily estimate the complexity and duration of a customer’s work project.Paul Lake, managing director of BLM Adige said, “We are particularly delighted to be selling our latest technology to The Laser Cutting Company since they were the first sub-contractors in the UK to invest in a BLM machine over four years ago.”Martin Ball, commercial manager of The Laser Cutting Company said, “John’s background and experience has already made a very positive difference to the company and its workforce.“With the existing BLM machine now working 24/7 we just can’t wait to get started on the new machine after it is installed next week”

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