Fabweld Steel Products Invests in Advanced Laser Technology for Future Growth
Fabweld Steel Products, located in Telford, has solidified its ambitious growth plans with a significant investment aimed at enhancing its production capabilities. The company, renowned for manufacturing access covers and steel products for the water sector, is on a mission to almost double its turnover in the next five years. As part of this strategy, Fabweld has upgraded its machinery by purchasing a new 15kW Accurl Fibre Laser, which replaces its previous 3kW fibre laser that was responsible for producing 95% of its products at the Telford factory.
A Bold Growth Target of 75% Increase in Sales
Fabweld’s Managing Director, Wayne Carter, expressed confidence in achieving the ambitious growth target, stating, “It’s my aim that we will grow sales 75% within the next five years.” The new 15kW Accurl Fibre Laser is a critical part of this plan, providing the company with greater cutting speeds and expanded production scope. Carter highlighted that the upgraded laser will remove a major barrier to growth, creating opportunities for the company to scale its operations and produce more products with greater precision and speed.
Previously, the 3kW fibre laser served the company well for over 10 years. However, with demand increasing and product complexity growing, the smaller machine was no longer able to meet the company’s expanding needs. The 15kW laser offers significantly improved cutting power, enabling Fabweld to maintain high standards while increasing its capacity to handle larger and more diverse product orders.
Strategic Investments for Long-Term Success
This latest investment follows a series of other strategic investments aimed at supporting Fabweld's expansion. These include enhancements in welding capability, the addition of a nitrogen gas generation system, and increased production infrastructure. All of these upgrades are intended to ensure that Fabweld is well-equipped to handle the increased demands of a growing business and meet its ambitious financial targets.
Carter emphasized the importance of planning and teamwork in making the transition to the new equipment as smooth as possible. "I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those staff who worked additional hours to get us ahead of our cutting schedule so we could get the new laser installed and commissioned with as little disruption as possible," he said.
A Smooth Transition to New Technology
The process of decommissioning the 3kW laser, removing it, and installing the 15kW Accurl Fibre Laser was an extensive task that took nearly three weeks. By the end of October, the installation was completed, and the factory was up to full production capacity. The planning and execution of the upgrade were complex, especially given that the laser cutting equipment handles such a significant portion of the company’s output. But, with the new system in place, Fabweld is now poised for growth and expansion.
Building Long-Term Relationships with Suppliers
The new 15kW Accurl Fibre Laser was supplied by Axe and Status Machinery Ltd., based in Milton Keynes. The company’s Managing Director, Steve Thomas, expressed his satisfaction with the continued partnership, saying, “Our objective is to supply quality and reliability at a competitive price, which allows our customers to remain competitive.” This relationship is a key factor in the company’s ongoing success, and both Fabweld and Axe and Status Machinery share a commitment to reliability and quality.
Commitment to Sustainability and Green Technologies
In addition to its focus on growth, Fabweld Steel Products is dedicated to sustainability. The company has already made significant strides in reducing its environmental impact by investing in green technologies. A large solar panel system now powers the factory and supports the operation of the firm’s nitrogen generator. Furthermore, the company has installed a double fast EV charger, available for use by the community when the factory is closed on weekends. This reflects the company’s broader commitment to supporting the local community while embracing sustainable practices.
Fabweld Steel Products' Future Prospects
With the recent investment in the 15kW Accurl Fibre Laser and a clear growth strategy in place, Fabweld Steel Products is positioning itself to expand rapidly in the coming years. The company is now poised to take on new challenges, capitalize on growth opportunities, and meet the rising demand for high-quality steel products. By embracing cutting-edge technology and making strategic investments, Fabweld is preparing for a future of sustained growth and increased market presence.
