A steel processing company based on Teesside is offering laser cutting for the first time in its 21-year history as part of its significant expansion plans.
Middlesbrough-based Steel Benders UK, believed to be the largest of its kind in the North East, now boasts the only 8x2m fibre laser bed in the North of England capable of producing unique parts for customers.
The steel bending and profiling specialists have also housed the new piece of equipment in a 21,000sq ft shed on the Haverton Hill Base site, and ensures cleaner cuts with the new CNC fibre laser cutter.
That newly acquired site is an extension of its 60,000sq ft Cochranes Wharf base on the opposite side of the River Tees.
It also follows Steel Benders increasing its capacity for press braking with the more efficient Ermaksan machine which can cope with larger plates up to 7100mm in length with 800 ton of pressure.
Phil Anderson, Steel Benders’ Operations Director, said: “As a company we are always looking to invest in the latest technology.
“We have examined the market and we believe by increasing our capacity and investing in a fibre laser we can fill a gap that exists in the market.
“We now can offer something others can’t and we are able to cut with greater precision and accuracy than ever before. This is the latest equipment and it is exciting for us to be heading into the laser market for the first time.”
The laser cutter is another addition to a list of services that already includes a plasma cutter and a HD profile burner. It increases the range of the cut as well as the technical quality and accuracy of the cut.
It also means Steel Benders will be delving into the architectural market on a more consistent basis. Steel Benders is a trusted provider in the arts, automotive and electronics industries, and laser cutting will expand current capabilities into new markets.
The cutter can go up to 20mm and “can produce one of a million things” on a diverse list of variations because of its precision – and its home on Steel Benders’ second site secures even greater quality for the customer.
Managing Director Tania Cooper said: “This laser cutter helps us to stay current. It expands our profile cutting services into a whole new market.
“The investment also complements the steel bending and pressing side of the business. This is another string to the bow.
“We can offer a complete service in the market we sit in. There are overlapping synergies and by putting the laser cutter into a dedicated shed protects it from cross-contamination.”
Steel Benders, believed to be the North-East’s largest steel processing company, has seen its workforce double in recent years and profits have grown year on year in its bid to become the supplier of choice for its services.
It has provided a service to a wide-range of markets including marine, defence, renewable energy, offshore, petrochemical, manufacturing, architectural and civil engineering.
The laser cutter and new shed are just two parts of the significant plans that are in place for further growth in the coming months and years.
Phil, recently promoted from general manager, said: “This is an ongoing expansion plan. We have an extensive growth capital spend plan and we have already committed £1m in assets to that. We have created two new jobs on the shop floor and there is more job creation to follow.”