WEC Group expands and invests despite the downturn
1 min read
Despite the economic downturn, WEC Group's laser division reports "a year of tremendous growth", and has purchased a number of new machines to expand capability and increase capacity.
WEC Engineering comprises Laser Engineering UK, in Darwen, and 5750 Components, in Liverpool.
The Group has taken receipt of a new Trumpf TruLaser 5040, 4 m by 2 m 7 kW laser cutting machine, the first of its kind in the UK, along with a new Trumpf V130 press brake with a 3 m by 130 tonne capability.
The TruLaser 5040 adopts single-head technology, leading to reduced set-up times, increased productivity and ultimately cost-reduction for the customer. The 7 kW laser enables the machine to cut thicker material - up to 30 mm, and with new software and linear drive technology in place, an increase in cutting speeds is visible.
This follows the recent purchase of an Adige LT722D tube laser machine, the second tube laser machine to be installed in the past two years, which provides a 20 per cent higher production rate than normally experienced in the field, combined with a unique level of flexibility and automatic adjustments. This feature makes it suitable for both small batches and large runs.
With capacities up to 152 mm and maximum lengths up to 6,500 mm, the Adige also provides fully automatic bar handling from bundle including measuring, feeding, cutting and unloading.
The capacity at the Group's site in Liverpool has also benefited from investment having moved from two to three flat-bed and a new single-head laser, leading to an increase in capacity and the move from a two-shift to three. In 2010 alone, the group has invested over £1.5 million in new machines across its laser division.
The WEC Laser division now boosts a capacity list that includes seven flat-bed lasers, two tube lasers, six press brakes, as well as full in-house fabrication and machining facilities.
Wayne Wild, group director and general manager of WEC Laser, highlights the reasons behind the Group's successful growth during a period of economic downturn: "Continuous investment in new technology is the key to the laser division's dramatic growth over the past two years. This, coupled with the build of a new 26,500 square foot facility back in 2009, enables WEC Laser to compete at the highest level."
