New machine supports investment plans

The business processes 100 tonnes of steel every day through its modern service centre – supported by Ficep Gemini, Ficep Tipo, and two Ficep cut and drill lines. The extensive suite of machinery means the company now provides plasma cutting, drilling, sawing and scribing functions at its Warrington-based facility.

Managing director, Terry Shanahan has been with John Chorley for three decades and has steered the company from a relatively small turnover concern to establishing it as one of the primary steel processing businesses in the UK. He believes that success is down to one key decision he made regarding investment:

“During the recession years I made the decision to invest so I visited a number of companies at home and abroad which specialised in all aspects of steel processing, I needed to seek out the knowledge that would allow me to make the correct investment decisions for the business in the future. Seeing the large automated sites during my visits overseas was a window to the future for steel processing; I saw how a steel business could evolve and become an important partner to its customer base.”

Through investment in equipment such as Ficep’s steel processing machines – including the new Valiant – Mr Shanahan ensured John Chorley would retain and increase its processing capability at a time when stockholders faced serious challenges.

The Ficep Valiant at John Chorley is coupled with a 1,100mm wide saw for additional processing capabilities comprising notching/slotting holes and service holes: “The installation of our new Ficep Valiant compliments our two existing Ficep drill lines, plasma line, and shear and punch lines together with our onsite shot blast and paint line,” Mr Shanahan adds.

“Our drilling capacity has increased significantly and the additional processes offered by the Valiant are proving popular with clients. Every time I consider a capex purchase, I consider what impact this machine will have on the business now and in the future. It’s a strategy that has contributed significantly to our sustained growth.”

The adoption of five Ficep machines over 15 years is in no small part due to the strength of the working relationship that Mr Shanahan has built up with Ficep UK sales manager, Chris Berriman.

“Chris has given a lot of advice over the years; he’s always updated me on what’s available machinery-wise and what would be right for us based on our shop space and business size. He understands that whatever we purchase needs to have a direct link to improving our offering to clients.”

Mr Berriman commented: “It’s always a pleasure to work with companies with drive and ambition. When I first made contact with Terry we both showed the same passion for technology so it was important to show him where the machines are manufactured and also some user sites.

“The trip to Ficep in Italy was the start of the long partnership. Over the last 15 years we have had a very good relationship together, not only on the machine investment but with aftersales support and user visits.”

Ficep www.ficep.co.uk

John Chorley www.johnchorley.co.uk