Lighting a path for laser production

The arrival of the new machine marked an investment of more than £1 million into the latest laser technology by the company in 2016.

The new Trumpf 8kW Brightline Fiber machine enables the company to cut metals up to 40mm thick. The laser features additional technology from Trumpf such as Drop&Cut which significantly reduces waste by making efficient use of remainder sheets; Mobile Control, which allows the machine operator to monitor and control the machine anywhere by tablet and Cooline Technology, which cools material during cutting; especially useful when cutting fine detail in thick gauge material.

Tom Mongan, general manager at Subcon Laser commented: “I am immensely proud that Subcon Laser has continually invested in the very latest technology available to keep us at the forefront of a rapidly changing and challenging manufacturing environment. We were one of the first companies in the UK to invest in 5-axis laser systems, we were one of the first companies to invest in a twin bed laser and we were one of the first to invest in a large nitrogen regenerating system. Now we are one of the first in the UK to install an 8kW fibre laser machine with every additional extra available.

“This makes a huge difference for us as it opens up a whole swathe of opportunities.

“This is an ideal moment to recognise what we have achieved. The diversity of the machines that we use means we can produce parts from 40mm thick in stainless steel, to the tiniest intricate brass parts.”

At the event a plaque was unveiled to mark Subcon Laser’s success by Jonathan Browning, chairman of the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership, and Louise Bennett OBE, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.

Mr Browning, who is a globally recognised figure within the automotive industry with many years’ experience as a top executive in the sector commented: “Subcon Laser is a beacon of what is going on in Coventry and Warwickshire, especially in terms of advanced manufacturing. In the last four years, economic growth has been around 25% above the national average in the region which just shows how companies like Subcon are doing the right thing by investing in new technology, building skills and building its business.”

Other speakers at the event included Chris Greenough, president of local manufacturing body Made in the Midlands, and Annette Doyle, managing director of Trumpf UK.

Ms Doyle said: “The company has a focus on the latest technology but it’s not just the investment that makes it successful, it’s also the focus on the customer which demonstrates that if the company buys a machine like this it can deliver orders better and faster.”

Subcon laser supplies parts to many different industries but the automotive sector is one of its largest markets.

Mr Mongan commented: “If you don’t invest you stand still; our other strength is the longevity of our staff. You can’t just go out and buy a skilled workforce. We are fortunate to have people who have worked for us for a long time and our customers really appreciate that as well.

“We had a record year last year and it looks like we will have a record one this year. It’s companies like us who are investing and driving forward industry. Obviously, OEMs like Jaguar Land Rover are also doing great things at the moment but they are also utilising the skills and experience of company’s like ours to help cut their production times.”

Mr Browning concluded: “It requires significant investment and skills to build relationships within the supply network and with OEMs. Subcon Laser is a company that has been able to demonstrate this.

“The sort of investment in technology that the company has made is leading increasingly to the digital transformation within industry, not just of the products for the consumer but also throughout the supply chain.”

Subcon Laser www.subconlaser.co.uk