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1 November 2006
Broxton Adds New High Speed Laser Cutting Machine and Expands Its Assembly Facility

Leading sheet metalwork specialist, Broxton Industries Limited, has enhanced its world-class high speed punch facility with the purchase of its first flexible laser cutting machine - a L2510 from international technology leaders, Trumpf. The machine includes a fully integrated and automated sheet handling system and will enable 24x7 unmanned operation. The use of optional compressed air cutting, which is a key feature of this Trumpf laser, facilitates high speed cutting with minimal gas consumption - keeping gas costs low - and the machine’s compact size benefits both work flow and floor utilization.

‘This investment provides us with a step-change in our cutting capacity,’ says Broxton managing director, Marcus Ellams. ‘For parts with complex shapes or long profiles the laser can produce more parts per hour with reduced set up times. This enables us to keep our prices keen even on small batches. The laser eliminates punched nibble marks, giving improved edge quality, which is most beneficial on high finish parts as it eliminates the need for secondary operations. We will be able to run it lights out to meet customer deadlines and to improve our productivity significantly.’

Broxton has also opened a further 2500 sq ft assembly facility close to the company’s current factory. The unit will be used predominantly for complex electro-mechanical subassembly work.

The near clean-room environment provides generous room for material storage, including a secure room for high value electronics. It is fitted out with electrical and pneumatic infrastructures to support optimum cell layouts. The cells themselves are equipped with high speed assembly tools and are Electro-Static Discharge (ESD) compliant.

The new capacity will support further planned expansion where customers are looking for a consolidated purchase of subassemblies and reflects Broxton’s increasing focus on providing a one-stop shop for everything from simple mechanical assemblies through to sophisticated electro-mechanical assembly, software installation and test.

‘The extra space supports our plans to add more value to our customers’ products going forward,’ says Marcus Ellams. ‘Our flexibility means that we can respond to large volume increases within short lead times: our current average is 15 working days.’

Broxton provides a wide range parts and subassemblies to market leading OEM’s throughout the UK, including chassis for blood analysis equipment, enclosures for high end audio products and 19” rack cabinets for the telecommunications market. The company currently has a record order book. Broxton employs some 60 staff and is on track to grow sales by over 30 per cent this year. It has recently won two awards at the influential Metalworking Production (MWP) Awards, coming first in the category ‘Best Subcontractor Assembly and Finishing’ and being commended in the ‘Best Subcontractor Forming and Fabrication’ section: a class in which Broxton won first place at the previous MWP awards.

Notes to Editor:

Note 1 - About Broxton Industries Ltd

Formed in 1973, Broxton designs and manufactures first class sheet metalwork that combines consistent quality with ease of manufacturability and cost-efficiency. Today, under the ownership and management of its founding directors, Broxton is a one-stop shop for many prestigious clients, in diverse industry sectors.

Our goal is simple: to provide market leading levels of service and engineering capability. Utilizing strict quality control and continuous improvement programmes enables us to reduce non-conformance and achieve exceptionally high levels of on-time delivery (OTD) whilst reducing lead times.

We are committed to improving productivity and reducing unit costs and this is underpinned by our extensive investment in world-class production technology and cost control.

Note 2 – Photograph

If you would like any additional information or photos please call Marcus Ellams