UK laser firm targets Indian export market

Posted on 29 Jul 2016 by Jonny Williamson

Warwickshire’s Subcon Laser Cutting has announced its now exporting to India following an investment of more than £2m in advanced manufacturing technology.

Subcon Laser Cutting has begun exporting parts to support the yellow goods industry after a major company within the sector opened two new Indian factories at the end of 2016.

The Nuneaton firm produces a part which is used within a heater grille assembly, and already exports into Europe.

Subcon Laser Cutting’s general manager, Tom Mongan explained: “We have exported in the past to companies in France and Ireland, and we can now add India to that portfolio.

“So far our customer in India has placed four orders each for 5,000 parts at a time, so they are quite large-scale orders.

“The company is looking to place more orders going forward and we are also looking at new products for them.

Mongan continued: “It’s a really exciting time for us at the moment. We have invested heavily over the past couple of years, spending over £2m on the latest technology, and our new 8kw Trumpf Fiber laser system is the first of its kind in the UK.

“We have seen a huge amount of growth recently. We’ve also been visited by George Osborne, were invited to a garden party at 10 Downing Street and Nuneaton MP Marcus Jones came to our 25th anniversary celebrations last year.

“We are now looking at new processes which would be unique within our industry and the automotive industry would be very keen for us to develop them due to the potential cost savings.”

Subcon Laser Cutting was established in 1989, employs 30 people and has a turnover of £4m. However, the company is a victim of its own success and is on the verge of outgrowing its current premises. It is also struggling to find staff due to a skills gap in the industry.

Mongan added: “The surrounding area used to be wasteland, however over the years it has all been developed and houses have grown up around us.

“As we plan for the future we have to keep all options open and as there is limited potential to expand our current facility, re-locating may be an option.

“A lot of the staff are local people so the aim would undoubtedly be to remain in Nuneaton. The company started out on the Trident Business Park in the town and has over the years won numerous awards and is very proud of its association with Nuneaton and Warwickshire.

“We’re also facing issues as the skills we need from new employees aren’t readily available, so we find it difficult when recruiting new members of staff.”