Houghton Le Spring, Tyne And Wear, UK - A fast growing laser-cutting business plans to create jobs and introduce an extra shift this year. Only set up last year, Q Laser has won contracts from companies across the North East of the UK, Scotland, and down into the Midlands.
Managing director Geoff Gibson started the laser cutting business initially to service his metal fabrication company Dale Fabrications, which works with global names including Nissan, Komatsu, and Caterpillar. The firms operate from neighboring premises on the Dubmire Industrial Estate.
"Dale was subcontracting a lot of laser cutting, but the scheduling problems it caused us with late deliveries were becoming a major issue," said Gibson. "We needed our own machine to eliminate this problem, but as the initial costs were so high, I felt we needed to offer the service to other businesses to spread the load."
Now between 75 and 80% of Q Laser's workload comes from external customers. The business employs six staff and Gibson is considering starting a second shift to cope with demand.
"It has surprised me how many companies require a laser cutting service outside the engineering sector. The possibilities for expansion are endless," he said. "I'd like to see the continuation of steady growth, the creation of new jobs, and financial security for all our employees."
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