Warwickshire manufacturer invests over £500,000 in a state-of-the-art machine

A Warwickshire manufacturer has invested over £500,000 in a state-of-the-art machine and added four employees to its workforce.

Smartcom Solutions, which was set-up in 2001, has been based in Bourne End, Southam, for around 20 years and specialises in CNC sheet metal work for the telecoms, electrical enclosure and automotive industry.

The business has been steadily growing but relied on a seven-year-old laser cutting machine to carry out the majority of its work.

Owner Matthew Commander contacted Jim Clark, Account Manager at the Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub, to find out if there were any grants available towards a £567,000 AMADA fibre laser cutting machine which they wanted to buy.

Jim put Matthew in touch with Denise Osborne, Business Development Advisor at the Coventry and Warwickshire Business Support Programme which is part funded through the European Regional Development Fund and is being delivered by Coventry City Council and he was successful in his bid for £50,000 towards the machine.

Matthew said the new machine was up to four times faster than its other laser cutting machine which they are still able to use as well.

He said: “We have been growing over the years and laser cutting machines have moved on tremendously since we bought our last machine seven years ago.

“Over the last 18 months, there has been a rapid increase in the costs of materials which we can’t pass on to our customers immediately and we have recruited staff to expand our office administration and marketing.

“The benefits of the investment in this expensive piece of equipment are to increase our productivity to consolidate the work we have and grow the business further as well as take on new members of staff.

“We have finished our training on the new laser machine and as well as completing work much more quickly, there are auto sheet loading facilities which enables it to run overnight which was not possible before even though we have been running a late shift.

“Our customers are mainly in the Midlands but we are hoping investing in this new machine will lead to new orders.”

Jim Clark, Account Manager at the Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub, said Smartcom Solutions would now be much more competitive.

He said: “Smartcom Solutions was losing out on laser work as their old machine was cutting about four times slower than the latest machinery but as well as increasing its productivity, it will help to reduce energy costs and improve their green credentials.

“As well as adding four new jobs, it is safeguarding roles within the current workforce as more work is created and will enable the business to tender for more contracts.”

Denise Osborne, Business Development Advisor at Coventry City Council, said: “With additional help through the grant funding, Smartcom Solutions has been able to invest in the new laser cutting machine to provide them with the capacity to scale up their business.

“This new machine will really transform their business, improving processes with higher productivity, enabling them to take on more work and increase turnover. All this will contribute to increased profitability, job creation and job security and it is great that we have been able to support a local business with this grant.”

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Client testimonials

Without the Growth Hubs help and assistance, we would never have been able to increase our sales & output and also grow our local business. With this help in purchasing new equipment we have expanded our operations and gained a new and increased customer base.

Nuneaton Roof Truss,

Over the past few years, Armstrongs has built up a fantastic relationship with Gary Thyeson from the Growth Hub. His advice on grants and funding has been really valuable to both Armstrongs and some of our clients. His knowledge of local business support has been helpful in signposting us to relevant support agencies as required. We look forward to working with Laura Delahunty moving forwards.

Armstrongs Accountancy LTD,

In the short time since first engaging with the Warwickshire Growth Hub we feel that Laura has understood our vision and has been so very supportive in linking us to the specialist teams who are now supporting us with training, finance and recruitment. A great service that every growing organisation should connect with

MES Systems Limited,

I have had an excellent experience working with Laura from the Growth Hub, from day one, she was taking detailed attention to my concerns and ideas. She was able to put me in contact with different organisations and people to find out answers to my questions and help me to solve some inquiries I was having. I feel this support definitely had a positive impact in my plans.

PALACIOS LTD,

It’s been a fantastic inaugural eight months for the TalentTech Recruitment team and, although the reality of setting up and running a company can be a somewhat daunting experience, we have been extremely grateful for the superb help, advice and guidance given to us along our journey by Gavin Barnett and the team at CW Growth Hub. Gavin’s introductions to both Warwick & Coventry Universities and his wider business network have been absolutely invaluable.

TalentTech Recruitment LTD,

For many individuals out there, it is very hard to figure out ways and know which direction to go when it comes to setting up a business. The challenges of taking your idea and bringing it to life and not knowing where to go and who to speak to for advice. it can get very frustrating..

King of Saffron LTD,

This grant [which we received with the help of the Growth Hub and Coventry City Council] will really help us get on track for business growth and succeed with our vision. Personally, I would also like to thank the team for supporting me through the grant application process. You have been very approachable and attentive throughout.

Exeter Analytical (UK) Limited,

Thank you for the comprehensive and professional guidance

Burbidge & Son Ltd,

Over the years since the Growth Hub was set up we have habitually gone to our Account Manager as a one-stop shop for all business-related information. It has been a really convenient way of finding suppliers, advisors and, on one occasion, we even asked for assistance with finding customers. We are invited to a wide range of business events including business development workshops, Brexit roundtable discussions, seminars on various topics and have also been asked to speak at some events. When we have needed additional information, for example, finding finance sources or help with selecti

Marchantcain Design Limited,

Thanks to CW Growth hub getting us access to grant funding we have been able to invest in the latest computer monitoring system, which will enable us to compete with the national companies within our industry.

Comrie Leisure Limited,