Staffordshire based SSC Laser, a leading laser cutting subcontractor, is expanding nationwide by opening a network of service centres across the UK.

SSC, who in June celebrated a record month for profit and turnover, has already opened sales offices in the North East, East Midlands and the South. Once the company raises its profile in a region and develops a local customer base, these sales offices, and others in the future, will be developed into stand-alone manufacturing sites.

In addition to its roll-out programme, SSC has been investing heavily in new equipment at its Hixon headquarters. The recent installation of an £800,000 Adige LT8 tube laser cutting machine and associated handling equipment - the biggest single investment the company has ever made.

"Our industry is quite parochial and you tend to find that buyers like to use suppliers that are in their area," explained Andy Evans, SSC's sales director. "So our vision is to develop a nationwide network of SSC centres to give customers a local service.

"I shall be extremely disappointed if 10 years from now we don't have at least 20 of these centres dotted around the country. This will make us by far the biggest laser cutting company in the UK, which is exactly what we want to be."

Regarding the company's £800k investment in machinery, Andy adds:

"We didn't just want to be a flat bed laser business because there are already 500 of these in the country," he said. "The new tube laser facility gives us a unique selling point because customers can now come to us for all their laser cutting requirements.

"We can handle all kinds of sections - box, circular, hollow, angle, channel, flat, irregular - and manufacture parts up to 8.5m in length. There aren't many people who can do this. In addition, it's more cost-effective and more convenient for customers if their complete order can be processed under one roof rather than having to deal with separate suppliers." 

A new state-of-the-art business management system has also enabled SSC to improve its customer service levels through better quotation, stock management, order tracking and traceability processes.

SSC, founded in 2000, is co-owned by Andy and Austin Jarrett, managing director. The company employs 36 people and work on a continuous 24/7 shift pattern, meaning orders can be turned around in as quick as two to three days. Turnover this year is expected to exceed £4 million.