Nuneaton firm making inroads into market in India

A laser-cutting company in Warwickshire has started exporting to Asia after investing over £2 million in the latest technology.

Subcon Laser Cutting, in Nuneaton, is exporting parts to support the yellow goods industry in India after a major company within the sector opened two new factories in the country at the end of last year.

The firm produces a part used within a heater grille assembly and already exports into Europe. It is a longstanding member of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce and regularly contacts the Chamber for assistance and advice on a wide range of topics including exporting.

Tom Morgan, general manager of Subcon Laser Cutting, said: “We have exported in the past to companies in France and Ireland and 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.

“It’s a really exciting time for us. We have invested heavily over the last couple of years, spending over £2 million on the latest technology, and our new 8kw TrumpfFiber laser system is the first of its kind in the UK.

"We have seen a huge amount of growth recently and are now looking at new processes which would be unique within our industry.”

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

 “As we plan for the future we have to keep all options open," Mr Morgan said. "As there is limited potential to expand our current facility, re-locating maybe 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 are not readily available, so we find it difficult when recruiting new members of staff.”

These were two issues highlighted by the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce when it launched its Go For Growth campaign earlier this year.

Helena Bassett, from the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, has been advising the company.

She said: “I’ve worked with Tom and Subcon for some time, advising on grants available and other schemes that can help the business. We will continue to work with the company to help it overcome the latest barriers in its ambitions for expansion.”

The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce is delivering assistance to businesses across the region as part of Coventry and Warwickshire Business Support Programme, part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

For more information on the support available, please contact the chamber on 024 7665 4321 or email supportyourbusiness@cw-chamber.co.uk