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Case Study: Laser Central

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Case Study: Laser Central

A Centralised Manufacturing Network – Key to Laser Central’s Growth

Laser Central a 100% Australian, family owned business located in Darra Queensland has recently completed their move into their purpose built and much larger factory. They’ve also added to their already impressive machinery line up, three new machines, incorporating two TRUMPF flat-bed lasers including LoadMasters, a new tube laser cutter and a load master for an existing flat-bed laser.

Headland interviewed new CEO, Suzanne Shipp on their key growth strategies and plans for the future.

Suzanne_Shipp

Growth, growth, growth

With a new CEO appointed earlier this year, Suzanne Shipp, is one of the key persons responsible for their aggressive growth strategy. Suzanne is driving new ideas and new initiatives.

“One of our core strategies has been around establishing a complete, centralised network of suppliers that can provide complimentary services and a full capability suite to our clients.”

“The reasoning behind this, is that we can simplify our client’s supply chain.”

“The client can come to us and while we might provide 80% of the work, we might also incorporate another supplier to provide the finishing. Which means we can provide a full end-to-end service.”

“This makes it easier for the customer as they only have to deal with one supplier, while they receive the end product that they need.”

“We’ve worked hard to establish a large and reliable network of partners that we can work with and fill any capability gaps.”

30% more capacity, more space, more client options

With the increased space, “Not only is this better for our employees, with increased safety and work-flow, it’s also better for our clients.

“We have increased our capacity by over 30% which means our leads times have drastically reduced as a result of the move”.

“We have more options now in terms of storing more materials for faster turn-around times, enabling shorter lead times when required.”

“More space in our new factory means that clients can pre-order parts for faster turn-around times, ensuring that same day delivery is possible.

“Consignment-type options are now available with the extra space.”

“We also have variable transport options available with a dedicated local courier and preferred freighting companies that we can use to supply interstate.

“Clients can supply their own material as well. This can help the client reduce risk.”

“We are more flexible with materials and transport options which is all part of our client focus initiatives.”

Rob Newton (Managing Director) and Suzanne Shipp (CEO) pictured below.

Rob Newton and Suzanne Shipp

Bigger and better

“We can now look to expand the number of clients we can serve, particularly in the industries we are known for, namely, mining, defence, agriculture and fabrication and construction. We are also seeing a growth in demand from the rail projects sector and more recently camping and caravaning.

We now have the following technology and capabilities that we can offer;

  • TRUMPF 6 meter flat-bed fiber laser – ideal for oversized materials and better for the rail and construction industry; also architectural screens and cladding.
  • TRUMPF 3 meter flat-bed Fiber laser recently added to the fleet. TRUMPF Fiber lasers have added greater capability and are up to 1.5 times faster. Meaning we can certainly respond quickly when required.
  • Mazak, TRUMPF and Adige tube machines – providing service for up to 12m, 300mm diameter for long product materials

Success to us is supplying our clients with what they need

We’ve invested in new technology; now offering faster service and greater capability.

“We have also increased the number of operators we employ. 12 new people have been added to team.

Laser Central invested in training from Germany at TRUMPF’s headquarters earlier last year and we have also completed some local training, both software and operator training onsite.

“We’ve invested in this new technology and the new facilities provide our clients with what they need – fast turn around times!

“We are good at understanding a client’s requirement and the desired outcome and then providing an optimised solution that can improve the outcome and or save them money and time. That’s when it gets exciting!

“For example in the construction industry we are able to provide 3D, optimised, precision cut parts that the builders can then assemble like a Meccano set design on-site. The end product is in the exact format they need. We are receiving good testimonials on our client service which is great”.

Local support from Headland is key to our success

“Headland local support has been great, and the response times are what we need. The knowledge of the local guys is impressive and having a local Service Manager is good – having that single point of contact is fantastic. We can pick up the phone and contact Shellie Woodham at the QLD office and she can put everything into place to ensure we are supported until the problem or improvement is resolved”.

The future for Laser Central

“We are strongly focused on growth. Our strategies all revolve around providing greater value to our clients. We listen to what our client’s need – It’s what they’ve told us that matters.

“In these times our sovereign capability is also helping drive growth, being 100% Australian owned, and using Australian steel in our processing is also a winner.”

“With our end-to-end partner network, increased service capabilities and faster turn-around times, we feel greater growth is just around the corner.”

Read More

Read more on Laser Central.

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