Manufacturer marks 2018 as ‘critical year’ for growth following takeover

The new owners of electrical engineering firm LCA Controls has earmarked 2018 as a “critical year for growth” as the business sets its sights on an ambitious expansion plan following a major new investment in 3D design and manufacturing technology.

The 35-year-old Runcorn and Ewloe-based company, which was taken over earlier this year, has invested more than £400,000 in a new Rittal Automation Systems 3D laser machining centre.

The laser technology – one of only seven similar machines in the world – will enable LCA Controls to boost production of its stainless steel control panels.

Traditionally made by hand by electrical engineers, the manufacture of LCA’s leading control panels is essential in a range of industries including nuclear, food manufacturing, power generation, water and utilities, oil and gas and pharmaceutical.

The investment – combined with additional spend on new 3D modelling and computer aided design (CAD) capabilities – is set to transform the manufacturing process for LCA Controls’ hundreds of global customers, the company said.

“Our investment in this new Rittal Automation Systems machine is incredibly important for the growth of our control panel manufacturing and design business here in the UK,” said Alan Sheppard, managing director of LCA Controls.

“It is a statement of intent in terms of our growth, as it means we can deliver more, faster, better, more efficiently for customers across the world without compromising on the quality we’re famous for.”

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