Anniversary ‘gift’ boosts Econ
RIPON-based Econ Engineering has celebrated its 40th anniversary with a present to itself – a Bystronic Bystar laser cutter.
The Swiss made machine is part of a £700,000 investment in new equipment by the firm, which recently completed a £1m order.
The cutter – one of only four in the UK – enables Econ to keep cutting and pressing for bigger components such as body plates for its familiar salt spreading vehicles in-house saving some £80,000 a year.
As well as being 25% quicker and 10% more efficient in energy useage than its predecessor, the press can either work on its own or be synchronised with the existing model.
Sheets up to 40% larger than previously – up to 7.5 metres long – can now be handled.
Sales director Andrew Lupton, said: “Today’s competitive business environment means it is vital to invest in new equipment.
“The laser cutter and press will further speed up production and increase efficiency. In addition, as the entire manufacturing process will now be completed in-house, we can monitor quality more effectively.”
The company, whose factory and head office are in Ripon, is still owned by the Lupton family. It has a workforce of 160 and a £20m annual turnover.
Econ has a 75% market share of the UK salt spreader market and there are more than 3,000 Econ salt spreaders in use with local authorities and contractors throughout the UK.
