Essential investment for Welsh Aluminium Firm to meet demand

Aluminium fabricators Dudley’s Aluminium has invested £125,000 in cutting-edge machinery, and taken on two apprentices, as it continues to complete a number of important projects throughout the UK.

The company has purchased its first ever CNC machining centre as well as an automatic notching machine, after nearly 20 years of using traditional semi-automatic machinery.

CNC machining is a process used in the manufacturing sector that involves the use of computers to control machine tools. The nine metre long CNC machining centre will lead to increased output, greater precision in the manufacturing process, and more efficient deployment of staff.

Bob Rice, operations director at Dudley’s said: "It has been an excellent operating period for us and after doing the cost benefit calculations it became clear that a CNC machining centre was a very viable option. The new machinery purchased is part of a long-term expansion strategy that will help us to improve our productivity and take on more projects in the future.”

In addition to new machinery, the company has also welcomed two apprentices into the company. Andrew Woodsford (24) from Rogerstone and Callum Lambert-Tumilty (18) from Barry have joined the team as apprentice fabricators.

Dudley’s has recently been working on a number of significant projects across Wales and recently fulfilled a £2.2 million contract at the Swansea Bay campus. The company is currently completing contracts at Friars Walk in Newport, as well as at Central Square, the new business centre in the heart of Cardiff.