MTL Advanced, one of the UK’s leading metal fabrication and contract manufacturing firms, has significantly expanded its capabilities with the acquisition of a state-of-the-art LVD Taurus 12kW XXL fiber laser, marking a £1 million investment. As the first of its kind in the UK, this advanced system features an expansive 14m x 3.3m cutting bed and delivers 12kW of cutting power, enabling high-speed precision cutting across a wide range of materials, from thin sheets to 30mm-thick steel plates. Additionally, its integrated 45° bevel cutting head significantly reduces weld preparation time, enhancing efficiency for complex fabrication projects.
Strengthening Competitive Edge in Precision Engineering
The new laser system is designed to handle large-scale and intricate fabrication tasks with ±0.1mm accuracy, ensuring superior quality for industries such as offshore energy, defense, and heavy transport. Karl Stewart, General Manager of MTL Advanced, emphasized the strategic importance of this investment, stating, “The LVD Taurus 12kW fiber laser reinforces our commitment to delivering unmatched precision and value to our clients, allowing us to take on projects of unprecedented scale and complexity.” The machine’s automated loading and unloading capabilities further support continuous production, maximizing throughput for high-demand contracts.
A Collaborative Achievement with LVD UK
The installation of this cutting-edge system follows an 18-month collaboration between MTL Advanced and LVD UK, with the latter customizing the Taurus platform to meet MTL’s exacting requirements. Neil Osborne, Managing Director of LVD UK, highlighted the significance of this partnership, noting, “This project underscores our ability to deliver tailored solutions for industry leaders like MTL, and we look forward to further strengthening this relationship with additional advanced machinery in the future.” The successful deployment of the Taurus laser sets a new benchmark for large-format fabrication in the UK.
Boosting Local Employment and Industrial Growth
Beyond its technical advancements, MTL’s investment is driving economic growth in South Yorkshire, with the company launching a major recruitment campaign to fill over 20 new positions, including laser operators, welder-fabricators, and CNC machinists. The expansion also includes apprenticeship programs aimed at nurturing the next generation of manufacturing talent, reinforcing Rotherham’s reputation as a hub for advanced engineering. Local authorities have praised the move as a catalyst for regional industrial development, ensuring the area remains competitive in high-value metal fabrication.
Positioning the UK for Global Manufacturing Leadership
With its enhanced capabilities, MTL Advanced is now better equipped to secure large-scale contracts that were previously outsourced overseas, particularly in sectors such as renewable energy infrastructure, defense, and offshore engineering. The introduction of the Taurus laser not only solidifies MTL’s position as a leader in precision metalwork but also demonstrates the UK’s ability to compete in the global advanced manufacturing arena. This investment underscores the company’s commitment to innovation, efficiency, and long-term industrial growth.
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