June 2003


Market leading building systems manufacturer Ash & Lacy have made a significant investment in new fabricating equipment at their West Midlands manufacturing location. The installation of two tandem 4.1 metre, 150 tonne CNC press brakes with a 6 metre computer controlled guillotine means that Ash & Lacy can now offer flashings and gutters in lengths of up to 8 metres. This has the benefit of minimising joints, which not only increases the speed and reduces the cost of construction, but is also an important consideration with feature flashings and canopies where aesthetics are of paramount importance.

The addition of this new equipment, increases sheet metal fabrication capacity to offer what Ash & Lacy believe is the most comprehensive within the roofing and cladding market. The Ashfab range of specialist fabrications offers an extensive range of bespoke products from architectural and rainscreen cladding panels to louvers, flashings and rainwater systems. Supported by a specialist design and project co-ordination team, all products are produced by skilled fabricators and are available nationwide from three strategically positioned depots to ensure the fastest turnaround and delivery times possible.

Commenting on Ash & Lacy's latest investment, Bryan Carey, Managing Director said:

"The decision to make this investment came largely as a result of customer demand. As part of our commitment to Business Excellence we conducted a customer survey that identified this was an area where their needs were not being met. Initially all areas of the country will be serviced from the Midlands with plans to install similar equipment at our Kingston and Glasgow depots as demand increases."