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.
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, as well as finishing a £800,000 contract to help develop Cardiff University’s new Business School.
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.
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.
Through their apprenticeships Andrew and Callum will gain hands-on work experience and continue their qualifications; including completing level 2 of their NVQ diploma’s in Performing Manufacturing Operations.
Speaking about the new apprentices, Bob said: “We are very happy to have been able to welcome Andrew and Callum to Dudley’s. They will join a busy fabricating team and will help us as we complete a wide variety of projects across the UK.”