Who are the main suppliers of laser cutting machines in the UK?

CNC Laser cutting machines are sold in the UK by a number of specialist companies:

Trumpf:

Trumpf are probably the most well known supplier of laser processing systems in the world. Althouth the Group Headquarters are in Germany they have a very strong presence in the UK with a dedicated facility based in Luton where they provide training, technical support and an impressive demonstration suite. They are well known for their laser solutions for the sheet metal industry and also work with companies to provide a turnkey solution for specialist applications in the medical industry.

In the industrial sector Trumpf are leaders in the supply of flat and 5 axis laser cutting machines as well as offering complementary forming solutions through their range of pressbrake tools.

Trumpf are well known for providing a high level of after sales service and they tend to have a low staff turnover amongst their on-site engineering staff. Trumpf are probably percieved as being more expensive than other players in their marketplace, however, most companies are willing to pay the additional cost in order to minimise production downtime.

Turnover: 2 Billion Euros

Number of Employees: 8,000

More information can be found on the Trumpf website.

Prima:

Prima are based in Turin and supply a similiar range of 5 axis and flat laser cutting solutions to the UK market as Trumpf. Prima also have a UK arm based in Coventry where again they have technical and sales support for the UK. Generally, Prima tend to offer laser cutting solutions at a lower cost level than Trumpf and although they cannot claim to be market leaders in every sector of the laser cutting industry their large 5 axis laser cutting machine leads the market for large automotive panel laser profiling.

The support levels from Prima should be carefully considered prior to purcahsing a laser to ensure that adequate support is available from the UK without support from the headquarters in Italy.

Turnover: 367 Million Euros (2008)

Number of Employees: 1,600

More information can be found on the Prima website.

Bystronic

Bystronic is the final large player operating in the UK market, the company has its headquarters in Switzerland as part of the Conzetta Group. Bystronic operates in the flatbed laser cutting market only although, unlike Trumpf or Prima, it also supplies waterjet cutting machines. Probably less well known than Trumpf and Prima in the UK, Bystronic are strong in the sub-contract flatbed laser market where companies are looking for a low investment technology which offers high productivity.

In 2009 Bystronic announced a strategic alliance with the tube laser specialists BLM Group, it will be interesting to see if this leads to a merger between the two companies.

Turnover: 500 Million Euros (2008)

Number of Employees: 1,600

More information can be found on the Bystronic website.

If you are considering purchasing a laser cutting system why not take a look at sub-contract services first? In today’s competitive marketplace it is often cheaper and less hassle then buying, running and maintaining your own laser – Why not get an online laser profiling quote today.