Precision Laser Processing (PLP), a company based in Rugby at the Butlers Leap Industrial Estate, has emerged as a leading specialist in flatbed cutting, 5-axis laser cutting, waterjet cutting, and full fabrication services. With a diverse customer base in the aerospace, security, automotive, medical, and power generation sectors throughout the UK, PLP was facing a space crunch at its 12,000 square foot premises due to an increase in orders from the green energy and electric vehicle sectors. In response to this growth, PLP sought to reorganize its factory and office space.
To explore possible solutions, PLP reached out to Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub Account Manager, Adam Plumb, to inquire about available grants for creating a mezzanine. Following Adam’s guidance, PLP was connected with Rugby Borough Council, which offered assistance in securing a £49,000 grant from the Government’s Additional Restrictions Grant. Additionally, the Coventry and Warwickshire Business Support Programme, partly funded through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), granted PLP a total of £34,323.
With this financial support, PLP successfully established a 2,525 square foot mezzanine and acquired a high precision robotic welding machine. This expansion led to the creation of four new jobs, increasing the company’s workforce to 25 employees. In total, PLP invested approximately £150,000 in the mezzanine and around £500,000 at its site over the past year. These investments allowed PLP to diversify its manufacturing capabilities, attracting new opportunities in the hydrogen sector, with one contract secured until 2026.
Bill Boswell, the CEO of Sirius A Corporation, which operates PLP along with Group chair Ben Cufley, expressed gratitude for the grants, emphasizing how they have played a vital role in the company’s success. He praised the Coventry and Warwickshire community for being supportive and business-minded, highlighting the area’s commitment to helping small businesses flourish.
Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub’s Adam Plumb stressed the significance of supporting thriving businesses like PLP, as small and medium-sized enterprises form the backbone of the local economy. The growing customer base of PLP underscored the need for such support to meet the company’s expansion plans.
Cllr Carolyn Robbins, Portfolio Holder for Finance, Performance, Legal, and Governance at Rugby Borough Council, echoed the sentiment of aiding ambitious business growth. The council’s collaboration with CW Growth Hub enabled them to distribute nearly £1 million in Additional Restrictions Grants, facilitating expansion, job creation, and investment in equipment for local companies.
Kierandeep Bal, Business Development Advisor at Coventry City Council, expressed satisfaction in supporting PLP with two separate grants through the Business Support Programme. Noting PLP’s significant contributions to high-value manufacturing in the aerospace industry, Bal highlighted the business’s potential to diversify into green energy and electric vehicle markets, thus creating new employment opportunities in the region.
In addition to the recent investments, PLP had previously received support from the Coventry and Warwickshire Green Business Programme in 2020. This support led to energy efficiency improvements at the premises, including the installation of LED lighting, an insulated roller shutter door, and UPVC double glazed windows. The project resulted in a reduction of PLP’s annual carbon footprint by 25 tonnes of CO2e per year, as well as substantial savings on heating and electricity costs.
Overall, PLP’s commitment to growth, along with the support received from various organizations, has positioned them as a thriving and innovative business in Coventry and Warwickshire’s industrial landscape. Their success story showcases the positive impact that grants and financial aid can have on local enterprises, driving economic development and sustainability.