Sign manufacturer Astley hopes to soon be using a new water jet cutter at its Gateshead facility for large-format inkjet printed applications. The company has taken on two operators at the site as part of a growth plan for 2015.
The new machine provides Astley with greater flexibility as it uses water mixed with various abrasive solutions to cut intricate shapes out of a range of materials up to 12in thick. The investment comes on the back of several national contract wins for Astley which have resulted in a recruitment drive across its offices at Leeds, Milton Keynes and Glasgow, as well as its head office at Team Valley.
Astley co-owner and sales diector David Forrester said: "The water jet cutter will certainly improve our efficiency and productivity and help us to continue our ambitious growth plans in the year we celebrate 25 years under the current director structure. It's a very exciting time for Astley."