Why Agile manufacturing is so important for manufacturers during the Coronavirus pandemic

December 6, 2020

“Agile manufacturing is a term applied to an organization that has created the processes, tools, and training to enable it to respond quickly to customer needs and market changes while still controlling costs and quality.”

Source: Wikipedia

We are now living in times that are unprecedented and have forced not only businesses but the wider world to adopt practices never implemented before.

It is now a survival of the fittest and who is ready to adapt to change quickly that is successful.

We can give you a taste of our own experiences and how this has benefited us in times of crisis even more importantly as we face the current Coronavirus pandemic

 

So why is it so important for manufacturers to adopt agile manufacturing?

Culture

Company culture can be a make or break situation in times of crisis and the effectiveness of everyone within the organisation understanding what needs to be done is vital

Our fantastic workforce rally round to make sure the company fulfils it objectives through ideas and willingness to adapt to change.

Responsiveness to customer demand

A company that adopts agile manufacturing processes can respond to changes in demand very quickly.

We brief our operational and production staff on a daily basis and make changes on our machines to reflect changes in demand n certain bottleneck areas.

Diversification

Businesses that are successful are the ones that can diversify and open up into markets with fluctuations in demand. Manufacturers have now had to turn their hand to manufacturing ventilators or offering their capabilities in areas outside of their comfort zone.

At Grenville Engineering we have a diverse customer base and “don’t have all our eggs in one basket” which is why the company has grown from strength to strength. We can quickly identify the areas that show signs of growth and adapt to manage that demand.

Our focus has been supplying parts to businesses within the NHS supply chain to maintain a consistent supply of essential parts and to keep manufacturing businesses going.

Processes

In an agile manufacturing environment, adaptable processes and the need for continuous improvement can be the driving factors for businesses to be successful.

The nature of our work in metal fabrication is bespoke and our processes have to be adaptable to effectively manage how we manufacture but also changes from external factors.

 

At Grenville Engineering, customer centric fabrication solutions are at the heart of what we do. We collaborate with our customers ensuring that we produce the most cost effective solution without compromising on quality. We have a combined experience of over 100 years within the industry, which is invaluable for our customers.

 

A Complete Fabrication Solution is what Grenville Engineering offers in laser cutting, punching, metal forming, machining, MIG/TIG welding, assemblies, finishing and stock management.

 

Grenville is committed to providing outstanding customer service and technical expertise to its diverse range of customers from concept to delivery.

 

 

 

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What Is Laser Cutting?

Laser cutting is a highly precise manufacturing process that uses a focused beam of light to cut or engrave materials. By directing an intense point of heat—generated by CO₂ or fibre-laser technology—the machine can produce intricate shapes, clean edges and fine detail that would be impossible to achieve by hand or with many traditional cutting tools.

At Grenville Engineering, our laser technology works across a range of materials including stainless steel, mild steel, aluminium, copper and brass, delivering a polished, accurate finish every time.

How Does the Process Work?

The process begins with a CAD file, which guides the machine through every cut. The concentrated laser beam melts or vaporises the material exactly along the programmed path, leaving a clean, smooth edge.

Laser cutting is not only extremely accurate—it’s also energy-efficient, fast and consistent, making it one of the most effective manufacturing methods available in the UK today.

What Can Laser Cutting Be Used For?

Laser cutting is an essential process for industries requiring high levels of precision, detail and repeatability. These include:

  • Automotive

  • Food processing and packaging

  • Aerospace

  • Electronics and instrumentation

  • Earthmoving and heavy equipment manufacturing

Grenville Engineering supports many high-profile partners, producing over 1,000 different components, from tiny 3.5mm parts to larger pieces within our cutting area of 3.5m x 1.5m. Our laser machines can pierce single or multiple layers with remarkable accuracy, producing components that serve critical roles in some of the UK’s most demanding applications.

Who Benefits from Laser Cutting?

Laser cutting is the first vital step in many manufacturing processes. Whether producing prototypes, intricate brackets, safety-critical components or bespoke designs, laser cutting ensures the accuracy needed for downstream operations.

Our customers rely on us for:

  • Tight tolerances

  • High repeatability

  • Smooth, clean edge quality

  • Fast turnaround

  • Minimal material distortion

Compared with plasma cutting, laser cutting offers far higher precision, a smaller kerf and the ability to work with thinner sheets without compromising quality. This makes it the perfect solution for OEMs, R&D teams, product designers and manufacturers across sectors.

The Benefits of Modern Laser Cutting

The advantages of laser cutting are clear:

  • Precision and reliability – control over heat and duration creates flawless edges.

  • Non-contact processing – eliminates tool wear and reduces the risk of damage.

  • Speed and cost-efficiency – low maintenance and fast cutting cycles.

  • Enhanced safety – enclosed beams protect operators and maintain clean working conditions.

The combination of speed, accuracy and versatility makes laser cutting one of the most efficient manufacturing technologies available today.

Introducing the New 12kW TRUMPF TruLaser 3030 Fiber

Grenville Engineering’s latest acquisition represents a significant upgrade in both power and capability. The TruLaser 3030 fiber offers:

Advanced Technical Features

  • 3000 x 1500 mm working range

  • TRUMPF’s TruDisk 12001 solid-state laser with BrightLine fiber for superb edge quality, even at high power

  • Automatic nozzle changer to switch seamlessly between cutting conditions

  • Highspeed Eco package, reducing gas consumption while increasing feed rate

  • Compressed air cutting and an integrated gas mixer for exceptional flexibility

Cutting Power & Thickness Capability

With up to 12 kW of laser power, the machine can cut:

  • Mild steel: up to 30 mm

  • Stainless steel: up to 40 mm

  • Aluminium: up to 30 mm

  • Copper and brass: up to 12.7 mm

This significantly expands the range of materials and thicknesses we can process in-house—reducing lead times, eliminating the need for outsourcing and increasing production efficiency for our customers.

Why Choose Grenville Engineering?

Based in Stoke-on-Trent, Grenville Engineering is one of the UK's most trusted providers of laser cutting and fabrication services. Our Complete Fabrication Solution ensures that your components are cut, folded, fabricated and finished to the highest standards.

We offer:

  • Fast, accurate and reliable service

  • Competitive pricing

  • Skilled in-house engineers

  • State-of-the-art laser technology

  • Decades of experience serving major UK industries

With the addition of the TruLaser 3030 fiber, we are better equipped than ever to meet complex specifications and tight deadlines.

Our Laser Cutting Machines

Grenville Engineering now operates three laser cutting machines on site:

  • Two TRUMPF machines for cutting stainless steel, mild steel and aluminium

    • Thicknesses: 20mm (mild steel), 12mm (stainless), 8mm (aluminium)

  • Bystronic Fibre Laser for brass, copper and other materials

    • Thicknesses: up to 6mm

    • Bed size: 1500 x 3000

  • NEW 12kW TRUMPF TruLaser 3030 fiber

    • Expanded capability across all materials

    • Industry-leading cutting speeds and edge performance

Request an Online Quote

t’s easy to get started. Click the 'Contact Us' button below contact us or to request a callback and receive a fast, competitive online quote from our team. Whether you need a single prototype or a full production batch, Grenville Engineering is ready to deliver.

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Find out how we can help today

Call Grenville Engineering on 01782 577 929
or email us at sales@grenville-engieering.co.uk