National Apprenticeship Week 2023

National Apprenticeship Week is upon us, with the theme of “Skills for Life.” At Grenville, we have a proud tradition of developing successful apprentices, many of whom have risen through the ranks to become senior leaders within the company. Our commitment to providing training, mentorship, and on-the-job experience has helped us maintain high standards of quality in our products and services.

Several of our longest-serving employees began their careers as apprentices, including Stuart Rawlinson, our Sales Director of 28 years, Steve Vaughan, our Responsible Welding Coordinator of 25 years, and Mark O’Leary, a Fabricator Welder who has been with us for 21 years and is now a Quality Inspector. Other notable examples include John Curwen, our Senior Team Leader of 19 years, and Brendan Johnson, a Team Leader of 10 years.

Currently, we have five apprentices in our ranks, each receiving personalized mentorship and training from our skilled team. Harry, for example, has advanced to level 3 in just three years, gaining valuable knowledge and skills working alongside one of our top fabricators. Ryan has gained a deep understanding of machining through hands-on experience, while Josh’s natural talent and enthusiasm for fabrication and welding is sure to make him a great asset in the future. Ethan has made significant progress in operating the laser and welding, and Lewis, our newest apprentice, is already showing improvement under the guidance of his mentor.

We are dedicated to supporting the growth and development of our apprentices, and to that end, we have plans to increase our apprenticeship program and potentially establish a training school in the future. Starting in April, our Quality Inspector, Steve Tinsley, will spend one day a week teaching our apprentices to read technical drawings, a valuable skill that will serve them well as they manage their own fabrication projects.

Apprentices play a crucial role in our business, and we are committed to providing them with the opportunities and support they need to build successful careers.

 

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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