Ficep UK has completed the installation of a Kronos system at John W Laycock, which will help the business build on its success and expand its offering as a steel service provider.
Established in 1740, John W Laycock provides steel services to businesses and domestic customers across the UK, including cutting, drilling and fabrication. At the end of 2021, the business made the decision to add to its services and offer in-house profiling services, having outsourced profiling services in the past.

Waiting for thermally cut profiles to arrive had become an obstacle and the business wanted to regain control and improve lead time, cost and quality for its customers. The business contacted Ficep, which recommended the Kronos due to the production benefits it would bring, its footprint and its flexibility.

Upon delivery, the machine was lowered 6 m through an opening into the basement of John W Laycock’s new two-storey premises in Keighley, West Yorkshire, which the business acquired specifically for this project at the end of 2021. The machine was officially commissioned and signed off in July 2022.

The Kronos heavy-duty gantry-style thermal cutting system integrates all cutting, drilling and marking processes into a single operation to reduce material handling cost. It will enable John W Laycock to better service its customers and offer competitive lead times on any quantity, from single pieces to multiples, one offs and repeat customers.

Mark Sugden, fifth generation John W Laycock managing director, says: “We’re keen to grow on our successful foundation by offering this new service. It was clear from the start that Ficep understood our market position and future opportunity for the growth of our business, and they had an immediate recommendation for the machine we needed.”
For further information www.ficep.co.uk