West Bromwich plastics company invests in new laser

Wrights GPX Plastics commercial director Andy Watkins said the innovative technology would have a major impact on its business.

The £206,000 (250,000 euros) spend marks a significant investment for the retail design specialists in Brandon Way and has already enabled the company to secure large-scale projects from Tesco and other retail giants.

"This CNC laser machine is at the very forefront of technology for our sector and marks a sizeable investment for the business. It's a really exciting start to 2014. We are the first in the UK to invest in this technology. I could list all the excellent features of this fantastic piece of kit but let's just say it can do the job of up to three machines in one go - and that means expanded capacity for the business as well as faster turnaround and increased speeds of production for our clients," enthused Mr Watkins.

"The investment has meant that we can now take on larger jobs. We have already secured a major retail display project for Tesco – and we are confident there will be many more to follow."

The new machine is the latest element of a programme of continual investment. 2013 saw a major expansion of Wright's sign and graphics department which saw its team double in size in addition to investment in new equipment.

"This latest investment will help secure more business which means a brighter future for our staff and suppliers – that's great news for them and another sign of renewed confidence in West Midland manufacturing," added Mr Watkins.

Wrights has this week been awarded a prestigious contract by Marks & Spencer to provide womenswear signage, which will be launched in more than 50 of its top stores from March.

M&S is dividing its main Collection range of womenswear into defined areas for single products including coats, dresses, denim and knitwear – and Wrights GPX is helping to achieve the fresh look.

"We are really pleased to have been awarded this prestigious contract from the nations' favourite retailer. Womenswear remains the flagship collection for the brand and our signage is designed to help boost sales and make shopping even more pleasurable for the M&S customer," said Mr Watkins.

Wrights, which was founded in 1969, has taken on 10 new staff in the last six months and now employs 85.

It has a 42,000 sq ft production unit and 9,000 sq ft warehouse facility where it maintains an extensive stock of off-the-shelf items, point of sale and retail display items. Clients include Marks and Spencer, Selfridges and The John Lewis Partnership.