INCREASING demand for Yorkshire’s leading-edge laser cutting and sheet metal fabrication firm’s services has led to the creation of a number of new jobs.

Yorkshire Laser and Fabrication (YLF) in Normanton has recruited 10 extra members of staff including 8 new operators, a Head of Operations and an additional CAD Engineer in the last six months.

With business busier than ever, they have also invested more than £2.2 million in the latest sheet metal fabrication and cutting equipment and design software.

Cheryl Reidy joined the company in January as head of operations, overseeing health and safety, maintenance, design, purchasing, planning and production as well as taking the lead on continuous improvement. She had previously worked in lighting manufacture for 32 years.

“Part of the process at my previous employer was metal fabrication and painting so there are similarities with the ways of working at YLF,” explained Cheryl.

“I was attracted to the role by the way YLF keep up to date with modern equipment and put back into the business from profits earned. The senior team have been welcoming, open and honest from day one and the support from staff at all levels has been great. No two days are the same with different challenges to overcome which makes for an interesting working week.”

Daniel Varley is a welcome addition to YLF’s Computer Aided Design (CAD) team bringing the number of CAD engineers to 4 and, with years of experience of wide-ranging CAD, metal works and fabrication, increasing the capabilities and expertise on offer. Daniel is responsible for creative technical drawing using design and other specialist production software to help turn concept into reality.

“Having worked in CAD roles for many years, I was aware of YLF through the industry well before I joined them. Their systems, processes, support and shared capabilities plus aims for growing and moving forward are highly impressive,” said Daniel.

“I enjoy working in a supportive environment where there is a great deal of respect and good humour.

MD, Matt Orford said he was pleased to welcome Cheryl, Daniel and the other new members of staff to Yorkshire Laser and Fabrication bringing the number of people new employed by the company to 55.

“The uncertainty of early-mid 2020 caused by the Pandemic has given way to a high demand for the quality laser cutting and sheet metal fabrication services that YLF delivers. We are proud to be rising to the challenges and opportunities that this provides us with by recruiting new team members and investing in technology that enables us to increase our capacity and productivity while seeking to maintain the high levels of customer service that we pride ourselves on,” Matt commented.