Accelerating growth with laser-focused investment

York-based fabrication specialist AJ Manufacturing has strengthened its production capabilities and sharpened its competitive edge following a strategic investment in advanced sheet metal processing technology supplied by Axe & Status. This progressive and ambitious company has installed an Accurl Smart Cube 3015 6kW CNC fibre laser cutter and an Accurl 175-ton CNC press brake, a move that is already delivering significant gains in speed, accuracy and flexibility.

The investment marks an important milestone for AJ Manufacturing as it approaches its fifth anniversary. Founded by Adam Jennings and Jake Connell-Southcoat, the business has built a strong client list in sectors that include agriculture, construction, retail and food, to list but a few. Services span CNC fabrication, machining, welding, installation work and maintenance engineering – a comprehensive offer that has helped the company establish long-term relationships with customers seeking a full lifecycle approach.

From plasma to precision

For Managing Director Adam Jennings, the decision to invest in fibre laser cutting technology was driven by a clear ambition to enhance both efficiency and capability.

“We previously operated a plasma cutter and outsourced laser cutting to a local company,” he explains. “However, it meant longer lead times and additional cost. Bringing this capability in-house was the logical next step.”

AJ Manufacturing’s workload is highly varied, with the team producing everything from agricultural components to architectural steelwork and domestic projects such as staircases, gates and balustrades.

Says Adam: “Most of our work is one-offs or small batches, so the machines we acquire have to be flexible and efficient.”

The search for the right laser cutter was extensive, with the company evaluating several machines before making its final choice.

“We looked at four or five different laser cutters,” he recalls. “It was a big investment for a company of our size, so making the correct decision was imperative. Our thorough decision process took over a year from start to finish.”

AJ Manufacturing first saw Accurl machines at the MACH 2024 exhibition, on the stand of Axe & Status. After the show, the team conducted further research and visited existing Accurl users.

“It was great to see the laser cutters processing real-world parts and speak to the owners about factors like performance and reliability. It really helped us make the right call.”

The Accurl Smart Cube 3015 6kW fibre laser was installed towards the end of 2025, with installation and commissioning completed quickly.

Speed, quality and capability

The impact of the new laser cutter has been immediate, largely thanks to the outstanding dynamics of the Cube Compact series, which is designed with a low-set gantry, digital AC servomotors and precise planetary gearboxes. In addition, the Accurl Hypcut TwinCAT CNC provides unprecedented control of the cutting process.

“Investing in the Accurl laser was the best decision we ever made,” states Adam. “It’s around 50% faster than the plasma cutter we were using previously, and the quality of cut is far superior.”

Throughout the project, Adam adds the support provided by Axe & Status has been key: “They’ve been brilliant. If we have any questions they respond straight away. That level of support makes a significant difference to a small business investing in new machines.”