Oswestry manufacturer marks first with double CNC machine investment

An Oswestry manufacturer has expanded its precision engineering operation after taking delivery of two new CNC machines at the same time.

GWR Fasteners has invested in two CNC sliding-head lathes as it looks to increase manufacturing capacity at its Oswestry site.

The investment is part of the company's wider expansion of its manufacturing operation, which sits alongside its established fastener distribution business.

GWR stocks almost 100,000 products at its Oswestry warehouse and supplies customers across the UK and internationally. It also operates a growing CNC manufacturing facility producing precision components.

Manufacturing Lead Dan Farrar, who joined the company as an apprentice in 2017, said the arrival of the two machines was a significant milestone.

"Two new sliding-head machines arriving together is a big moment for us," he said.

"The extra capacity means we can handle more work and gives us greater flexibility in what we manufacture and the volumes we can produce.

"The best part is that these machines already have jobs waiting for them. As soon as commissioning is finished, we'll be putting them to work."

The company said its investment in machinery is being accompanied by spending on staff, systems and digital infrastructure, including the development of a new B2B and B2C website.

GWR Fasteners began operating from an outhouse during a recession and has since developed into both a distributor and manufacturer, with the latest investment aimed at increasing its precision manufacturing capacity in Shropshire.