For a fast-growing fabrication business, capacity is everything. When demand is strong and lead times are tight, having the right machinery in place can make the difference between maintaining momentum and missing opportunity. That reality is something Kellys Welding Services (KWS) understands all too well. This progressive Wetherby-based company has recently reinforced its production capabilities with the installation of a second 3015 6kW ACCURL Masterline fibre laser cutter, supplied by Axe & Status.

The new machine joins an identical ACCURL Masterline already in operation, along with a recently installed 3m, 175-ton ACCURL press brake, creating a cohesive, high-performance set up for processing metal sheet and plate.

Proven formula

While the investment itself is significant, the thinking behind it is straightforward: replicate a proven formula to unlock further growth. KWS has built a strong reputation since its launch in 2017. From its roots as a one-man operation, the business has evolved into a respected team of fabrication specialists serving customers across the UK. Offering everything from one-off parts to high-volume runs, the company supports a wide range of industries with laser cutting and fabrication services.

Central to its success is a commitment to accessibility and service. Customers can engage with the business in whatever way suits them, whether through in-person consultations, phone, email or via an intuitive online quote generator. Combined with competitive pricing and a flexible approach, this strategy has helped KWS carve out a loyal and growing customer base. However, with demand increasing, so the pressure on production capacity grew.

 

“The success of our first ACCURL Masterline led us to install a second machine,” explains company founder and Managing Director Joe Kelly. “We didn’t even look around. ACCURL machines offer high performance and reliability and come at a great price. The value is incredible.”

High performance and fast ROI

That decision to reinvest in the same platform speaks volumes. In an industry where machine tool choices are sometimes rushed or poorly researched, KWS prioritised

real-world performance and return on investment (ROI). The first ACCURL Masterline on site had already demonstrated its capabilities on the shop floor, delivering speed, accuracy and efficiency across a wide range of materials and thicknesses. Equally important was the financial aspect. By avoiding the premium typically associated with some established brands, KWS has been able to scale its operation without overextending capital.

 

“We have a friend with a similar business who runs what some might describe as a well-known brand of laser cutter,” says Joe. “It does the same as ours but cost four times more. This price differential is massive for a small but growing business like ours. It allows us to be more progressive and ambitious.”

The incredible price-to-performance ratio offered by ACCURL Masterline laser cutters has delivered a highly positive impact on the company’s operating model. With less capital tied up in machinery, there’s reduced pressure to keep machines constantly loaded simply to cover costs. Instead, KWS can focus on delivering value to its customers while maintaining a more sustainable and flexible workflow.

 

“Our second ACCURL Masterline has worked every hour of every day since it arrived in January 2026,” reveals Joe. “We now operate two laser cutters all day with no issues whatsoever. The ACCURL machines are so easy to run and maintenance is almost non-existent.”

Capacity doubled

Running twin laser cutters has effectively doubled cutting capacity, enabling KWS to respond faster to customer demands. The company continues to process a wide variety of materials, with thicknesses extending up to 25mm in some applications.

 

Recent projects highlight this increased capability, such as laser cutting 18 tons of gear and sprocket components from 8mm mild steel. The ability to manage both one-off parts and long production runs remains a key strength of KWS. Notably, the additional capacity is not just supporting existing business, it’s actively generating new opportunities.

 

“Word is spreading fast about our second laser and people are tapping into that resource,” says Joe. “We’re even taking on overspill from other companies that can’t keep up with their workload.”

 

This momentum comes at a challenging time for the market, with some areas of the market reporting headwinds. For KWS, however, the picture is quite different: “We haven’t seen any of that. Bringing a second Masterline on board has made a massive difference to our workload.”

Dynamic machine for a dynamic business

Behind this performance lies the inherent capability of the ACCURL Masterline platform. Designed as a user-friendly, high-productivity fibre-laser system, it combines advanced technology with ease of operation. Features such as a single focusing lens system, automatic nozzle changer and intuitive programming interface allow operators to work efficiently with minimal training.

From a build perspective, the Masterline is engineered for durability. A stress-relieved steel frame ensures long-term stability, while high-quality components – such as Raycus fibre-laser sources, Boci cutting heads and Rexroth drive systems – deliver the accuracy and speed required for demanding production environments.

Operational efficiency is further enhanced by features like an automatic shuttle table for rapid sheet changes and integrated CAD/CAM nesting software that streamlines programming and material usage.

 

Together, these attributes contribute to a laser cutting system that aligns closely with the needs of a dynamic fabrication business like KWS: reliable, efficient and capable of evolving alongside demand.

orming the future

Complementing the laser cutting capability at KWS is the company’s recent investment in an ACCURL CNC press brake, also supplied by Axe & Status. The machine plays an important supporting role in delivering a complete fabrication service.

 

“It’s our first ACCURL press brake and it’s a fantastic machine – really fast,” states Joe. “Compared with our previous manual press brake, it’s chalk and cheese. The CNC control means we can program parts without any guesswork. It maps everything out in advance and has a great memory capacity.”

 

This step-change in bending capability ensures that components emerging from the ACCURL laser cutters can be formed quickly and accurately, maintaining workflow efficiency across the entire production cycle.

Pillar of support

Equally valuable to KWS is the ongoing support provided by Axe & Status, as Joe reports: “It’s great working with them. The team at Axe & Status always respond very quickly. If we have a query or small snag, they’ll advise us over the phone to keep us running. Downtime is costly, so that expertise is invaluable.”

 

With a workforce currently numbering eight and plans to recruit additional staff and invest in further machines, KWS is on a firm growth trajectory. The introduction of a second ACCURL Masterline laser represents more than just an increase in capacity, it’s a strategic investment in reliability, flexibility and future ambition that builds further on the company’s reputation as a dependable, high-quality fabrication partner.