A Barnsley firm is playing a part in boosting UK manufacturing by providing the computer software which drives hundreds of machines.

All manner of products, from surgical instrument components to aerospace and mining equipment parts, and even stamps to make coins, are turned out by machines run using software sold and maintained by SolidCAM UK.

The firm now expects sales to increase after unveiling a revolutionary feature which can cut costs by up 70 per cent.

SolidCAM UK has recently moved to new, bigger offices at Dodworth's Fall Bank Industrial Estate after outgrowing its former base and is increasing its team from seven to nine.

The company is receiving marketing advice to help it grow further from business support organisation Enterprising Barnsley.

Managing director Gordon Drysdale said: "We're working in a competitive and fast-moving industry and our move to new premises will allow us to build further on what we've already achieved. We expect turnover, which is currently at £600,000, to rise by more than 20 per cent over the next two years as we become involved in all levels of the manufacturing process from design through to inspection.

"The bigger picture is that technology is the key to competing on a global scale and improving our economy."

Gordon set up the business ten years ago with fellow engineer Mark Stocks at the Barnsley Business and Innovation Centre, Wilthorpe

The firm is the UK and Ireland reseller for computer-aided manufacturing software SolidCAM - first developed in Israel.

SolidCAM seamlessly integrates with the world's most popular 3D computer-aided design system Solidworks. The company sells through Solidworks' reseller channel and directly.

Essentially the Barnsley team's role is to ensure the software works for machines which have very different functions, as well as providing on-going support and training for clients.

An innovative ‘add-on' for the software - iMachining - has now been launched after four years in creation.

The development means machines can be programmed and operated more quickly and also reduces the wear and tear on machine tools, giving two or three years' extra tool life.

Gordon said: "This is our flagship product because it takes things to a completely new level. It means higher speeds and other benefits, which bring savings of as much as 70 per cent. In fact we have to show people for them to believe it."

SolidCAM UK's clients include the Royal Mint, which uses the software to make engraved metal pieces for impressing designs on to coins. Silverdale Bathrooms uses the software to create moulds for baths manufactured under the Jacuzzi brand.

The company also sells another 3D system InventorCAM, plus other state-of-the-art products used at the inspection stage of the manufacturing process.

SolidCAM UK has recently become a ‘Tier 2' member of the Rotherham-based Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, led by the University of Sheffield, which helps British firms compete for nuclear contracts worldwide.

The Enterprising Barnsley programme is supported financially by the European Union. The project has attracted £2,259,511 investment into Barnsley from the European Regional Development Fund as part of Europe's support for the region's economic development, through the Yorkshire and Humber ERDF Programme.

For more information about SolidCAM UK, visit www.solidcam.com, call 01226 241744 or email gordon@solidcamuk.com