Back to Job Shop

Message from the Chairman 2005

A message from the Chairman - 2005

Martin Cook - Job Shop Chair 2004/5

The laser job shop community has had a relatively buoyant twelve months. Order levels have been good, and despite dramatic increases in material and electricity costs it appears we have, in general, done well.

The next twelve months may well be more of a trial. World economy is slowing, further cost increases, particularly on stainless steel, are forecast, and the capacity in the industry continues to grow. So how can the Jobshop Group assist in making the year successful for its members?

The major development for the coming year is a complete redesign of the main AILU website, with emphasis on creating a “community” that interacts in a dynamic and friendly manner. The Job Shop Group in particular will benefit from the changes. Forums will be introduced that allow us to pass on technical, commercial and general interest information on an immediate basis. This method of communication, which will have various levels of user authorisation, will enable us to allow all levels within our teams access to relevant facts. The design of the new website will also attract many more visitors - potential customers for our service. Further information can be found below.

In addition to the website, the main push for the Jobshop Group in the next twelve months will be to gain more active members, each bringing their own unique insights and knowledge to the community. As we have said in the past, we may be in a highly competitive environment, but we should still be able to share a coffee, or something a little stronger when we're “off the field”!

The following are some quotes received from job shops:

•     I, like many others, have been stuck trying to cut a particularly awkward material. A few telephone calls to other members and the problem is solved.      
•     I now know there are certain materials, previously thought to be safe to cut, that could cause major problems without the correct procedures in place.      
•     I found out I was paying too much for my laser gases.      
•     I know which machine manufacturers offer the best service, and who has the most expensive spares.      
•     I now know the main markets for laser companies in the USA, and parts of Europe (think about the significance of that for a while).      
•     Perhaps most importantly, I now know that the problems I thought were unique to my company are universal, and there are certain things you can never solve!      

We have many members, all contributing to the knowledge pool, and all gaining from it in a relaxed and friendly environment. We want more: fresh faces, fresh ideas.

So get in touch with Mike Green at AILU, or give me a call. It might just be the best decision you make this year. Remember, just because we compete it doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy it!

Martin Cook, Job Shop Chair 2004/5