ADS Laser Cutting Ltd

600+ precision parts, one incredible piece of sculpture

ADS Laser Cutting Ltd — 05/12/2025

Sculptor Jon Voss, spent 17 years working as an architect in England, Australia and France but a personal epiphany lead him to pursue his passion for art and, specifically, the creation of light sculptures that blend industrial precision with the organic elegance of nature.

He’s now been a full-time artist for 11 years and, working from a large, 2,000 m² industrial workshop in France, he delivers bespoke commissions often for public installations that allow him to combine his engineering mindset with artistic expression.

His sculptures, that capture a natural motion frozen time, are often comprised of over 600 individually cut components each of which must be perfect and precise to create the illusion of movement.

This is where ADS Laser Cutting comes in!

Having been commissioned to deliver a pair of illuminated swans as part of the Amsterdam Light Festival, 2025, Jon was faced with an incredibly tight timeframe in which to design, fabricate, cut and assemble the work. The need for a reliable, flexible and responsive partner was essential.

We had worked with Jon previously and thanks to our commitment to keeping in touch with our previous clients, a well-timed email meant that we were front of mind when Jon needed to appoint a team to laser cut the countless components that would eventually become these stunning swans.

Jon uses architectural software that’s not built for the fluid, organic surfaces he now sculpts. Exporting his designs fabrication formats can cause smooth curves to fracture and with hundreds of unique parts in a single sculpture, missing or distorted lines could so easily be overlooked.

Simply, past suppliers had struggled.

With just seven weeks to manage the build process, often working 14 hours a day, Jon didn’t have the luxury of a prototype stage; the first production run was the artwork. In this situation, precision was not a luxury but a necessity and we rose to the challenge.

He needed a supplier who could deliver high-quality stainless-steel components, respond quickly, solve problems collaboratively and who, crucially, provided direct communication with the people actively involved in delivering the work.

Being in France, a French or continental Europe based supplier may have been an ‘easier’ option but the reality that Jon had previously experienced was that they were often slow to respond, hard to contact and offered an inferior product.

He explains:

“Whilst art and creativity sit at the heart of what I do, it would be impossible without strong communication.

“Simply, ADS Laser provides direct access to technical staff, responds quickly to email enquiries and I know I can pick up the phone and speak with them.”

Crucially, Jon also noted a nuance of working with a UK-based supplier like ADS Laser Cutting. 0.7mm polished stainless steel is not routinely offered in the French market but that was not an issue for ADS Laser.

“As an artist, the ability to bend the metal components by hand during assembly is vital. Utilising 0.7mm stainless steel makes a significant difference in this respect and ADS Laser could supply it without a problem.

“They also take a proactive approach to diagnosing any issues and resolving these quickly – points that prove particularly valuable when dealing with such tight timelines.”

The result? A partnership built not only on technical capability, but on trust, problem-solving, and shared commitment to quality. Importantly, Jon wouldn’t hesitate to ask us to quote for future work and we’d of course be delighted to partner with him on his intricate sculptures again.

Leicester West MP, Liz Kendall, visits metalwork firm celebrating 20 years in business

ADS Laser Cutting Ltd — 16/09/2025

Leicester-based metalwork firm, ADS Laser Cutting, has welcomed Liz Kendall, MP for Leicester West, to its headquarters on the Braunstone Frith Industrial Estate as it celebrates 20 years in business.

Ms Kendall was welcomed by Duncan and Angie Keates who, along with Duncan’s brother Stephen and his wife Samantha, established the company 20 years ago. Showing her around the firm’s 87,000 sq ft factory, which is housed in the iconic former home of Fox’s Glacier Mints, Duncan Keates pointed out some of the innovative equipment, including a robotic welding arm and laser welder, that have been invested in in recent years.

Speaking following her visit to ADS Laser, Liz Kendall MP said:

“It's been a joy to spend time at ADS Laser Cutting today, celebrating their 20th anniversary, and learning more about their work.

“Duncan, Stephen and their families have dedicated the last two decades to ADS and I'm delighted to have been able to join them in celebrating this milestone.

“It's important for politicians like me to hear from local businesses about the challenges they face, so today was a perfect opportunity to hear from the team about some of the issues facing the manufacturing sector.

“I'm proud to have ADS Laser Cutting in my constituency, and I wish them the best of luck for the next 20 years.”

Duncan Keates said:

“Stephen and I, along with our wives, are immensely proud of what we’ve achieved at ADS Laser over the past 20 years. Having the chance to showcase this to our local MP was a fantastic opportunity to share our successes whilst also having a platform from which we could discuss the challenges that SME manufacturing businesses like us face.”

AMP8 and the supply chain: the critical role of UK manufacturing in delivering water infrastructure improvement

ADS Laser Cutting Ltd — 30/04/2026

The UK water industry is rarely out of the headlines - and often for the wrong reasons.

Yet there is genuine cause for optimism. AMP8 represents one of the most significant investment programmes the sector has seen in decades. Overseen by Ofwat, it is designed to address long-standing challenges around supply and demand, accelerate environmental improvements, and modernise ageing infrastructure across the country.

This is more than a regulatory cycle or a response to public scrutiny. They promise tangible upgrades to water and wastewater infrastructure at a pace not previously seen.

Much of the attention naturally focuses on water companies and Tier 1 contractors. However, the success of AMP8 will depend just as heavily on the strength, capability and responsiveness of the supply chain that underpins them.

Specialist manufacturers and fabricators are the critical, but often overlooked, backbone of an investment programme as significant as AMP8

This is highly specialised infrastructure. Treatment works, pumping stations and filtration systems rely on precisely engineered components that perform reliably in demanding, often corrosive environments. Exposure to chemicals, continuous flow conditions and strict cleanliness requirements place additional demands on materials and fabrication quality, while tight maintenance windows mean failure is not an option.

Performance is, therefore, ultimately determined long before installation, at the point of design and manufacture.

The components involved are long-life assets. Whether tanks, launders, chutes, hoppers or structural assemblies, they must be manufactured with decades of service in mind. This requires tight control over dimensional accuracy, corrosion resistance and material integrity, alongside consistent repeatability across production runs.

ADS Laser Cutting custom stainless steel launders for water and wastewater systems

Achieving this level of performance demands advanced fabrication capabilities. From precision laser cutting and CNC folding through to plate rolling and laser welding, supported by robust quality control processes and full material traceability.

As AMP8 gathers momentum, the demands placed on the supply chain will only intensify.

Manufacturers must not only deliver consistently high-quality components, but also support increasingly complex build programmes, larger format fabrications, and tighter project timelines.

This places greater emphasis on precision, reliability and compliance. Adherence to recognised standards such as UKCA marking and EN1090, alongside ISO-certified quality systems, is no longer a differentiator; it is a baseline requirement.

UK-based manufacturing partners are particularly well positioned. Proximity enables closer collaboration, faster response times and greater oversight throughout the production process. Manufacturers that can combine consistency with technical expertise, quality and operational agility will play a defining role in the success of AMP8.

These standards and guarantees come are non-negotiable for ADS Laser Cutting.

We support the water sector with precision assemblies designed to integrate seamlessly into complex infrastructure projects. From tanks and launders to chutes, hoppers and structural frameworks, our focus is on delivering dependable, high-quality components that perform in service over the long term.

Ultimately, AMP8 will not be defined solely by the scale of investment committed, but by the capability of the supply chain delivering it. Investment sets the ambition, but it is execution that will determine whether the industry achieves incremental change or meaningful, lasting transformation

Visit our Contact Us page now and get in touch: Contact - ADS Laser

Blog: In the race to net zero, kerbside charging is no longer a nice to have – it’s vital

ADS Laser Cutting Ltd — 30/07/2025

With the UK government aiming to phase out the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2035, the transition to electric vehicles is naturally picking up pace. However, the strength of our charging infrastructure remains an issue.

Current estimates suggest there are now over 80,000[i] charging points across the country. London leads the way in this respect with other key cities including Manchester, Birmingham and Glasgow rapidly catching up. Many of these charging stations, however, are concentrated in supermarket carparks, motorway service areas and other commercial centres. New-build housing developments increasingly feature charging functionality too but the availability of at-home charging for most remains problematic – especially in the absence of a driveway.

Simply, the absence of a viable home charging option makes the switch to electric vehicles impossible for many UK drivers.

This is where kerbside charging may be the missing link – not only in increasing the overall availability of EV charging facilities, but also in increasing fairness and accessibility.

Kerbside charging, where EV charge points are integrated into lamp posts, bollards or dedicated on-street units, is becoming a common feature of many London residential streets but for fairness and accessibility to be truly realised, this needs to be replicated on residential streets the length and breadth of the UK.

To address this, the UK government has launched the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) funding scheme which supports local authorities across England to plan and deliver charging infrastructure for residents without off-street parking.

At ADS Laser Cutting, we’re proud to work with several kerbside charging providers and have witnessed a growing momentum in kerbside charging being rolled out, but for this to fully meet the needs of a growing population of EV drivers, more needs to be done.

Kerbside charging must be prioritised. It doesn’t need to be unsightly or obtrusive and above all, it can no-longer be seen as a ‘nice to have’ – it’s a vital part of the UK’s transition to become an EV driving nation.

Cheaper to drive, but still tricky to charge – the EV dilemma

ADS Laser Cutting Ltd — 21/11/2025

Recent headlines painted an encouraging picture for electric vehicle (EV) owners when they suggested that, thanks to an ongoing price war amongst major charging providers, it’s now cheaper to ‘fill up’ an EV than it is to refuel a petrol or diesel car.

In many respects, this is a welcome milestone in the path to net zero and it’s one that’s been long needed to help make EV ownership more financially accessible.

However, this newfound affordability doesn’t tell the whole story.

These lower prices are largely found at rapid and ultra-rapid charging hubs – the kind you’ll find at motorway services or in supermarket car parks – and whilst these provide a useful resource for those without a private driveway, it goes only partway to delivering equity in EV charging.

The reality is that much of the UK is still underserved when it comes to convenient on-street charging. Kerbside charging – where chargers are integrated into lamp posts, bollards or dedicated street units – remains patchy outside of major cities. For millions of drivers who park on residential streets, this lack of accessible charging makes switching to electric not only inconvenient, but often unfeasible.

If EVs are truly to be a viable alternative for everyone, the infrastructure must support that ambition. That means ensuring the cost savings of EV driving aren’t reserved for those with driveways or proximity to rapid charging hubs. Kerbside charging is the missing link – one that can deliver fairness, accessibility and confidence in the UK’s EV future.

At ADS Laser Cutting, we’re proud to play a part in supporting the UK’s growing EV infrastructure, working with a range of kerbside charging innovators and their manufacturing partners. Progress is being made, but for the UK to fully embrace its electric future, the focus must shift from affordability alone to accessibility too.

After all, what good is cheaper charging if so many drivers still have nowhere convenient to plug

20 years of metalwork mastery – step inside ADS Laser Cutting

ADS Laser Cutting Ltd — 16/05/2025

From a modest 3,000 sq ft workshop in 2005 to a cutting-edge 87,000 sq ft manufacturing hub today, ADS Laser Cutting has evolved over nearly 20 years into one of the UK’s leading metalwork companies. Founded by brothers Duncan and Stephen Keates, alongside their wives Angela and Samantha, ADS has grown through bold decisions, continuous investment, and a commitment to quality.

A journey of growth and resilience – nearly 20 years of progress

Leicester’s rich manufacturing heritage forms the backdrop to ADS Laser Cutting’s remarkable journey. Established on Frog Island in 2005 with a single laser cutter, the company quickly expanded, moving to a 22,500 sq ft facility in Wigston just two years later – a clear signal of their long-term vision.

A defining moment came in 2010, when ADS acquired Altec, evolving from a specialist laser cutting provider into a full-service metalwork powerhouse, adding folding, fabrication, finishing, and assembly to its capabilities. This transformation enabled ADS to deliver a complete manufacturing solution under one roof.

In 2020, ADS took a bold step, relocating to the iconic former Fox’s Glacier Mints site in Leicester – an 87,000 sq ft facility on a seven-acre plot. This move, made during the uncertainty of the pandemic, consolidated operations and significantly increased production capacity. Reflecting on this pivotal moment, Stephen Keates, co-founder and director, said, "We’ve always believed in pushing boundaries. This site gave us the space to keep growing and investing in our people and technology."

Co-founder and director Duncan Keates echoed this sentiment: "It was a risk, but it has paid off. It gave us the flexibility to expand our services and set us on the path to continued growth."

Investing in people and technology

ADS’s success is built on its 100-strong workforce, including skilled fabricators, CAD cam, engineers, CNC operators, welders, engineers, and apprentices. The company launched its own apprenticeship programme 12 years ago and now works in partnership with Leicester College, nurturing the next generation of skilled metalworkers. Many of these apprentices have since progressed into senior roles, reflecting ADS’s commitment to career growth and internal development.

"We invest in people because that’s where the real value lies," said Stephen Keates. "A laser cutter can do amazing things, but it’s the people behind it that make the real difference."

Recent investments include high-precision laser cutters, robotic laser welders, and expanded finishing capabilities, positioning ADS at the forefront of UK manufacturing. This forward-looking approach has allowed the company to take on more complex, high-value projects while maintaining a focus on quality.

"We aim for zero MCRs (manufacturing corrective reports) or NCRs (nonconformance reports)," added Stuart Rowan, sales and marketing director. "That means our quality has to be right first time, every time."

Comprehensive capabilities under one roof

ADS Laser Cutting is more than its name suggests. The journey from raw metal to finished product begins in the cutting department, where powerful 10 kw fibre lasers slice through materials from thin-gauge aluminium to 40mm stainless steel, handling up to six-meter sheets. This precision cutting capability makes ADS a trusted partner for industries as diverse as aerospace, construction, and architectural metalwork.

"It’s not just about cutting metal," said Stuart Rowan. "We add value at every stage, from the moment a raw sheet arrives to the moment a finished, painted, assembled product leaves our factory."

After cutting, components move to the bending and welding areas, where ADS’s 640-tonne, six-meter press brakes and robotic welders handle everything from intricate profiles to heavy-duty structural parts. The recent addition of laser welding has been a game-changer, allowing ADS to achieve precision welds faster and more consistently than traditional methods.

Once parts are cut, formed, and welded, they pass through the finishing department, where they are shot blasted and coated, or polished. ADS offers a wide range of finishing options, from powder coating and wet painting to graining and polishing, ensuring each component leaves the facility ready for immediate installation.

The final stage is assembly, where components come together to form finished products, from intricate architectural brackets to full-scale EV charging posts and 1,000 balconies annually for major construction projects. For projects requiring secure, long-term storage, ADS provides secure CCTV-monitored outdoor space, offering peace of mind to its customers.

See ADS in action – factory tour on 10th July

Curious to see what an 87,000 sq ft metalwork powerhouse looks like up close? Join us for an exclusive factory tour at ADS Laser Cutting on 10th July. Witness cutting-edge lasers in action, explore end-to-end production capabilities, and meet the team driving their success.

As Ilona Pitt, director of Made in Group, puts it, "ADS Laser Cutting is a powerhouse of British manufacturing, offering far more than just laser cutting. It’s companies like ADS that drive innovation and set new standards for the industry, creating opportunities for growth and collaboration within our network."

📅 Factory Tour – ADS Laser Cutting
🗓️ 10th July 2025
📍 Fox's Site, Sunningdale Rd, Leicester LE3 1UE

👉 Book your place: madeinyorkshire.com | madeinthemidlands.com

Don’t miss this chance to connect with fellow manufacturers, share ideas, and see one of the UK’s most comprehensive metalwork facilities in action.

Leicester metalwork firm optimistic for year ahead following continued growth

ADS Laser Cutting Ltd — 23/01/2026

Leicester-based metalwork firm, ADS Laser Cutting, has expressed optimism for the year ahead, following a year of sustained growth, operational expansion and targeted investment in both equipment and its team.

During 2025, when the business celebrated its twentieth anniversary, ADS Laser made several strategic investments to strengthen its overall resilience and support its continued growth as it eyes turnover of £20m by the end of the decade.

To realise this target, in the past 12 months ADS Laser Cutting has delivered a robust programme of investment that has included £20,000 on IT upgrades to enhance digital resilience; £235,000 on new equipment and machinery, to support increased capacity and higher-quality output; and £150,000 in a specialist metalwork manufacturing ERP system to drive further improvements in efficiency, automation and ultimately the customer experience.

Commenting on a successful year, Duncan Keates, joint managing director, said:

“Whilst external economic conditions remain challenging, we’ve recognised the value in continuing to invest in our team, our equipment and in our customer relationships.

“That approach has delivered tangible results. In 2025 we welcomed orders from 120 new clients resulting in new business growth of over 7% – a level we believe is both healthy and sustainable in the current climate.”

Building on this momentum, ADS Laser Cutting has put in place growth plans for 2026 and beyond that include further investment in both staff and equipment.

Outlining the team’s longer-term vision, Duncan Keates concluded:

“While UK economic conditions remain challenging, our ambition hasn’t changed. With clear growth targets to reach by the end of the decade, we’re committed to continued investment – in our team, in smarter systems, stronger processes and in delivering exceptional service to both existing and future customers.”

Leicester metalwork firm says ‘ja’ to Scandinavia

ADS Laser Cutting Ltd — 22/01/2025

Leicester-based metalwork firm, ADS Laser Cutting, has reported a significant upturn over the past three years in contracts to supply Scandinavian headquartered businesses and anticipates this growth trajectory will continue throughout 2025.

As the only single-site metalwork company in the UK able to manage laser cutting, folding, fabrication, finishing and assembly on sheet metal up to six metre all in-house, ADS Laser Cutting secured its first Scandinavian client Blindspace, in February 2023, when the business was looking for a single manufacturing partner for its concealed blind solutions in the UK market.

ADS Laser has since gone on to secure a further three Scandinavian clients all looking for a quality metalwork partner to support their UK subsidiary operations.

Commenting on the growth of its Scandinavian client base, Duncan Keates, joint managing director, said:

“Scandinavians are known and respected for their focus on quality but when they’re growing their businesses overseas, it’s not always feasible to establish local in-house manufacturing capabilities from day one. When coupled with the costs involved in shipping goods from their home markets, this means that partnering with a like-minded and trusted partner in the new territory is a viable option.

“We’ve found that by becoming the UK partner for these Scandinavian businesses, they’re able to save both time and money without compromising on quality. It also provides them with the reassurance that any issues can be efficiently dealt with here in the UK which supports their customer service reputation.”

In addition to Blindspace, ADS Laser also works with a Finnish leader in automation, navigation and control systems for the maritime sector; a Swedish air extraction and filtration specialist; and a Swedish-headquartered global leader in train connection systems.

ADS Laser’s capabilities extend beyond simply delivering on metalwork briefs. By becoming an integral part of their clients’ teams, they quickly become experts in the clients’ products and can offer tailored solutions, as well as storage options.

Blindspace is ADS Laser’s longest standing Scandinavian client, and managing director Anders Sundelin comments:

“As a global leader in solutions to conceal blinds and recess curtain tracks, we have quickly become the go-to choice for architects, designers and contractors at high-value domestic homes and commercial sites. Yet as we grew globally, we needed to address how to effectively deliver these solutions in distinct territories.

“Previously we were using multiple partners but with ADS Laser we could get laser cutting, folding, fabrication and powder coating done under one roof. We appreciate the continuous working dialogue and have a weekly meeting to run through current orders, as well as bi-monthly visits to the ADS Laser factory to further develop our ways of working together.”

Leicester metalwork firm expands to meet demand

ADS Laser Cutting Ltd — 11/12/2024

Leicester metalwork firm, ADS Laser Cutting, which is located at the iconic seven-acre former Fox’s Glacier Mints factory, has unveiled a newly enlarged storage facility increasing its on-site storage capacity for completed products by a third. The expansion has been made to meet increased customer demand, as well as improve the overall customer experience.

Utilising previously redundant land within its main gated site, ADS Laser has remediated the land which boasts full CCTV cameras and floodlights for further security. The total storage area now covers two acres.

Driven by customer needs, the expansion is not only reflective of the growth that ADS Laser has experienced throughout the past year amongst several of its long-standing customers, but also demonstrates the evolving needs of those customers and ADS Lasers’ commitment to them.

Duncan Keates, joint managing director, comments:

“We work with a diverse range of customers on both bespoke, one-off projects, and volume solutions. For smaller bespoke projects, the finished products are often shipped off to the customer on completion. However, we partner closely with several clients that require a long-term delivery strategy and the ability to store products on site supports that in a cost-effective way.

“Anyone with experience of sourcing storage space will appreciate how costly this can be. When we realised just how many of our customers could benefit from us offering on-site storage, it quickly became apparent that we had the solution already there in plain sight. Not only does this space offer an economically sound storage option to our customers, it also mitigates the risk of damage to the finished products by reducing the number of times they’re transported following completion.”

ADS Laser Cutting passes four standards audits and achieves EN 1090 EXC3 certification

ADS Laser Cutting Ltd — 08/07/2026

Leicester-based metalwork manufacturer, ADS Laser Cutting, has successfully completed four independent standards audits within just six weeks, achieving positive outcomes across every assessment.

The four successful audits included:

ISO 9001 – Quality Management
ISO 14001 – Environmental Management
ISO 45001 – Occupational Health & Safety Management
BS EN 1090 – Upgraded to Execution Class 3 (EXC3)

Achieving BS EN 1090 Execution Class 3 (EXC3) marks a significant milestone for ADS Laser Cutting. The upgrade enables the company to manufacture a wider range of structural steelwork for projects requiring higher levels of quality assurance, traceability and compliance, creating new opportunities across a variety of sectors.

Successfully completing all four audits reflects the dedication and commitment of the entire ADS team and reinforces the company’s continued focus on quality, safety, environmental responsibility and continuous improvement.

Commenting on the achievement, Ant Littlejohns, Compliance Manager at ADS Laser Cutting, said:

“The ADS team is dedicated to upholding the standards required by its customers. Continued investment in machinery, software, skills, training and processes is helping to drive the company forward.”

As ADS Laser Cutting continues to invest in its people, facilities and capabilities, these certifications give customers confidence that their projects are being delivered by a manufacturing partner committed to quality, compliance and continuous improvement.

The hidden heroes of EV rollout: UK manufacturers powering the charging network

ADS Laser Cutting Ltd — 20/10/2025

You’ll have noticed that we like to talk about the UK’s adoption of electric vehicles, and how the prioritisation of increased momentum in the roll out of charging infrastructure solutions is vital if the UK is to meet its net-zero targets.

Of course, we have a vested interest in this issue having successfully built relationships with a broad range of EV charging pioneers, as well as their installation supply chain partners.

To make wide-spread EV roll-out a reality, it’s vital that a rapid acceleration of charging options is achieved. Charging points in public areas such as supermarkets is great, but we know that at-home and kerbside charging are what will make the real difference.

And kerbside charging, in particular, is the real game-changer.

We’re proud to have partnered with so many of the leaders in this area, providing bespoke charging mount posts in a variety of forms, but let’s not forget that we’re just one of numerous manufacturers contributing specialist components that makes this vital infrastructure a reality.

Sleek and innovative charging units – whether that’s in the form of lamp post chargers, compact bollards, pop-up units, or recessed pavement gullies – are only the tip of the iceberg. Beneath the surface you’ll find precisely engineered components, often fabricated by UK manufacturers who ensure these systems are safe, durable, and fit for public spaces.

From Easby Electronics supplying a range of components including residual current monitors, relays, power supplies, terminal blocks, EV cables and sockets, to Wilson Power Solutions manufacturing power transformers, and Clever Shield providing highly durable and safe coating solutions, the UK is awash with a hidden ecosystem of hidden heroes making kerbside charging a reality.

Of course, this wide and diverse community of manufacturers bringing all the necessary component parts of kerbside EV charging together, also bring enormous economic benefits to the country too.

But there’s still so much that can be done to accelerate this roll out – not only will it bring the UK closer to its net-zero goals, but in doing so it will provide a significant economic boost too!

So next time you see a charging point on the street, remember that it represents far more than simply an EV plugged in. It’s the result of a collaborative effort – an unsung success story of British manufacturing quietly driving the UK’s journey to a greener future.

Leicester metalwork firm celebrates rise in kerbside EV charging with orders up by 15%

ADS Laser Cutting Ltd — 07/08/2025

Leicester-based metalwork firm, ADS Laser Cutting, has reported a significant rise in orders from companies managing the roll-out of kerbside electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, suggesting that momentum is finally being realised across the country.

The firm has reported an 15% increase in orders in the year to date compared to the same period last year from companies that include Note Haddenham, Celestica and Asteelflash which are amongst those managing the roll out of on-street EV charging points.

Commenting, Sales & Marketing Director at ADS Laser, Stuart Rowan said:

“The lack of kerbside EV charging has long been a major sticking point in the UK’s transition to electric vehicles. However, businesses that include, Connected Kerb, Trojan Energy and Ubitricity have addressed this with their range of innovative kerbside solutions and we’ve been honoured to collaborate with several of these at the R&D stage to ensure the functional durability of the infrastructure to make kerbside charging a feasible option.

“As a result, we’ve become an approved supplier to several of these solutions providers and now receive regular orders from the installers managing the assembly and installation of the kerbside solutions.”

Since first partnering with an EV charging provider in 2021 to prototype single and dual charging mount posts, ADS Laser has gone on to secure multiple orders to supply installers working on kerbside charging rollouts across the country. The firm most recently secured a trio of orders at the start of July worth over £100k with Note Haddenham as part of a roll out programme for a market leader in EV charging.

Stuart continues:

“We believe that this growth in orders for kerbside charging solutions demonstrates that this vital part of the UK’s EV charging landscape is, at last, being recognised and taken seriously.

“However, much more needs to be done to both upgrade the national grid capacity and to drive greater efficiencies in the planning required for these solutions. Nonetheless, based on the growth we’ve witnessed, we’re estimating that orders will continue to increase at pace over the next few years.”

Made in Leicester: Flowmech and ADS Laser driving manufacturing excellence together

ADS Laser Cutting Ltd — 04/06/2025

Flowmech has been a trusted provider of water, wastewater, and pumping solutions since its establishment in Leicester in 1992. As Flowmech’s business has grown, so has its need for a manufacturing partner that can support its evolving needs with efficiency, reliability, and quality.

As a fellow Leicestershire-born company, we understand the importance of supporting local industry with high-quality, reliable manufacturing, so by working with ADS Laser, Flowmech benefits from a true one-stop manufacturing solution.

We provide laser cutting, folding, fabrication, finishing, and assembly all under one roof, eliminating the need for multiple suppliers. This streamlined approach not only simplifies logistics and reduces lead times but also ensures consistency and precision across their entire product range.

Having a single, trusted partner means Flowmech can focus on what they do, delivering high-quality water and pump solutions, while we take care of the manufacturing process. With our ability to scale production, they can confidently meet increasing demand without worrying about delays or supply chain complexities. Our in-house capabilities also allow for greater flexibility, enabling Flowmech to bring new and bespoke solutions to market quickly and efficiently.

The impact of our collaboration is clear. With expertly manufactured components forming the foundation of their products, Flowmech continues to uphold its reputation for reliability and performance. By removing the hassle of coordinating multiple suppliers, we’ve helped them enhance efficiency, maintain quality, and drive business growth.

“At Flowmech, quality and reliability have always been at the heart of everything we do. As our business has grown, it became increasingly important to find a manufacturing partner who could match our pace and our standards. Working with ADS Laser has proven to be a game-changer. Their ability to offer a complete, in-house manufacturing solution has brought a new level of efficiency and consistency to our operations. From initial concept to finished component, the process is seamless—and that allows us to focus on delivering exceptional water and pumping solutions to our clients. We value ADS not just as a supplier, but as a true extension of our team.”

– Ian Craft, Flowmech

We take pride in being more than just a supplier, we’re a partner that adds real value.

Made in the Midlands Tour ADS Laser’s Expanding Factory

ADS Laser Cutting Ltd — 11/07/2025

Members of Made in the Midlands were welcomed to ADS Laser in Leicester this week for an informative tour of one of the UK’s top metalwork manufacturers, and left with fresh insight into how a family firm is scaling with purpose, innovation and a sharp focus on people.

Founded in 2005 by Duncan Keates, his brother Stephen, and their wives, all of whom still play hands-on roles, ADS Laser has grown from a modest 3,000 sq ft fabrication unit into an impressive 87,000 sq ft operation. Located on the former Fox’s Glacier Mints site, the firm now employs over 100 people and delivers end-to-end metalworking services: laser cutting, folding, fabrication, finishing and assembly, all under one roof.

Duncan Keates told members how the business started during a challenging time, with £12,000 of kit and a handful of loyal, local customers. “Fast forward to now,” he said, “and last year we posted £10.5 million turnover. We’re aiming for £11.5 million in 2025, and we believe this site alone can support us to £20 million.”

People: The Heart of Growth

Cutting‑edge kit, including six‑metre lasers and folding machines, is only part of the story. Duncan emphasised that real success boils down to people.

“The biggest challenge and opportunity in the sector now is people… We’ve got amazing kit, but without the right people operating it, it doesn’t matter.”

To tackle the national skills gap, ADS has leaned into apprenticeships and peer support. Recent grads Morna and Sam completed their training with distinction, while Luke scooped Made in the Midlands Apprentice of the Year and later went on to win the national title.

A buddy‑up system, staff referral bonuses and a warm, family‑run approach have helped ADS attract and keep the talent it needs.

Chocolate Pipes… to 2‑Acre Practicality

The Leicester site, once home to Fox’s Mints, was purchased in April 2020. After 10 months of stripping out mint residue, conveyors and old machinery, ADS revealed a modern factory ready for growth. With six‑metre cutting and folding capabilities, 24 welding bays (including robotic options), powder coating, wet spraying and assembly lines, the facility has become a one‑stop shop.

What truly sets it apart is the two‑acre secure storage yard, remediated, CCTV‑monitored, floodlit — built on previously redundant land. This gives ADS the ability to store large volumes of customer products, including bulky, value-dense construction items like modular balconies, entirely on‑site. That’s a game‑changer for customers: no more costly off‑site warehousing, no multiple handling, and more efficient delivery scheduling.

Duncan noted the competitive edge:

“We partner closely with several customers that require a long‑term delivery strategy… this space offers a cost‑effective, secure option and cuts down the risk of damage.”

Sustainable Systems, Smart Investment

Energy innovation is another strong suit. A rooftop array of over 1,050 solar panels delivers around 400 kW, slashing monthly electricity bills from £25,000 to just the low teens. It’s a key part of ADS’s strategy, aligning with ISO 14001 environmental clearance and protecting the business from energy volatility.

ISO 9001 (quality) and ISO 45001 (health & safety) are also in place, reinforcing the credentials ADS brings to larger sectors, including the NHS and aerospace.

One‑Stop Metalwork, Made in the Midlands

ADS Laser positions itself as one of the UK’s largest single‑site metalwork companies. With capabilities stretching from one‑off bespoke projects to production runs of 10,000 units, plus welded and powder‑coated finishes, digital inspection via 3D scanning and robust certifications, it offers a rare all‑under‑one‑roof proposition.

Looking ahead, Duncan says: “We’re not standing still. We’re always asking: how can we be better? What can we do differently? What does the customer need next?”

Sharing Success

The factory tour capped off a valuable visit by Made in the Midlands, part of its mission to help members trade ideas, foster productivity and build a resilient manufacturing cluster. Delegates toured the facility, met the ADS team, and saw why family philosophy, technology investment and a people‑centred approach is driving real growth in the Midlands.

“We’re proud of what we’ve built,” said Duncan. “But there’s always more we can do, and getting together like this is how we all move forward.”