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A Wiltshire-based engineering firm is expanding after investing £600,000 on new equipment.

Calne Engineering, specialists in laser cutting for large-scale infrastructure projects, working with more than 100 contractors and engineering firms, including large blue-chip companies responsible for major national projects.

The business, founded in 1978, has acquired a new sustainable cutting machine, which it says will help to boost productivity, as it targets a 10% growth in turnover this year.

The sheet metal fabricator said its new gear functions using compressed air, rather than stored CO2 and oxygen, meaning it would “significantly bolster” the firm’s environmental credentials.

In addition, Calne Engineering said the machine could help it save £20,000 a year in running costs. The company said the device uses around two-thirds less energy when operating than its previous one, and almost 90% when on standby.

Managing director Mark Board, said: “One of the key reasons for our success over the last four and a half decades is our commitment to investing in cutting-edge machinery.

“It helps us to evolve and provide clients with the best quality products and service. This latest machine will allow us to explore a whole new avenue, by increasing our capacity, adding new services for copper and brass, and cutting our costs and energy usage.”

The company secured a six-figure hire purchase loan with support from Lloyds Bank, in order to purchase its new equipment.