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In 2020, Sheet Metal Solutions (SMS) identified a critical need to boost capacity, shorten lead times, and broaden material capabilities to remain competitive in the fast-moving sheet metal industry. The decision to invest in the TRUMPF TruLaser 5040 fiber was a strategic move designed to future-proof the business, strengthen client relationships, and open doors to new opportunities.
Five years on, the results speak for themselves: SMS has increased output, reduced reliance on overtime, expanded into new markets, and reinforced its position as a trusted Australian manufacturer. This case study reflects back to 2020 and the investment decision and its measurable impact on SMS’s long-term success.
About Sheet Metal Solutions: Based in Riverstone, NSW, Sheet Metal Solutions (SMS) has evolved from a small local operation into a comprehensive sheet metal manufacturer, capable of supporting a diverse range of industries. Founded in 2007 by Grant Williams, who brought more than 35 years of industry experience, SMS has built its reputation on delivering precision, reliability, and value.
What began in a backyard shed has evolved into a fully equipped facility, offering competitive pricing and a complete range of services, from laser cutting and CNC bending through to fabrication, rolling, and finishing. Today, SMS continues to serve a diverse customer base with the same commitment to quality and customer service that shaped its beginnings. More about SMS
When Luke Williams joined SMS in 2010, the company had just invested in its first TRUMPF laser. Over the years, Luke has become the driving force behind SMS’s laser programming and production scheduling, ensuring the business operates at peak efficiency.
In 2020, SMS took a major step forward by installing the TRUMPF TruLaser 5040 fiber (L76). At the time, the company was struggling with capacity, long hours of overtime, and the need to process thicker aluminium and a broader variety of materials.
Luke, Production Manager at SMS recalls:
“The decision to upgrade wasn’t about chasing technology for technology’s sake; it was about staying competitive, delivering faster, and keeping up with customer demand.”
The investment was also a commitment to the future of Australian manufacturing at a time when the pandemic had put supply chains under pressure and highlighted the need for more local production.
Since installing the TruLaser 5040 Fibre, SMS has seen significant improvements:
Luke says the investment has paid for itself many times over:
“That machine changed the way we operate. It gave us the flexibility and speed we needed, but more importantly, it allowed us to say ‘yes’ to jobs we couldn’t have taken on before.”
The additional capacity has also allowed SMS to broaden its focus. While the business still supports agriculture, construction, and transport, it has taken steps toward defence and medical manufacturing, two industries with growing demand for high-quality, precision sheet metal components.
Choosing TRUMPF was straightforward for SMS. Having already worked with TRUMPF lasers for over a decade, the team trusted both the machines and the support.
Luke reflects:
“We knew the TRUMPF build quality, and we knew the Headland service team had our back. They respond quickly, they know the machines inside out, and they help us keep running without interruption. That confidence was a huge factor.”
Five years on, Luke remains optimistic about the trajectory of Australian manufacturing.
“We’re still seeing work return onshore. Customers value local production for speed, quality, and reliability. For us, staying competitive comes down to one thing; keeping up with technology. That’s how Australian manufacturers will thrive in the long run.”
The answer often comes down to workload pressure, customer demand, and the need to stay competitive in a market where technology moves fast. That’s where our sheet metal experts can help, guiding you through the options and ensuring you invest in the right solution for your business now and into the future.
Whether you’re after a machine, spare part, power tool, or need to book a service call Headland will help you find the right solution in a timely manner.
Fill out the form below and the relevant expert will be in touch with you shortly.
