A BUSINESSMAN with more than two decades of experience in the laser cutting industry has invested £170,000 in setting up his first base.

Rob Smedley's RJS Laser Ltd now has a permanent home on Aycliffe Business Park after 17 years on the road repairing, servicing, relocating and providing training on the devices.

The family-run firm specialises in the service and repair of Trumpf laser equipment and has now invested in two Trumpf laser machines with steel-cutting capability up to 25mm in mild steel, 20mm stainless steel and 12mm aluminium.

Mr Smedley, of Newton Aycliffe, said: "We have 20 years' experience working in this sector and provide a friendly, efficient service from developing small projects, supplying spare parts, servicing and repairing all types of Trumpf laser machines."

Formed in 2004, RJS Laser Ltd has taken on production manager Lee Suddes, who has also got more than 20 years of metal fabrication experience, to help run the facility.

Also imvolved in the business is Mr Smedley's partner, Julie Fletcher, his son Jamie Smedley and Ms Fletcher's brother, Bob Fletcher

It is now fully operational at its Whinfield Drive base and is taking orders.

For more information call 01325-320864 or email sales@rjslaserltd.co.uk