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Ripon gritter manufacturer invests £1.1m in new laser cutter

Tuesday, 15 September 2026 13:49

Econ Engineering's new £1.1m laser cutting machine.

Ripon-based Econ Engineering has invested £1.1m in a new laser cutting machine at its manufacturing headquarters.

The company, which makes gritters, snow ploughs and other specialist highways vehicles, says the Bystronic machine will help it cut materials more quickly and handle a wider range of work in-house.

Specialist engineers have completed its installation and commissioning, and the machine is now fully operational.

Econ’s Quality and Compliance Director Thomas Lupton said:

“This significant £1.1m investment into state-of-the-art laser cutting machinery further enhances our manufacturing capacity and flexibility, supports more complex fabrication requirements and strengthens our ability to respond quickly to evolving customer needs.”

The investment comes as Econ launches a campaign highlighting the people and skills behind UK manufacturing.

Thomas added:

“UK manufacturing does far more than build products.

"It creates skilled jobs, strengthens communities, supports innovation and helps keep essential public services running.”

Econ says 85% of the winter maintenance vehicles supplied to local councils and private contractors come from its North Yorkshire factory.

The company has been established for more than 55 years and also has engineering hubs elsewhere in the UK.

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