ALMOST 20 years of experience working with sheet metal has formed the inspiration for a new manufacturing business in Pocklington.

Charles Corner, who owns sheet metalwork manufacturer Malton Laser has utilised nearly two decades of industry knowledge and experience to set up Fresh Metal - a new firm manufacturing design-led metal products.

Operating from a 6,000 sq. ft. unit in Pocklington, Mr Corner will work closely with his operations manager to manufacture a diverse range of premium, upmarket metal products.

Fresh Metal will combine Mr Corner’s experience in fabricating a host of different metals with his passion for engineering innovative products to offer a number of bespoke metal items to a variety of markets.

The first product range by Fresh Metal is currently in development and is being designed specifically for architects and interior designers.

Speaking about the new venture, Mr Corner said: “Having spearheaded a successful metal fabrication business for almost 20 years, I have built-up extensive experience working in the metal industry.

“Utilising these skills and familiarity in working with different metals, I’ve set up Fresh Metal with the ambition of offering a host of industry-leading items that are not only functional, but stylish too.

“Thanks to the use of revolutionary metal fabrication equipment, Fresh Metal will provide an efficient, precise service to wide ranging target audiences and markets.”

As well as heading-up Malton Laser, Mr Corner has also recently completed the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Training Programme, which has armed him with the tools needed to assist in driving Fresh Metal forward, offering some of the finest metal products available.

Mr Corner, who won the Business Personality of the Year title at the 2017 Press Business Awards, established Malton Laser in 2000 after identifying a gap in the market for using lasers for sheet metal work.

Malton Laser specialises in providing a full sheet metalwork service, from laser cutting and pressing to fabricating, powder coating and assembly.

It has has achieved many high- profile contract wins, the first of which was to manufacture the giant letter ‘Ms’, which were installed in Manchester to celebrate the millennium.

Last year the firm became one of the first businesses in the UK to be certified under a new international standard.

Malton Laser, based in Showfield Lane, said that achieving the ISO standard 9001:2015, will help its business grow. The scheme is an international business standard designed with the purpose of making trade easier between countries.