News

A Carnoustie metals firm has made the largest investment in its history with the purchase of a new laser cutting machine.

J&P Metal Technologies in Dundee Street has operated in the town for more than 50 years.

It was co-founded by Ron Smith, 78, who still heads the business today.

Far from looking at retirement, Ron is focusing on the future of the company, with the major investment of around £300,000.

The Bodor Laser machine will improve quality and efficiency, which the firm hopes will attract new business.

J&P Metal Technologies provides general engineering, welding, fabrication and sheet metalwork services for a variety of different industries.  It also has a blast cleaning and powder coating division.

During the 1970s and 1980s – when it was owned by Ron and Peter Bolton – it employed up to 27 staff.  It still has a multi-skilled workforce of 14 today.

Headed up by Ron, his daughter Karen is the firm’s office manager, while son Ewan runs its powder coating facility.  Ron’s wife Susan is also a director.

Karen’s partner Jonathon Mullett is a senior design engineer, while son Cameron operates the new laser machine.

Ron said: “A couple of years ago, we thought about the future of the business and what Happens if I wasn’t here.

“I put it to Jon, Karen and Ewan that we had two scenarios – we carry on with the equipment we’ve got knowing it was going to get more and more out of date, or we invest for the future.

“They decided that they wanted to carry on, which has led us to this investment.”

Scottish Enterprise provided a grant of almost £100,000, while the company was able to get a £60,000 low-cost loan from the Michelin Development Fund.

Karen said: “We had to spend a lot more than we originally intended as we had to retrofit the building.

“We’ve had to knock walls down and build others back up.  Work had to be carried out on the roof structure.

“We are passionate about making sure engineering lives on – not just in Carnoustie, but in Scotland.”

Turning 79 in March, Ron still loves engineering challenges.

He said: “If you cut me in the middle, I think you’d find lots of bits of metal.

“It’s what I enjoy.  I wouldn’t be sitting here if I didn’t enjoy the engineering side.

“People say nonsense like ‘I can’t wait until I retire’ but you arrive on this planet and you only have one shot.

“You make the best of it you can.”

Karen added: “My dad is one of the few people these days who lives to work.  He doesn’t work to live.  He’s got oil in his veins instead of blood.”

This article appeared in The Courier on 9 December 2025