MGTS: Expanding TIG Welding Capacity for a National Training Provider

MGTS (Midland Group Training Services) needed reliable, top-spec TIG welding equipment for its Coventry and Redditch apprenticeship centres, within a defined budget. Westermans supplied eight Fronius TIG systems at a significant cost saving over new.

TIG weldingTraining/EducationFronius

MGTS is a National Centre of Excellence for engineering apprenticeships, delivering training across sites in Coventry and Redditch for young people and adults. With demand for skilled welders growing and government qualification standards evolving, MGTS needed additional TIG welding capacity to a high specification, without exceeding a fixed training budget.

Westermans Recommendation

After discussing MGTS's training requirements, budget and the standard their apprentices needed to work to, Westermans recommended eight Fronius Magicwave 3000 AC/DC TIG welding systems, supplied complete with water cooling and foot control. The units were selected for their robust design, full digital control and a stable, virtually soundless arc; qualities well suited to repeated use across a busy training environment.

By sourcing used equipment through its worldwide network and refurbishing it in-house, Westermans was able to supply top-specification units at a fraction of the cost of buying new.

“For someone who is new to welding, the training can take over three years to reach the high standard necessary to work on a project as challenging as, for example, a nuclear facility, so the services provided by MGTS clearly play an important role. The units provided offer full digital control and supply a virtually soundless, stable arc in operation.” - Craig Westerman, Sales Director at Westermans

Equipment Supplied

8 x Fronius Magicwave 3000 AC/DC TIG welding systems
Integrated water-cooling units
Foot controls
Refurbishment and equipment matched to budget and training requirements

The Outcome

MGTS gained near-new spec TIG welding equipment for its apprenticeship programmes at an estimated 66% saving against new, meeting the full operational needs of both training centres while keeping spend within a predefined budget.

8 — Fronius TIG welding units supplied	66% — Estimated saving vs new equipment
10 — Years of ongoing relationship with Westermans	2 — Training centres equipped (Coventry & Redditch)

"The equipment provided by Westermans represents excellent value for money, particularly as we have been able to purchase top specification welding units which are effectively as good as new" - Neil Russell, MGTS Centre Lead, Coventry

Why this Setup Worked

The equipment was matched to MGTS's real training needs rather than headline specifications alone, factoring in budget, reliability, ease of use for trainees, and the durability needed for prolonged apprentice use. Westermans' long-standing relationship with MGTS (dating back around ten years) also meant the team already understood the centre's requirements and standards.

“The service that is has provided is first class, particularly as Westermans has focussed on meeting our specific requirements within predefined budgets.” - Neil Russell

Watch: Machines Supplied to MGTS

A walk through the actual machines supplied to Midland Group Training Services before they were packed and delivered to site.

Project Gallery

MGTS students using their welding equipment from westermans

fronius tig welding machines supplied to mgts by westermans