A TROWBRIDGE key cutting business has become the first in the area to buy a state-of-the-art key cutting machine.

Power Shoe Repairs and Key Centre in Castle Place splashed out £7,400 on the machine, which is now up and running and ready for action.

Shop owner Bill Ellis, who has been cutting keys with his wife in the town for 34 years, is excited about the future now that the Futura Key Cutting Machine is in place.

The 59-year-old said: “There’s one of these machines in Swindon, two in Bristol and one in Blandford Forum, but none in Trowbridge or the surrounding towns.

“It’s an incredibly high tech piece of equipment and will really give the business a boost.

“It can cut any key from cabinets to cars and the work can all be done in store, so the customer doesn’t have to wait for the key to be sent off and returned, which puts their mind at ease."

The machine was on Mr Ellis’s wish list as soon as he read about it.

“I’ve wanted it for a while but was always wary of the price – my friends said there was no chance I’d ever be able to get my hands on it,” added Mr Ellis.

“But then I went to a key cutting trade show in Bristol and saw that it was on offer.

“I told my wife and to my delight she said to go for it. I felt a little bit sick spending that much money in one go but I’m sure it will be worth it.”

For more information about the machine or the business, call Mr Ellis on 01225 774780.