Gewefa record

Independent tool-holding specialist Gewefa UK signed off 2017 with a record order book. “While undoubtedly there has been uncertainty at periods during the year, we look back on 2017 as being very successful for our own-brand tool-holding products, as well as the equipment we represent on behalf of our partners,” explains Gewefa UK managing director Keith Warner.

“In fact, in 2017 Gewefa UK secured an aerospace order for a programme of tool holders that was the largest ever placed with the company.” Gewefa will exhibit at MACH 2018 (9-13 April) on stand 362 in hall H17, and at Southern Manufacturing (6-8 February) on stand P7.
For further information www.gewefa.co.uk

Export order

A recent export order won by Mollart Engineering for a four-spindle Omnisprint deep-hole drilling machine has enabled a bottle-moulding company in Mexico to increase its penetration rates in cast-iron moulds by 500% when drilling cooling holes in a series of bottle moulds.

Such has been the success of the operation, that the customer has ordered a second machine. The series of cooling holes measure between 4 and 9 mm, by 400 mm deep, and feature a straightness tolerance of 0.2 mm. These are now drilled at a feed rate of 600 mm/min.
For further information www.mollart.com

Optimas and Dura Automotive sign LTA

A new long-term agreement (LTA) between vehicle systems manufacturer, Dura Automotive Systems, and Optimas, a global industrial distributor and service provider, has reinforced the further expansion of a growing business partnership.

Both companies are already working together in Europe, but the latest LTA displays new intent between the businesses towards further streamlining Dura Automotive Systems’ component supply chain within this region. Optimas will work with Dura to consolidate the supply chain, specify suitable components and define a clear fastener policy for the business.
For further information www.optimas.com

First cohort graduates from AME

An initiative to develop industry-ready engineers has seen its first cohort of students graduate. The Institute for Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering (AME), a joint collaboration between Coventry University and Unipart Manufacturing, held a special ceremony in the cathedral grounds to mark three years since its launch.

Seven graduates picked up their BEng degrees: Alicia Prior, Daniel Davey, Daryl Eastgate, Daryl Obe, David Mordi, Joe Howe and Nick Hugill. They have all secured employment, five of them for firms in the automotive, motorsport and metals sectors.
For further information www.ame.co.uk

Another record year for Hurco

Sales growth of more than 22% in 2017 compared with the previous 12 months propelled Hurco Europe to another record year and a turnover of £23m. The company sold close to 300 Hurco machining centres and lathes into the UK and Ireland, 38% of which went to first-time users of the company’s machine tools. In addition, under a long-standing agency agreement, the company delivered six German-built Roeders machining centres into the same markets, all but one in five-axis configuration and two with advanced automation.

In parallel with the upturn in business, the number of employees at Hurco Europe has grown to 50, more than a third of whom are service engineers. The number of applications engineers has increased to six, reflecting the level of support that is being provided to the firm’s expanding customer base. One explanation for the company’s growth is a 40% increase in the number of five-axis machining centres sold.
For further information www.hurco.co.uk