The economic rebound from the Covid-19 lockdowns enabled Yamazaki Mazak to record a strong year for machine sales in 2021, including its highest monthly order intake across Europe in its history in October.

“The combination of a rebound in general subcontracting, strong sales in food and packaging, resilient yellow goods and agriculture sectors, and continued strong levels of investment from energy sector customers have all delivered outstanding sales growth,” says Alan Mucklow, managing director of UK sales, Eire and national distributors, who is cautiously optimistic about the year ahead. “The economic situation is not without challenges, but we’re expecting a rebound in aerospace and further growth in turnkey automation solutions to help machine users navigate the skills challenge.”

For further information
www.mazakeu.co.uk

The South West Institute of Technology facility at Truro and Penwith College’s Truro campus has invested £7.2m in a dedicated facility that includes an extensive machine shop equipped with multiple machines from XYZ Machine Tools. Among the 21 XYZ models is everything from manual XYZ 1530VS trainer lathes and XYZ 2000 knee mills with digital readouts, through to ProtoTRAK-controlled mills and lathes, and an XYZ 660 HD vertical machining centre.
Says Andy Foulks, engineering lecturer: “XYZ Machine Tools bent over backwards in terms of the service they provided, from initial quotation through to machine installation and ongoing training and support. They are certainly customer-focussed when it comes to the education sector with nothing being too much trouble. Our students are also welcomed at their factory for visits, additional insights and training on machines. Our role is to ensure that we keep up with industry requirements, hence the investment in CNC machinery.”

For further information www.xyzmachinetools.com

Following the company’s recent period of growth, TW Ward CNC Machinery (Ward CNC) has further enhanced its sales network with the appointment of Fraser Lovatt (pictured right), who joins as regional sales manager for Scotland. Lovatt has over 40 years of engineering expertise, with experience of manufacturing in the oil and gas, aerospace, medical and general engineering sectors.
Ward CNC’s managing director Simon Whitworth says: “Our sales network goes from strength to strength with the addition of Fraser. His appointment is excellent news for our customers in Scotland, where we’ve been privileged to supply many high-quality machines to a number of outstanding organisations over the years. All customers can continue to expect a first-class level of service support and technical back-up.”

For further information www.wardcnc.com

MTI is sad to report that Stuart Pritchard, the company’s former production and design specialist, has passed away. Stuart stepped down from his long-standing role at MTI in mid-2020 after suffering from the degenerative effects of motor neurone disease (MND). He fought bravely against this cruel disease, but sadly lost his battle in December with his partner Louise by his side. MTI will remember Stuart as a friendly, happy, helpful and extremely proficient member of the team. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of spending time in his company. Rest in peace Stuart.

SteelFab 2022 is set to take place on 10-13 January at the Expo Centre Sharjah, UAE. The exhibition caters for manufacturing segments that include machine tools, power tools, welding and cutting equipment, and tube and pipe processing machinery. The 17th edition of the show builds on the last event in 2020, where over 300 exhibitors representing more than 700 brands took their place across 26,000 sq m of floor space.

Some 6500 visitors attended the previous edition of SteelFab from 70 countries. Of the total, 51.7% attended in order to see new products and innovations, while 42.1% were looking to source new suppliers. Complementing the exhibition will be a specialised two-day conference for the steel fabrication industry, focusing on topics such as key learnings from the impact of Covid-19 on supply and demand, and digitalisation trends.

For further information
www.steelfabme.com