Adi Group appointment

Engineering solutions specialist, Adi Group, has appointed Steve Appleton as group growth director. Appleton brings more than 25 years of experience in sales and business restructuring. In his new role, he will focus on strengthening collaboration across Adi Group’s specialist divisions to deliver more integrated engineering solutions for clients. Beginning his career at Ford Motor Company, Appleton’s experience includes roles across highly regulated sectors such as life sciences, healthcare, petrochemical, government, education, transport and retail.

More information https://adiltd.co.uk/

Subcon: The manufacturing solutions show

Subcon, the UK’s leading event for subcontract manufacturing and supply chain solutions, is taking place this week (3-4 June) at the NEC in Birmingham. Whether exploring new manufacturing partners, looking for ways to streamline supply chains, or aiming to reduce costs, this is the place to connect and discover ideas that can make a real difference.

The show offers the opportunity to connect with 200+ leading UK and international suppliers, all in one place. Visitors can also: take part in ‘Skills Sprint’ workshops packed with practical tools ready for immediate application; gain fresh insights through CPD-accredited talks delivered by industry leaders from Airbus, Bentley Motors, Rolls-Royce, Make UK and more; and follow tailored visitor trails designed around key sectors.

More information www.subconshow.co.uk

Orders roll in for Star’s CNC sliding-head lathes

Star took several orders for sliding-head lathes on its stand at the recent MACH 2026 exhibition in Birmingham. Three orders, in particular, stood out.

Metal Assemblies Ltd, a tier-two manufacturer delivering precision-engineered metal pressings and assemblies, reinforced its machinery upgrade strategy with an order for two new SR-32JIII Type B sliding-head lathes. The investment replaces a pair of older SR models, each having delivered nearly 15 years of reliable service. The order was finalised between Iain Collis and Nigel Mason of Metal Assemblies and Star’s new Midlands area sales manager, Sam Ayres (pictured).

Featuring the latest Star technology – including Step Cycle Pro chip-breaking software – alongside enhancements in rigidity, swarf management and operator ergonomics, the new machines will support increased productivity, expanded capacity and greater operational efficiency.

Also placing an order at MACH was All British Precision, a subcontract supplier of precision machined components based in Derbyshire, which strengthened its long-term machinery investment strategy with the purchase of a new ST-38 sliding-head lathe. The order marks a significant milestone as it replaces the company’s very first ST-38 machine after 15 years of reliable service. Notably, the investment demonstrates All British Precision’s continued commitment to upgrading its production capabilities.

Hervé Engineering, a Southend-based manufacturer of precision CNC machined components for a wide range of industries and applications, was among further companies to place an order on the Star stand. The company is expanding its sliding-head production capacity with the order of a new SR-38 Type B. Complementing the company’s upcoming relocation to a larger facility, the latest investment will be the company’s highest capacity sliding-head lathe to date, increasing productivity and opening up new business opportunities.

More information https://stargb.com/

Middlesex Aerospace soars to new heights with Mazak

Middlesex Aerospace has made a significant investment in its multi-tasking machining capabilities following the installation of a Yamazaki Mazak INTEGREX i-250H.

Established in Middlesex in 1945 and now based in Hampshire, the organisation is a tier-one supplier of critical components and assemblies to aerospace OEMs all around the world. It employs more than 100 people and has established itself in the production of Class 1 safety-critical parts and assemblies used in landing gear, actuation systems and helicopter transmissions.

By investing in an INTEGREX i-250H multi-tasking turn-mill centre, Middlesex Aerospace aims to boost production capacity for its existing customers, both in the UK and overseas.

“With demand surging for complex, small components across the aerospace sector, we knew we had to enhance our capabilities in this area,” explains chief executive Laurence Foulds. “As this was our first new Mazak machine investment in six years, it was important we upgraded to a machine capable of meeting customer requirements. Considering we’ve worked with Mazak as our principal machinery partner for more than 25 years, it was only natural we chose the INTEGREX i-250H as the latest addition to our factory floor.”

The INTEGREX i-250H is the high-speed, high-torque option from Mazak’s flagship range. It features an eight-inch chuck and is equipped with a 5000 rpm, 22kW main spindle and 12,000 rpm milling spindle.

“Thanks to the precision of its multiple cutting processes, the INTEGREX i-250H will play a critical role in our high-mix, low-volume production of complex components for the aerospace industry,” adds Foulds. “We expect to follow this with further investments in larger Mazak machines over the coming years, as manufacturing demands within the sector continue to grow.”

More information www.mazak.com/uk-en

Greenfields energises Brandauer’s expansion plan

Securing a cost-effective energy agreement has helped one of Birmingham’s oldest-established manufacturers reinvest in delivering precision components for the automotive, construction, electrification and medical sectors. Metal stamping specialist Brandauer has tapped into expert advice from Greenfields Energy to move to a fixed contract on electricity and a cheaper agreement for gas that has generated over £50,000 in savings.

The savings have immediately been channelled into an automated assembly line and enhancing Brandauer’s wire EDM capability. Liam Conway, co-founder of Greenfields Energy Group, says: “Brandauer can now plan for expansion with real certainty that there will be no nasty energy surprises, investing more in technology and recruiting the next generation of precision engineers.”

More information www.greenfieldsenergygroup.co.uk