SUBCONTRACTING NEWS

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

ActionPlas enters F1 sector and secure future growth

Design and contract manufacturing firm ActionPlas Group has upgraded its quality control department with the purchase of an Altera M 20.12.10 co-ordinate measuring machine (CMM) from LK Metrology. The subcontractor specialises in machining and fabricating mainly plastic, but also metal, components and assemblies for sectors including automotive, food and drink, pharmaceutical, and power generation.

The new CMM supports pre-delivery inspection of high-value, complex machined and additively manufactured parts, including critical components for a Formula 1 team. The project formed part of a £1m investment programme focused on the F1 customer, where increasing component complexity and tight tolerances demanded enhanced inspection capability.

ActionPlas technical director Jonathan Wray says: “Previously we were struggling to measure these components, which feature complex geometry and demanding tolerances, using an ageing CMM from another manufacturer. Components used in F1 race cars must fit correctly first time, as failure at the racetrack is simply not an option.”

He continues: “We need to specify the exact form, orientation and location of features such as bores, aerofoils and wall thicknesses, with typical part-to-CAD tolerances of 10 microns.”

The Altera M 20.12.10 offers a working volume of 2.0 x 1.2 x 1 m and was supplied withRenishaw’s SP25M Scanning Probe Kit 2 for both high-speed scanning and touch probing. The package also included LK CAMIO 2025 R2 software, training and consultancy services.

LK supplied the machine from stock just two weeks after order placement. The CMM is now in daily use across ActionPlas’ R&D, quality control and production departments, helping the company secure increasingly complex and higher-value work.

More information www.lkmetrology.com

New MD for Regent

One of the UK’s longest-standing precision engineering firms, Regent Engineering, has announced a significant leadership transition, as Stuart Whitehouse has been appointed managing director, succeeding long-serving directors Alan and John Shaw. The appointment marks both a continuation of a proud family legacy and the beginning of a new era for the Darlaston-based manufacturer, which has roots stretching back to 1941. Founded by Arthur Shaw, the business has grown from a local toolmaking operation into a respected supplier of pressings, welded assemblies and fabricated products serving UK and European markets.

More information www.regenteng.com

Ficep helps Warrington Fabrications more than double output

Ficep UK has supplied a Valiant CNC drilling line and Tipo D50 to Warrington Fabrications, helping the Cheshire-based steel specialist modernise production and more than double output.

Established over 40 years ago, Warrington Fabrications employs more than 50 people and delivers secondary steelwork and bespoke metalwork for projects ranging from hospitals to large-scale construction. With customers spanning single-beam requirements to major contracts, the company produces everything from staircases to full structural frameworks.

Having worked with Ficep UK for over two decades, Warrington previously relied on older cutting, drilling and punching equipment that had become a constraint on productivity. Seeking to increase throughput, the company turned again to Ficep to identify a future-ready solution.

Rather than a like-for-like replacement, Ficep worked closely with the team to recommend the most suitable systems. Production manager Chris Millington also visited Ficep’s facility in Italy to see the machines in operation, ensuring confidence in the investment.

The Valiant CNC line delivers automated drilling, marking and sawing of structural sections, while the Tipo D50 processes smaller profiles, handling cutting, drilling and scribing tasks. Integrated software improves marking accuracy and reduces manual intervention across the shop floor.

“Our old machines had served us well, but we needed to modernise,” says Millington. “The new systems are faster, require less maintenance and have already transformed our output.”

Installation and training were completed smoothly, enabling rapid adoption. A Ficep tool-vending system has also streamlined consumable management.

With enhanced efficiency and capacity, Warrington Fabrications is well positioned for continued growth, supported by its long-standing partnership with Ficep UK.

More information https://ficepgroup.com/ficep-uk/