SUBCONTRACTING NEWS

Healthy Investment Strategy In Action At Oracle Precision

Oracle Precision is investing in three DN Solutions DVF 5000Mk II simultaneous five-axis machining centres with integrated workpiece pallet changers from Mills CNC, increasing capacity and process efficiency for its growing medical device business.

The Rotherham-based precision engineering subcontractor, part of Kaleidex Group since its acquisition in April 2025, manufactures high-accuracy, performance-critical components for regulated sectors. The new machines will be ‘ring-fenced’ for medical device manufacture, including surgical instrumentation and its constituent components.

The machines, all FANUC-controlled, were ordered earlier this year, with confirmation taking place at the MACH 2026 exhibition (pictured). The first was installed in May, with two more scheduled for September and December.

Parts manufactured from stainless steels, polymers and other materials can feature tolerances down to a few microns and demanding surface finishes. Some require more than 20 hours of machining. Oracle Precision’s previous five-axis experience highlighted the benefits of completing complex components in a single set up, reducing cycle times and improving throughput.

“Our ambition to build a world-class medical manufacturing operation can only be achieved by having access to advanced multi-axis machine tools,” says Shaun Palmer, director and co-founder of Oracle Precision. “Achieving 24/7 lights-out unattended operations was, and is, the goal.”

The DVF 5000Mk II machines feature 120-tool magazines, linear scales, laser tool and radio-frequency workpiece probing, 70-bar switchable coolant, and FANUC 31iB5 controls. The first machine has a 15,000 rpm spindle and 28-pallet AWC, while the two subsequent machines will feature 20,000 rpm spindles and eight-pallet AWCs.

Mills CNC is also providing training and process support. “We’re ensuring that nothing gets left to chance,” adds Palmer. “Developing robust machining, inspection and verification processes at the start will stand us in good stead.”

More information www.millscnc.co.uk

Newburgh Names BSM

Newburgh Engineering Co Ltd has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Jonathan Todd as business systems manager, following his return to the employee-owned precision engineering business at its Bradwell headquarters in April. Todd, a former award-winning apprentice at the company, rejoins the Derbyshire manufacturer at an exciting stage in the company’s development. The business is continuing to invest in advanced manufacturing technologies, digital systems, operational excellence and long-term growth after re-adopting its historic Newburgh Engineering name.

More information www.newburgh.co.uk

Somers Forge Celebrates Two Of Its Longest Servers

Somers Forge, a metal forger based in Halesowen has celebrated nearly a century of combined service from two of its longest-serving employees. Machine shop inspector Kevin Woodward has reached 50 years with the firm, while machine shop supervisor Pete Hodgetts has built a career at the forge spanning more than four decades. Woodward and Hodgetts, both 66, followed their families to work in the forge, with both being third-generation employees. They were joined by their families to mark the anniversaries, where they enjoyed a cake baked by a colleague and received a Fortnum & Mason hamper.

More information www.somersforge.com

Automated Cell Produces Medical Parts From Tough Materials

Subcontract machining firm Kirkstall Precision has strengthened its capabilities for the medical sector with two Japanese-built Brother Speedio M200Xd1-5AX five-axis machining centres, automated by a Tezmaksan workpiece loading, unloading and storage system. UK agent Whitehouse Machine Tools installed the cell in two phases.

For seven years, Kirkstall has focused primarily on medical components. It also produces surgical instruments and implants for the veterinary sector. The company is achieving 15-20% year-on-year growth. The first Speedio was installed in stand-alone mode in mid-2025. It was selected for accuracy, versatility and compactness.

“Accuracy in the medical sector is a given,” says managing director Adam Thornton. “Everything has to be completely correct, so we inspect and report all dimensional tolerances. Opting for a top-quality machine tool like the Brother Speedio was an obvious decision for us.”

Approved to ISO 13485, Kirkstall mainly produces low-volume orthopaedic components from challenging materials including stainless steel, hardened stainless steel, titanium and tough alloys. The M200Xd1-5AX is suited to these applications, while its rotary torque table combines five-axis prismatic machining with turning on a single platform. Compared with larger production centres, the Brother reduces cycle times by 20%.

The first machine proved so successful that Kirkstall installed a second in April 2026 and automated both with a Tezmaksan CubeBOX Blues DR. The system incorporates a six-axis robot and five-level drawer storage, enabling lights-out production and increasing output by up to 50%.

RoboCAM software allows operators to convert 2D CAD drawings into robot instructions without specialist programming knowledge, while operators can load fresh material and unload finished parts as the robot tends both machines.

“Whitehouse Machine Tools has been a collaborative partner throughout,” concludes Thornton. “Investing in top-quality brands like the Brother cell really adds to our strategy.”

More information www.wmtcnc.com

Partnership Expands

Rolls-Royce is expanding its partnership with Marand Precision Engineering into a new export venture, supplying naval gas turbine propulsion packages to the Type 26 Global Combat Ship programme. In addition, Rolls-Royce has opened a new regional Defence Headquarters in Canberra, Australia, marking a milestone in the company’s commitment to supporting the Australian Defence Force (ADF), building Australian sovereign industrial capability and expanding its presence in the Pacific Rim. Rolls-Royce engineers are co-located at Marand’s facility in Melbourne.

More information www.rolls-royce.com