Haco, a manufacturer of machinery for processing sheet-metal components, is launching a range of affordable fibre laser cutting machines.

Complementing the company’s existing series of fully automated fibre-laser systems, the move ends a 30-year period of offering CO2 laser cutters. Availability in the UK is via subsidiary and Haco group member, Kingsland Engineering.
The HFL series is aimed at small and medium-sized companies looking to enter the fibre laser era. HFL machines offer a fully enclosed fibre laser cutting system, based on a rigid frame, with low-inertia moving parts to enable high acceleration and increased production output. A dual pallet exchange table further helps to maximise productivity, supported by short cycle times.
Haco’s HFL series offers a choice of fibre power from 2 to 12 kW, Precitech cutting heads and Beckhoff control systems. Cutting table dimensions are offered from 3000 x 1500 mm, to 8000 x 2500 mm.
The application of proven technology ensures a reliable and efficient investment, with performance levels to suit current and future production.
“The new Haco fibre lasers are a testament to our vision in offering innovative and high-quality products with the best price-to-quality ratio,” says Frank Havegeer, CEO of Haco Group.
According to the company, the HFL series is pitched as an ideal stepping stone for companies looking to expand their capabilities with a moderately priced, yet high performance, laser cutting machine.
For further information www.kingsland.com

Coventry-based Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) has been listed at number 57 in the ‘75 Best Companies to Work For in the Midlands – 2020’.

The achievement comes hot on the heels of the Sunday Times ‘100 Best Companies to Work For in 2020’, which listed the MTC at number 77 nationally. Dr Clive Hickman, chief executive at the MTC, says the accolade reflects the efforts taken to make sure the MTC is a great place to work, and that employees are engaged, valued and looked after: “We make great efforts to ensure the MTC is a happy and satisfying place to work, while at the same time challenging our people to fulfil their potential.”
For further information www.the-mtc.org

After a year of high business growth, Ward CNC is ramping up its staff levels with several key additions to the team.

The latest employees are being announced to underpin the current growth trajectory, but also to support the company’s ‘More Than Machines’ philosophy, which is dedicated to further enhancing its commitment to customer service, from initial introduction and application requirements, through to sales, delivery, installation, training, spares, consumables and technical support.
A key appointment sees Ward CNC appoint Richard Hunter Rowe (pictured) as its head of sales operations. Joining the company in January, Rowe is a member of the senior management team and his role is to devise national sales strategies and operational support plans. He will ensure the sales team is positioned to deliver growth objectives and fiscal budgets, as well as shaping future strategic objectives.
For further information www.wardcnc.com

The Yamazaki Mazak Museum of Machine Tools in Minokamo, Japan, is now open to visitors. Displaying machines of the 18th century, right through to the modern age of connectivity and automation, among the highlights is an automatic production line that uses IoT technology to manufacture components.

The museum exhibits portray the status of machine tools as ‘mother machines’ that produce the parts required to keep vital equipment operational in highly important industries such as aerospace, medical and automotive. These educational exhibits include several traditional machine tools in working condition, as well as other objects of interest, such as cars, aircraft and a steam train. Each exhibit has been painstakingly restored in co-operation with manufacturers from all over the world.
For further information www.mazakeu.co.uk

Southern Manufacturing 2020, held at the Farnborough International Exhibition Centre last month, witnessed a 9% increase in attendance to set an all-time record.

A total of 9256 people visited the three-day show. Companies from all over the UK, continental Europe and further afield took part, showcasing a range of industrial products and technologies.
As one of the earliest major exhibitions of the year, Southern Manufacturing provides an interesting weather vane for the mood of UK industry, and particularly so this year, coming hard on the heels of Brexit. The show will return to Farnborough on 9-11 February 2021, and over 70% of stand space has already been reserved.
For further information www.industrysouth.co.uk