UK cutting tool distributor Helix Tool has acquired Floyd Automatic Tooling following the decision of Richard and Chantal Floyd to retire from the business after 35 years. “Over the decades, our offering has expanded exponentially in line with both the technology and the requirements of the marketplace,” says Richard Floyd. “We’ve built partnerships with suppliers and clients that have spanned decades. The staff and management team at Floyd Automatic will undoubtedly take the Floyd brand, relationships, service and product portfolio forward with new vigour – and I wish our new owners every success in the future.”

More information www.floydautomatic.co.uk

Machine tool sales and service agent NCMT has introduced an extended service warranty to
cover the Japanese-built Makino and Okuma machines it sells into the UK and Ireland.
Covered by the warranty are the supply of the manufacturer’s mechanical, electrical and
electronic components, which are replaced according to the machine’s original specification,
and NCMT’s travel and labour costs for carrying out repairs. The maximum amount that can
be claimed is up to the invoice price of the CNC machine, excluding VAT. Customers with an
existing NCMT service contract can also opt to purchase the extended warranty.
More information www.ncmt.co.uk

A 3D printing robot demonstration centre has been opened by Rapid Fusion as the company
aims to build on a 25% increase in revenues. The technology specialist has completed a
£750,000 investment drive that has seen it develop two new additive manufacturing
platforms and build a dedicated facility in Exeter to showcase its solutions.
The 465 m² unit on Skypark will house the firm’s Apollo cell and its latest ZEUS creation,
which combines a 3D printing robot with CNC milling capability – providing customers with a
turnkey solution for larger moulds. In 2024, Rapid Fusion surpassed revenue of £1.7m on its
additive manufacturing platforms, which the firm says was way above expectations.
More information www.rapidfusion.co.uk