THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS

Milestone Test For New VTLs

The first of 11 large, bespoke vertical turning lathes (VTLs) in construction for the proposed
new machining facility of Sheffield Forgemasters, has passed a milestone test ahead of
shipping it to the UK. German machine specialist, Waldrich Siegen, which is designing and
building the machines, has completed assembly and Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) for
the first machine. 
Fully configured for Industry 4.0, the VTL offers digital connectivity, advanced analytics,
automation and advanced manufacturing technologies for complete integration into a
network. Sheffield Forgemasters’ new machine shop will cover 35,000 m² and, with 21 new
heavy-duty machine tools from Waldrich Siegen, the company says it will become the most
advanced facility of its kind in Europe.
More information www.sheffieldforgemasters.com

NCMT Launches Five-Year Warranty

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

£0.5m Investment Drives Expansion

Hartlepool-based ExMesh Engineering is set for significant expansion this year following
investment totalling around £500,000. A specialist in metal fabrication, ExMesh Engineering
will also embark on a recruitment drive later in 2025 as it introduces a range of new services
to meet growing  customer demand. 
Investments include a new laser cutter that can process carbon steel, mild steel, stainless
steel and aluminium, while a new press brake allows ExMesh to handle intricate metal
bending and folding tasks. The company also has a cobot welding system to help support
the company’s clients, which come from sectors such as construction, architecture,
industrial and retail.
More information www.exmeshengineering.com

3D Printing Robot Centre Opens

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

Double acquisition for Helix Tool Company

Helix Tool Company, which was recently backed by NVM, has completed a double
acquisition as it seeks to consolidate the industrial cutting tool distribution market. In
undisclosed transactions, the Leeds-based business has acquired Floyd Automatic Tooling
and Nsert. These purchases are complementary and have been completed in line with
Helix’s organic and M&A led strategy. Following these transactions, Helix remains acquisitive
with adequate funding available to enable further consolidation across the market focussing
on technical-led tooling distributors in the UK.
More information www.helixtools.co.uk