Greenfields hits £1m revenue mark

A fast-growing UK energy management consultancy for manufacturers has reached the milestone revenue figure of £1m, just 18 months after launching. Greenfields Energy Group is six months ahead of the schedule set by founders Liam Conway and Rich Clark after winning a string of new clients from the manufacturing sector. “Just 18 months after launching and we’re looking after £130m of utilities spend, which shows the faith our clients have in us,” says Conway. “With the plans we’ve got in place and the recruitment of another two people, I think we could easily grow by a further 50% by the end of 2025.”

More information www.greenfieldsenergygroup.co.uk

Filtermist MD targets more opportunities

A UK manufacturer of LEV extraction systems has made a high-profile appointment to help it target new opportunities at home and overseas. Filtermist, which has been helping companies deliver cleaner, safer and more productive working environments since 1969, has welcomed René Joppi as its new managing director. “We currently deliver our technology in more than 60 countries across the globe, and there’s strong potential to increase this number, moving our expertise into potential new territories and new applications,” he says.

More information www.filtermist.co.uk

Bandsaw basics: vertical versus horizontal

When it comes to metal cutting, choosing the right bandsaw configuration (vertical or horizontal) can significantly impact efficiency and precision in workshop operations, as Addison Saws points out in this blog.

Vertical bandsaws offer excellent control for intricate cuts, including the creation of curves. Users can also tilt the table for greater manoeuvrability in bevel cuts. Applications include sheet, plate, tube, solids and castings, providing the ability to cut metal, wood and plastic.

Vertical bandsaws excel in applications that demand finesse and accuracy. They are commonly used in workshops where customized and detailed work is a priority, such as in crafting prototypes or intricate components.

Horizontal bandsaws are designed for more robust cutting-to-length tasks. They cut through thicker materials quickly and with less manual effort, especially automatic or CNC models.

Horizontal bandsaws produce straight and mitre angle cuts on large pieces of material. They are a staple in industrial settings where speed and volume are critical, such as in metal fabrication shops and steel stockholders.

When deciding between a vertical and horizontal bandsaw, consider the nature of current and any potential future work. For detailed, intricate cuts, a vertical bandsaw is the best choice. Generally, the operator is in control of the motion of material through the blade, either freehand or with an adjustable guide. For straight, set mitred, or high-volume cuts, opt for a horizontal bandsaw. Its efficiency and consistency are better for repetitive tasks involving large materials.

Selecting the right bandsaw is crucial for optimising manufacturing processes. Whether a user needs the wide ranging flexibility of a vertical bandsaw or the power of a horizontal production machine, understanding their individual features will provide a steer to the right investment.

More information www.addisonsaws.co.uk

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