UK NEWS

Towering success for UK manufacturer

Hackbridge-based Monument Tools specialises in supplying the plumbing and roofing industries with the tools its needs to complete the job.

As all of its products are developed in-house, the company’s toolroom plays an important role in business success. Here, Monument requires the ability to efficiently create small batch quantities and be able to change designs quickly, hence the company’s willingness to invest in machine tools.
Monument’s most recent toolroom investment is an XYZ CT65LTY turning centre. The Siemens 828D ShopTurn conversational control, 70 mm of Y-axis travel and 400 mm swing, make for a highly versatile machine. Other standard equipment includes a 200 mm hydraulic chuck, 12-station VDI turret with live tooling capability, Renishaw tool setting/probing, swarf conveyor and fully programmable tailstock.
“We needed a machine that could produce parts in a single hit to reduce development time and labour costs,” says chairman John Collier. “The simplicity of the control on the XYZ, and our use of offline programming, means we can quickly produce batches of 10-off prototypes and confirm the design is suitable for our customers’ needs, as well as ensuring it is production ready for batches that are sometimes in excess of 1000-off. The one-hit capability of the XYZ CT65LTY generates much greater efficiency within the toolroom.”
Having installed the XYZ CT65LTY, an additional bonus arrived when a company local to Monument Tools heard about the investment. “We only took delivery of the machine in June, but word soon spread and we were approached to see if we would be interested in taking on some subcontract work for complex parts with tapers on the external and internal surfaces,” explains a pleased Jon Norton, engineering manager at Monument Tools.
For further information www.xyzmachinetools.com

Dowty takes off

Dowty Propellers, a manufacturer of aircraft propeller systems for both civil and military applications, has broken ground on its new manufacturing facility at Gloucester Business Park.

The facility in Hucclecote includes manufacturing space and office accommodation. Dowty says that the factory will be its new business headquarters, as well as the production and repair facility for employees who are currently working out of interim facilities in the Gloucestershire area.
For further information http://dowty.com/

Princess Royal Training Award

Jane Gilham and Warren Page, head of human resources and apprentice manager at transmission technology specialist Xtrac, were invited to attend a prize-giving award ceremony at St James’s Palace recently, following the announcement in August that the company had attained the Princess Royal Training Awards standard.

Page stepped up to receive the award from The Princess Royal. Each of the 90 applications was assessed against three Hallmarks of Excellence by the Awards Commission, which includes The Princess Royal and seven leading figures from the business and training community.
For further information www.xtrac.com

Order intake surpasses £53m mark

In the UK, Trumpf has recorded an order intake of £53.3 million in 2017/18, with a preliminary operating profit of £951,239.

“We continued to see a high number of new customers in the past 12 months, while existing customers purchased more complex solutions with several taking their first steps into the digital revolution of machine tools,” explains managing director Lee Moakes.
“Trumpf is now providing its most comprehensive package ever to ensure customers get the best return on their investment,” he adds. “Moreover, we continue to grow our support team, increasing technical service capacity by more than 10% this year. As a result, we will be prepared for the further growth of Trumpf and its customers.” With the current order intake and the forecasted outlook into 2019, recruitment at the company is set to continue.
For further information www.uk.trumpf.com

Latest Chester catalogue now available

Chester Machine Tools has published a new 340-page catalogue containing a wide selection of CNC machining centres and lathes, including new high-performance models and an increased range of conventional machines. The publication also includes a comprehensive tooling and accessories section.

With over 50 new products available, Chester has expanded its product portfolio to provide machine-tool solutions that meet the demands of modern industrial, manufacturing and educational establishments seeking the latest in machining technology. A copy of the 26th edition of Chester Machine Tools Industrial Catalogue can be requested by visiting the website. The catalogue is also available as an Android App for download via Google Play.
For further information www.chestermachinetools.com