UK NEWS

Ficep helps Warrington Fabrications more than double output

Ficep UK has supplied a Valiant CNC drilling line and Tipo D50 to Warrington Fabrications, helping the Cheshire-based steel specialist modernise production and more than double output.

Established over 40 years ago, Warrington Fabrications employs more than 50 people and delivers secondary steelwork and bespoke metalwork for projects ranging from hospitals to large-scale construction. With customers spanning single-beam requirements to major contracts, the company produces everything from staircases to full structural frameworks.

Having worked with Ficep UK for over two decades, Warrington previously relied on older cutting, drilling and punching equipment that had become a constraint on productivity. Seeking to increase throughput, the company turned again to Ficep to identify a future-ready solution.

Rather than a like-for-like replacement, Ficep worked closely with the team to recommend the most suitable systems. Production manager Chris Millington also visited Ficep’s facility in Italy to see the machines in operation, ensuring confidence in the investment.

The Valiant CNC line delivers automated drilling, marking and sawing of structural sections, while the Tipo D50 processes smaller profiles, handling cutting, drilling and scribing tasks. Integrated software improves marking accuracy and reduces manual intervention across the shop floor.

“Our old machines had served us well, but we needed to modernise,” says Millington. “The new systems are faster, require less maintenance and have already transformed our output.”

Installation and training were completed smoothly, enabling rapid adoption. A Ficep tool-vending system has also streamlined consumable management.

With enhanced efficiency and capacity, Warrington Fabrications is well positioned for continued growth, supported by its long-standing partnership with Ficep UK.

More information https://ficepgroup.com/ficep-uk/

Subcontractor invests in first five-axis machining centre

When Andy Battensby and Dale Robson launched North Axis Engineering in Cramlington, Northumberland, their goal was to fill a regional gap for high-precision, quick-turnaround subcontract machining. Targeting the subsea, aerospace and automotive sectors, the company’s rapid growth reflects both ambition and carefully planned investment.

From the outset, the directors prioritised reliable, accurate CNC technology. Drawing on previous experience with Hurco, they equipped the new business in early 2025 with a pre-owned VM10i three-axis machining centre and TM8i CNC lathe. The VM10i delivers high metal removal rates within a compact footprint, while the TM8i provides robust turning capability. Both machines feature Hurco’s Max5 control, enabling fast programming, reduced set-up times and rapid progression to first-off parts.

Rising demand soon prompted expansion. By March 2025, North Axis had added a new VM30i machining centre, complete with an H200 rotary table. Offering larger travels and integrated fourth-axis capability, the machine allows more complex work and efficient second operations. Hurco’s conversational programming ensures this added capability remains easy to use.

Beyond machining, the company offers CADCAM programming, MIG and TIG welding, and fabrication services, all of which strengthen its position as a flexible manufacturing partner.

Its most significant step, however, came with the purchase of a five-axis VM10Ui, confirmed at Hurco’s year-end open house. For a business less than a year old, the move underlines strong confidence and forward planning. As Robson explains: “We already have work requiring simultaneous five-axis machining, and our familiarity with Hurco means we can get up to speed quickly.”

With continued investment and a growing project pipeline, North Axis Engineering is firmly positioned for sustained expansion.

More information www.hurco.co.uk

NCMT supports electric vehicle component manufacturing

As UK automotive manufacturing accelerates towards electrification, suppliers face increasing pressure to deliver high-quality components at scale, with absolute confidence in accuracy and repeatability. This is where the partnership between NCMT and Coventry-based EVTEC is making a tangible impact.

NCMT is supplying a growing fleet of Makino horizontal machining centres to support EVTEC’s expansion, helping to build a scalable and repeatable production platform. As NCMT key accounts manager Greig Underwood explains: “This isn’t just about a single machine, it’s about creating a consistent production line that can scale with demand.”

The collaboration began with three machines from the Makino a-nx series, enabling EVTEC to validate processes before committing to full production. That phased approach proved critical.

EVTEC NPI advisor Bran Antal says: “We needed a partner we could trust to support us from process development through to full-scale production. Starting small allowed us to refine tooling, optimise cycles and build confidence.”

The machining line now supports high-pressure aluminium die-cast components for electric drive units, where tight tolerances are essential. “Any deviation can affect performance,” adds Antal. “Makino’s accuracy and repeatability gave us confidence we could meet these demands consistently.”

The solution combines a range of Makino machines, each matched to specific tasks, from high-speed precision drilling to heavy-duty roughing. Despite their capability, compact machine footprints have enabled efficient shop-floor layouts and smooth material flow.

Beyond the machines themselves, NCMT has provided ongoing support including installation, training and technical assistance. “It’s a genuine partnership,” says Antal. “NCMT has supported us at every stage.”

For both companies, the project reflects a broader trend, as Underwood concludes: “UK automotive is investing in advanced manufacturing capability, and this project shows how that investment is enabling long-term growth in electrification.”

More information www.ncmt.co.uk

Dromafield invests in VMC via machine tool rental scheme

Mills CNC has supplied Dudley-based precision subcontractor Dromafield Engineering with a new DN Solutions fourth-generation DNM 4500 vertical machining centre. Acquired via Mills CNC’s SMART Options rental scheme, the machine was installed to relieve pressure on an older machining centre that had become a potential production bottleneck due to rising demand for high-quality milled parts.

Ben Nightingale, office manager and work scheduling co-ordinator at Dromafield Engineering, says: “It was clear we needed additional milling capacity quickly, as one of our existing machines was struggling to cope with increased workload. This led us to contact Mills CNC.”

Following a visit to Mills CNC’s Technology Campus in Leamington, Dromafield evaluated several options before selecting the DNM 4500. Will Smith, CNC programmer and setter operator, says: “We needed a compact, flexible and high-performance machine. The DNM 4500 offered the right balance for our available space and machining requirements.”

Equipped with a high-torque spindle, 30-tool automatic tool changer and through-spindle coolant, the machine delivers the speed, rigidity and precision required for a wide range of materials and applications.

The SMART Options scheme, which allows manufacturers to rent a machine with flexible end-of-term choices, proved instrumental. “It’s a simple, cost-effective route with no upfront costs,” adds Nightingale.

Shortly after installation, the investment demonstrated its value when a spindle issue temporarily halted production on an older machine. Work was quickly transferred to the DNM 4500, avoiding disruption.

Today, the machine processes small- to medium-batch components for sectors including aerospace, automotive and lifting equipment. With further productivity gains expected from new zero-point clamping systems, Dromafield is well positioned to enhance efficiency and meet growing demand.

More information www.millscnc.co.uk

ALM installs large-capacity 30-taper machining centre

Contract machining firm ALM Engineering Solutions has expanded capacity and advanced its automation strategy following investment in a Japanese-built Brother Speedio W1000Xd2 machining centre. Supplied by Whitehouse Machine Tools, the three-axis machine was installed at the company’s Newton Aycliffe facility at the end of 2025 to enhance flexibility, productivity and lights-out manufacturing.

Established 31 years ago, ALM supplies machined components and assemblies to OEMs across sectors that include medical air filtration, gas generation and entertainment infrastructure. This progressive manufacturing company also produces in-house robotic tooling and assembly-line equipment, as well as architectural hardware.

The investment was driven by capacity constraints, as managing director Tony Thompson explains: “One of the main attractions of the Speedio was the larger bed, overcoming the limitations of our previous 700 mm X-axis machines.”

The 1 m table on the W1000Xd2 has enabled ALM to machine larger parts and increase throughput, while the compact footprint suits the company’s 14,000 sq ft facility.

A key differentiator is ALM’s use of in-house developed collaborative robots, branded ‘Cobots Online’. The Speedio is paired with a mobile cobot, part of a fleet of seven deployed across the shop floor. Designed for rapid set up and relocation, the systems support flexible, unattended operation.

“It’s massive really, giving us 24/7 flexibility,” says Thompson. “We can run machines unattended without weekend overtime.”

The approach has helped boost overall production capacity by nearly 50% over two years without increasing headcount. In addition, the machine’s high-speed performance and ease of use also enabled rapid operator adoption.

Looking ahead, ALM Engineering Solutions is now planning further key investments.

More information www.wmtcnc.com