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.

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