Demand increase spurs more CNC investment

The continued expansion of a machine equipment maker's facilities reflects a rapidly-growing order book for its range of machine tool collets and sub-contract machining services.

Less than 6 weeks after installing a new Nakamura WT-150 machining centre and CNC grinding equipment at its Birmingham headquarters, Holmes UK has invested a further GBP 200,000 in production plant with the purchase of a second multi-axis turning centre from Warwick-based Mills Manufacturing Technology.

The continued expansion of Holmes' facilities reflects a rapidly-growing order book for the company's range of machine tool collets and sub-contract machining services.

"The new twin spindle, twin turret machines provide a dramatic increase in productivity, enabling us to cut floor-to-floor times by as much as 80 per cent on some jobs," explains managing director, Tim Holmes.

"Their advanced metal-cutting capabilities are backed by the latest 'macro-micro' programming technology.

As a result, we can change over between different sizes within families of components and be back in production in a matter of seconds." Such has been the streamlining of the company's collet manufacturing capabilities that Mr Holmes calculates the first machine will achieve payback in less than 18 months.

"The initial machine tool investment has already proved to be a key factor in enabling us to fulfil demand for our recently-expanded collet ranges," he continues.

"Our second Nakamura machine will not only extend that capability, but make us even more competitive in the cut-throat sub-contract machining arena." Each of the company's turning centres' twin turrets can be equipped with up to 48-tools.

In addition, parts that might previously have required operations on two or three separate machines can now be produced in a single cycle.

The use of automatic bar feed equipment also allows Holmes UK to run both new machines unattended over night - or even 'lights-out' during week-ends and holiday periods.

"Our investment in high productivity manufacturing equipment is central to our on-going success," notes Holmes.

"It provides the vital cost and delivery lead time advantages we need to continue increasing our sales in the face of difficult trading conditions." About Holmes UK - established in 1983, Holmes UK specialises in the repair, maintenance and refurbishment of all Wickman multi-spindle machine tools.

The company's comprehensive service is supported by ex-stock availability of collets, feed fingers and other less popular Wickman spares, along with its own range of standard collets and feeders for manual and CNC machine tools.

Holmes UK also offers a growing portfolio of complementary machining products, as well as a wide variety of sub-contract machining services from its 27,000ft2 premises in Tyseley, Birmingham.

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