One of the UK’s leading precision machining specialists, Muller Redditch, is aiming to free-up capacity for new work with its fourth CNC machine in two years.
Muller Holdings, which employs 130 people across its four sites in the West Midlands and South Wales, purchased the Nakumura NTY3-150 CNC machine from the Engineering Technology Group (ETG) to help it meet increases in automotive work and free-up capacity for additional work.
The company will reportedly use the three turret, twin spindle machine with three-metre magazine bar feed to reduce the cycle time of a new suspension part by 30% – 40%, after engineers at its Redditch site developed the process within one week of the CNC machine being installed and training being completed.
Adam Cunningham, managing director of Muller Redditch,” explained This is the fourth Nakamura we have purchased from the Engineering Technology Group, equating to over £1m of investment in the latest CNC technology to help us continue to supply our global customer base with precision parts.”
“All of the machines have been very reliable and offer excellent cutting performance. The latest one has three turrets and twin spindles that allow us to overlap a number of secondary ops, making the overall process quicker. This approach has now been adopted for other parts and is proving very successful in helping us win new business both at home and abroad.”
Muller Holdings specialises in CNC milling, turning, multi-spindle and CNC/Conventional escomatic manufacturing services, with its components ending up in leading automotive vehicles, dental products and appliances that keep homes and factories warm.
Sustained growth
Last year, Muller Holdings celebrated its 90th anniversary in style with a string of new contracts, 15 new jobs and an ambitious goal of reaching £16m turnover.
It has recently secured the prestigious IATF 16949 quality accreditation, putting it in a strong position to not only retain existing automotive work, but also explore additional contracts, starting with £300,000 of new orders with Wabco and THK Germany.
The business is part of the Midlands Assembly Network (MAN), a unique collective of eight sub-contract manufacturers and an engineering design agency.
All nine members have experienced growth over the past 12 months, benefitting from shared best practice, purchasing power and working together to target new work.
The expansion now means that MAN employs a 1,000-strong combined workforce across 15 factories and boasts an order book that is fast-approaching £90m – with 40% of that turnover exported to markets around the world.
The Manufacturer’s Jonny Williamson recently sat down with members of the Midlands Assembly Network, including Muller Holdings’ Adam Cunningham, to discuss the current manufacturing landscape.
The resulting conversation touched on many of the challenges and opportunities facing businesses the length and breadth of the nation, including:
- If the UK is to play to its strengths, what exactly are they?
- What are the obstacles UK manufacturers have to overcome?
- How well is government supporting UK industry?
- How are UK manufacturers embracing digital technology?
- What are UK manufacturers views on automation?
