Press Release

Southam base for advanced manufacturing technology

June 2004

Southam is the base for a new venture that will supply British industry with some of the world’s most advanced manufacturing equipment – and create ten new jobs in the town.

The specially created company, Turning Technologies UK Ltd, has secured the exclusive rights to sell Nakamura-Tome’s world-leading range of computer-controlled lathes in the UK and Ireland. These Japanese-built machines have earned a worldwide reputation for their quality, productivity and sophistication and are widely used in high-technology manufacturing sectors, such as the automotive, aerospace and medical equipment industries.

The Nakamura machines can be easily programmed to combine a multitude of operations in a single machine cycle. This means that even highly complex components can be produced without the need to transfer parts between machines. ‘One-hit’ machining, as it is known, gives companies high levels of productivity combined with the flexibility to quickly change production between different types of component.

Turning Technologies UK has been set up by local entrepreneur, Paul Rhodes, and will be a sister company to Chiron UK which he founded in 1997 to supply high-technology German-built machining centres. Richard Turner, who was previously with Mills Manufacturing Technology, will head the new operation. The new company is expected to achieve an annual turnover of £4 million.

Commenting on the launch, Mr Rhodes, said, “By setting up Turning Technologies as a separate company with a dedicated team of Nakamura-Tome experts, we can complement Chiron’s high-technology machining centres with Nakamura’s world-class turning products without diluting the focus of either company.

“Advanced manufacturing technologies such as these are the key to the future of manufacturing in this country. British companies need to invest in faster, more productive and more flexible machinery if they are going to win business in an increasingly competitive global market. Companies that invest in low-cost, low technology equipment simply play to the strengths of our overseas competitors.”

Mr Rhodes added that the new company will not only help to safeguard jobs in British industry, but it will also be creating new jobs in Southam.

“We know that high technology machines such as these can only be sold as part of a complete engineering solution for the customer. This means that for each machine we sell we also have to provide a high level of project management, development and support work. You can only deliver this level of service with the right team of skilled and experienced people. We are currently looking to recruit around ten people this year, with more new jobs to follow as the company grows,” said Mr Rhodes.

Turning Technologies is a member of the Engineering Technology Group.

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For more information please contact:

Polly Taylor
Turning Technologies
Tel: 01926 818 418
E :ptaylor@turning.biz
www.turning.biz    www.chironuk.co.uk
www.engtechgroup.com

Andy Sandford
Sticklebacks Communications Ltd
Tel: 01737 270 648
Mob: 07971 436 644
E : Andy@sticklebacks.com
www.sticklebacks.com