Engineer sees £500k return on investment in new machinery

Investment in new machinery has led to a £500,000 new orders boost for a Lancashire engineering specialist.

Merc Aerospace, based in Barrowford, has seen turnover jump to £4.2m after investing in two state-of-the-art CNC (computer numerical control) machines, replacing five older models, as part of its commitment to lean manufacturing and reducing lead times for customers which include Airbus AgustaWestland, BAE Systems and Bombardier.

Moving to ‘one-hit’ machining will drastically cut down on set-up and programming times, as well as freeing up more than 150 sq m of floorspace for future acquisitions.

“We are focused on offering our clients the lowest total cost of acquisition solution for their precision components,” explained Richard Meade, commercial director at Merc Aerospace, which employs 50 staff.

He added: “Our customers have been so impressed with these new capabilities, that they’ve even placed new product orders with us, building on a £500,000 increase in annual sales for 2018.”

The new kit was supplied by Engineering Technology Group and Mr Meade said: “ETG is a solution provider and engaged with us to explore which machines would help us explore new opportunities.

“It was a seamless transition from order placement to delivery and operator training, with the initial results being extremely impressive.”

Merc purchased two Nakamura WT150II machines from ETG, whose regional sales manager, John Brimblecombe, said: “Nakamura technology has really grown in popularity in the UK, with many sub-contract manufacturers switching on to the outstanding performance and value for money it offers.

Merc Aerospace has more than 40 years’ expertise in serving the aerospace, defence, energy and oil and gas sectors.

Mr Meade said: “We’re not going to stand still, though. The emphasis is on continuous improvement and we have already signed-off further investment.”