AgieCharmilles sales strong in 2010

Commenting on the results AgieCharmilles' managing director, Martin Spencer (pictured), said: "Last year's sales figures equate to 108 machine tools being sold to customers in the UK and Ireland. This clearly represents a significant improvement on 2009, when we, as was the case across the machine tool sector, were hit by the combination of tough economic conditions and declining customer confidence. "During 2010 we not only managed to capitalise on the upturn but really sprinted forwards, and our performance is now very close to what it was in 2008 - if not better." Particularly pleasing for the company has been the strong sales of its advanced machine tools, with its high-end die-sink machines with integrated IQ (Zero Wear) technology, and its HPM (High-Performance) and HSM (High-Speed) 5-axis machining centres equipped with integrated automation being worthy of special mention. Equally important was the company's ability during 2010 to acquire business from new customers. Mr Spencer continued: "Over 30% of machine tool orders were from new customers which demonstrated the appeal of our technologies." The machine tool sales performance in 2010 coupled with an 11% growth in its customer service business over the same period provides a solid foundation, the company says, to grow its business and market share in 2011. In 2011 the company will be launching a range of wire EDM machines (CUT 200/300/400), and a range of 3 and 5-axis HSM LP (high-speed milling) machines, equipped with linear motors, into the market. Other initiatives include development of its Graphite Electrode Manufacturing service and its RESINTECH dielectric exchange service, as well as an Open House in the second quarter.