Mapal UK set to expand production facilities on back of strong demand

The move follows what the company says has been a "hugely successful year in 2011", together with continuing strong demand for its products. In order to continue meeting the requirements of its customers for fast delivery of highly customised cutting tools, and to make provision for anticipated future business growth, Mapal UK has made a large investment in production plant. The company has already purchased additional production machinery, which includes a new, state-of-the-art Vollmer CNC wire-eroding machine with a 12-station automatic loader, which is ideally suited to the production of PCD cutting tools with complex geometries. In addition, the company is seeking to recruit additional operatives with skills in inspection, turning, milling, cutter grinding, and CNC wire erosion. The new staff and equipment will increase Mapal UK's manufacturing capacity by around 25%, providing the company with greater operational flexibility and enabling it to further improve its "already excellent" customer service. The expansion coincides with Wayne Whitehouse taking over from John Claypole as head of the UK operation. Mr Whitehouse, in the position of general manager, has taken over day-to-day responsibilities for running the company. John Claypole, who headed up Mapal's UK operations for more than 18 successful years, will, however, continue in his role as a director of the company, both to ensure a smooth transition to the new management structure, and to assist with the company's on-going projects expansion, particularly in the aerospace sector.