To support this, the company is installing in two new Versatech machining centres, models that are manufactured in Mazak’s Japanese manufacturing facilities. These will be used to precision machine the cast iron beds used on all the company's machine tools manufactured at the Worcester plant.
Versatech machines are multiple-surface, 5-axis double-column machining centres and amongst the largest machines in the Mazak range. They are specifically designed for working with exceptionally large workpieces that require heavy duty machining. They are 10,000 rpm 50-taper heavy duty spindles that can be positioned in both vertical and horizontal positions.
Says Marcus Burton, European group managing director: “This investment is a clear demonstration of Mazak’s confidence in our Worcester manufacturing facility and its dedicated workforce. There is an increasing demand across Europe for the new products that have been introduced and this latest investment is part of Mazak’s continuous investment strategy
“The new machines will significantly improve our capacity for heavy duty precision machining operations in Worcester, specifically the machining of our cast-iron machine beds. We anticipate a significant increase in productivity, due to the machine’s cutting feedrate and spindle speed, which will flow through to other areas of our manufacturing operations.”Mazak’s Worcester site is one of 10 manufacturing facilities that the company has around the world. Opened in 1987 with 62 employees and an initial output of 30 units per month, the 16,000 m2 the facility kicked off making Quick Turn series turning centres and VQC series vertical machining centres. Today it produces more than 1,000 machine tools every year, for both UK and European markets.
