These latest figures demonstrate the continuing popularity and ‘pulling power’ of Doosan machine tools, backed by Mills’ range of after-sales services. Says Kevin Gilbert, Mills CNC’s managing director: “Clearly we are delighted with the results. Over the last six months, we have launched a number of new Doosan machines into the market. Many of these new machines, like the Doosan DVF 5000 (5-axis machine), the Doosan DNM 4000 (compact 3-axis vertical machining centre), the Doosan V8300M (vertical turning lathe) and the Doosan NHP4000/5000 (high performance horizontal machining centre range), are already making a significant contribution to our sales performance.”
Many new machine models, including the ones above, were exhibited by Mills at the MACH 2018 show in April, where 16 machines were shown on the stand, with sales for 20 machines taken during the weeklong event.
Continues Gilbert: “We had a great MACH and we welcomed over 3,000 visitors onto our stand during the week. The depth and breadth of the Doosan range was clear for all to see on our stand, and to sell 20 machines during the event really was a tremendous result.”
That said, sales of new Doosan machines (in the first Quarter of 2018) were already ‘on the up’ prior to MACH 2018. Since the event, this upward trend has become more marked, which goes to demonstrate the importance of MACH, the momentum it creates and the impact it has on future sales.
Over the last 18 months, Mills CNC reports that there has been a noticeable upturn in demand for its turnkey and process improvement solutions. This trend has continued throughout 2018 and shows no sign of abating.
Continues Gilbert: “Delivering often complex right-first-time turnkey solutions is a hallmark of Mills. More and more customers operating in the aerospace, defence and energy sectors, for example, are approaching Mills to help design and implement solutions that will help improve their productivity, operational efficiency and machining performance.”
While machine tool sales are the headline, the company’s ‘other’ business operations have made a positive contribution. These activities, which include the company’s CNC Training Academy, Mills CNC Finance and Mills CNC Servicing - all experienced steady and profitable growth in the January to June 2018 period.
In the second quarter, CNC Training Academy added ‘new strings to its bow’ and, in addition to its range of FANUC, Heidenhain and Siemens CNC programmer and operator training courses, it now offers spindle and table probing courses and Predator Software (machine tool monitoring and shopfloor control technologies) training.
To maintain momentum throughout the second half of the year and beyond - Mills has its sights set firmly on the future. It is committed to creating positive partnerships with a number of leading UK and Irish academic institutions and research organisations. As well as its continuing work with the AMRC (The Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre) and the Boeing Factory, both in Sheffield, Mills is also actively involved in collaborative projects with the MTC in Coventry and Queen’s University, Belfast.
Later this year, the company will be attending will be attending Seco Tools UK’s October two-day Inspiration through Innovation Manufacturing Best-Practice Event, where it will be showcasing a Doosan NHP 5000 horizontal machining centre undertaking an innovative and challenging ‘real life’ machining demonstration designed by Mills and a number of technical partner companies.
Over the next six months, new Doosan machine tool launches are planned. These include Doosan’s latest mill-turn machine tools - the 6” chuck MX 1600/735 range designed for machining small precision parts in one hit.
Concludes Gilbert: “The first half of 2018 was an extremely busy and successful period for Mills…but there is no room for complacency. The plans and programmes we have put in place for the remainder of the year will, I’m confident, maintain our momentum and drive further growth.”
