US' ProtoTRAK firm buys XYZ Machine Tools

Southwestern Industries designs and manufactures the ProtoTRAK controls fitted exclusively to XYZ’s manual/CNC lathes and turret/bed mills. “ProtoTRAK is XYZ’s core product and still the best control available for one-off and small batch applications,” says XYZ founder and managing director, Nigel Atherton (pictured). “ProtoTRAK is increasingly important to XYZ and its success has enabled us to introduce machines that appeal across the board, from sub-contractors to major OEMs.” The change of ownership brings with it the additional financial and technical resources necessary to sustain XYZ’s position as the largest supplier by volume of CNC machine tools to the UK market and to extend its presence in Europe, says Mr Atherton. “Our longer-term objectives are both realistic and achievable, and our customers will continue to enjoy the same high standards of service and support. And the change of ownership will not affect existing employees’ roles and responsibilities,” said XYZ’s founder. Rich Leonhard, chairman and president of Southwestern Industries, confirmed that Mr Atherton would continue to head the UK and European operations, with particular emphasis on increasing XYZ’s market share. XYZ is Southwestern Industries’ first acquisition in its 55-year history.