Over the past five years, AE Aerospace has more than doubled productivity and seen a seven-fold increase in sales. Investment in people, plant and machinery has been integral to that growth.
Following its recent move to larger premises at Network Park, Birmingham, AE Aerospace has been ramping up its 5-axis machining capacity, and in the 12 months prior to February 2019, the manufacturer spent £1.25 million on six Mazak machines, including three Variaxis J500/5X 5-axis machines for complex milling and a VCN530 four-axis model to double capacity on larger milled components up to 1.25 m long. The shop floor also benefited from the addition of a VCP400 to help meet a specific export order, while in February the business acquired an Integrex J200 Smooth to increase its 5-axis turn-mill capacity on smaller complex components.
Dean Thomas, engineering manager at AE Aerospace, says: “By being there when we need them, the Mazak team have continued to show a commitment to our business, particularly with the standard of aftercare and service support, which has been outstanding. When there have been machine issues, Mazak have responded quickly, with both service and replacement parts support, to ensure that we have minimal downtime.”
The new machines will not only help the company continue its growth by increasing production output, but will play a pivotal role in delivering its new business model. The long-term ambition at AE Aerospace is to become a ‘glass factory’, giving customers access to a fully serviced model of machining by the hour. Customer-focused cells are already in operation and the new machines will link to AE’s Edgecam system. The CAM software will feed into a new Valuechain DNA ERP system that will give access to live data and allow customers to track their jobs at every stage of the production process.
Alan Mucklow, managing director, UK and Ireland sales and service at Yamazaki Mazak, says: “AE Aerospace is a shining example of a major subcontractor that is willing to invest in state-of-the-art machinery to enhance its production capabilities and competitive position. Aerospace is an extremely demanding sector requiring a combination of speed and precision that only the most advanced machining techniques can deliver. AE Aerospace’s continued commitment to excellence in all of their manufacturing activities is being rewarded by a premium position in the aerospace supply chain, and Mazak is very proud of the close relationship that has developed between the two companies.”
AE Aerospace managing director Peter Bruch adds: “We now operate 21 Mazak machines with an average age of under five years. Investing in new technology is a key component of our business strategy. These new Mazak machines feed into our ongoing business improvement programme, increasing capacity, extending production capabilities and helping take us on the next stage of our journey. We will continue investing in people, plant and machinery.”
