Heller expands capability to support build of new machine tool model

The UK factory is manufacturing the new H series horizontal machining centres, launched in the UK at MACH 2008, and has now expanded its manufacturing in Redditch, West Midlands, to include substantially more sub-assembly work, inspection and testing. A full bay in the factory, which has been extended by 30 per cent to create an area dedicated to H-series manufacture, has been set aside for sub-assembly and testing. The column and spindle, setting station, rotary table, tool magazine, hydraulic tank and energy unit (which controls the hydraulics, pneumatics and lubricant) are all now manufactured in Redditch. Full inspection and test facilities have been installed for each of the sub-assembly areas. “The additional manufacturing facilities are recognition of the success in all respects of the UK operation,” said Geoff Lloyd, managing director of Heller Machine Tools. “We were selected in competition with the other plants around the world, including the parent plant in Nuertingen, for the manufacture for the H-series because we have a very high standard of skill in our people, our training facilities are excellent, our manufacturing processes are recognised as best-practice, and our cost-control is superb. “The overall investment has been substantial – we have added more factory space and supplemented the existing machines and equipment as well as installing new services including an additional service road to handle the increased traffic. The additional sub assembly work is an accolade to the exceptional performance of our people and our plant.” The new manufacturing operations are of such importance that Heller has created a new post, Supervisor for Sub-Assemblies, to ensure the correct performance of the department. Joe Smith, who joined Heller as an apprentice, now takes responsibility for the management of the sub-assembly area and the related inspection and test facilities. The H series of horizontal machining centres is based on a new concept from Heller. It has been developed for maximum productivity, providing excellent cutting performance and machine reliability, combined with ease of operation and ease of maintenance. Highly versatile, the new H series machines are based on a modular concept so are readily tailored to suit the specific needs of individual applications.