Hertford subcontractor increases turning capacity

These machines increase the number of CNC lathes at its Hertfordshire facility from 18 to 20. The subcontractor's ability to extend its capacity stems from a doubling of floor space at the end of 2010, following expansion into the adjacent unit on the Mead Lane Industrial Estate in Hertford. Until then, two Miyano lathes, 16 Star sliders, automated storage systems and a range of metrology and other equipment filled the shop floor. So every time a new machine came in, one of the older models had to be sold. Managing director Nick Groom explains: "Expansion of our business can now proceed for the rest of the decade unhindered by lack of space, dictated only by demand and the prevailing strength of UK manufacturing. "Last year (2010) proved to be our best ever in terms of turnover, especially the last three months during which business activity was higher than we have ever witnessed since Qualiturn was established in 1973. "In addition to a phased programme of machine tool acquisition, we will be using our extra space to reorganise flow of material and work through the shop, from goods inward to despatch. This will be underpinned by our existing PSL Datatrack production management system and our largely paperless working procedures."