XYZ Machine Tools' Open Houses score £1.2 million

In addition, they resulted in the sale of every demonstration machine in XYZ Machine Tools Ltd's Blackburn, Nuneaton, Waltham Abbey and Burlescombe showrooms, where the Open Houses took place. This result has also contributed to what Nigel Atherton, XYZ's managing director, describes as a return to a pre-recession trading performance. By ay of comparison, a year ago a similar series of events resulted in orders for CNC/manual mills and lathes and full-CNC machine tools valued at nearly £700,000. Of this year's performance, Mr Atherton said: "I believe this is due to an improving business climate and a winning combination of quality products available at competitive prices, access to affordable options for financing purchases, and a longstanding commitment to customer service and support." While not immune to the effects of the recent downturn, XYZ has continued to invest in new products such as large oil country lathes and enhancements such as the new Siemens Sinumerik 828D CNC, while maintaining its sales, training and service capabilities at pre-downturn levels. Although ProtoTRAK CNC/manual mills and ProTURN CNC/manual lathes equipped exclusively with the latest-generation ProtoTRAK controls continue to be a popular choice, especially for customers taking their first steps into CNC machining, XYZ's annual Open House events have contributed to a broader picture. Whether it is a compact VMC or a 20 hp/12,000 rpm high speed VMC, a 45 hp/3,300 rpm turning centre with driven tooling or a 24 hp/8,000 rpm CNC bridge mill, the Devon-based company has continued to extend its full-CNC machine portfolio, most recently with the introduction of a 410 mm spindle bore oil country lathe. Available ex-stock as a 3 m distance between centres machine (options range from 1.5 m to 16 m), the 85 hp XYZ Oil Country lathe features the easy-to-program Siemens 840D conversational ShopTurn control and a massive one-piece 544 mm-wide bed with induction hardened and ground slideways.