It is now 20 years since Chiron Werke UK Ltd was established and sold its first FZ-series machining centre. The company — now based in Southam and trading as the Engineering Technology Group (www.engtechgroup.com) — has since sold many hundreds of its machines into the UK.

Areas where Chiron has made notable developments are its high-speed tool-changing systems (with tool-to-tool exchange times of 0.5sec) and the development of linear-motor-based high-speed axis travels that offer the combination of accuracy, stability and reliability.

Chiron machines are well suited to high-volume applications, automated cells and turn-key installations requiring maximum productivity.

Recalling the first machine sale, Ian Howlet — who is now ETG’s operations commercial director, having joined the fledgling Chiron company as service manager a few months after founder Paul Rhodes established the business — says: “We sold an FZ 28L to Longclose Engineering in Leeds; this was soon followed by an FZ 22W machine bought by Hinckley-based OLD Engineering — the machine is still in use today. Automotive was initially the predominant sector for our Chiron machines, taking 80-90% of sales, but the market has broadened considerably over the years.”

The UK Chiron Werke business was established in Wellesbourne, near Stratford. It later moved to Leamington Spa and finally into its current purpose-built premises in Southam, where the company has its Permanent Trade Show demonstration facility.

Ironically, ETG has returned to its roots in Wellesbourne in the past 18 months, opening its Operations Division in premises adjacent to the former airfield. It is here that the company undertakes machine PDI work and turn-key engineering; its service and spares operations are also located here.