Earlier this month, Market Bosworth-based JJ Churchill (www.jjchurchill.com) added two more special Makino five-axis machines to a cell that now comprises four Viper grinding centres (these are specially adapted machining centres that combine creep-feed grinding with milling, drilling and turning in a true multi-processing environment designed to reduce the number of separate operations and overall set-up times).

Moreover, they have been positioned so that they can be automated at a later date — and accommodate three more of these machines as demands on throughput increase.

The robotic loading of these machines will be key to JJ Churchill maintaining its global competitiveness.

These latest machines, purchased from NCMT Ltd www.ncmt.co.uk), Makino's UK agent, complete a £2.3 million investment in new technology, people and systems to meet new orders for complex precision components in advanced nickel-based alloys and single-crystal items.

The company’s aerospace sales have increased by more than 60% in the past year, and they now comprise two thirds of its total sales.

Managing director Andrew Churchill said: “The work we are most interested in carrying out is always a challenge, and often one that our customers have found it difficult to undertake.

“We like to push the boundaries with the grinding, milling and turning of parts made from difficult-to-machine materials and featuring challenging geometries and dimensions.

“That is why we have reorganised our factory around the Makino cell, in order to constantly meet the high expectations our customers have.”