Burlescombe-based XYZ Machine Tools (www.xyzmachinetools.com) has recruited Graham Cherry to the newly created role of premium-product sales manager, where the prime focus for his extensive machine tool sales experience will be on the recently introduced UMC-5X gantry-style five-axis machining centre and other premium products, as they are added to the XYZ range.

Mr Cherry’s background includes 10 years of shopfloor experience (including his apprenticeship), backed up by 29 years in sales — 25 of which were in the machine tool industry.

“My time on the shopfloor, followed by four years in cutting-tool sales gave me the knowledge to make the progression to machine tool sales, where I developed into a specialist selling premium multi-axis high-precision machine tools.”

Mr Cherry will work with XYZ Machine Tools’ existing team of area sales managers to develop sales of the UMC-5X.

A number of these machines have already been installed; and with a good level of enquiries in the pipeline, it is expected that further sales will be announced in the coming weeks.

Managing director Nigel Atherton said: “We are confident that Graham’s expertise in the multi-axis high-technology machine environment will be a major advantage to XYZ and our customers, as we pursue our move into five-axis machine sales with the UMC-5X.

"We recognise that five-axis means a fresh approach to sales, but the combination of our existing sales team and Graham’s experience will deliver the results that we need.”