Burlescombe-based XYZ Machine Tools (www.xyzmachinetools.com) has appointed Mark Chappell as its mechanical engineering manager.

He has worked in both academia and industry, including 11 years at Renishaw, where he held production engineering and customer training positions; he also managed Renishaw’s subsidiary in India.

Most recently, he worked at the University of Bath on aerospace engineering projects, acting as an interface between the academic and industrial partners in European Regional Development Fund projects and the Government’s industry-backed Sharing in Growth programme.

Mr Chappell’s connection to XYZ goes back almost 20 years to when he worked at Renishaw; and while at the University of Bath, he worked with XYZ on calibration projects.

In his new role, he will be overseeing the development of a range of standard operating procedures for machine build and quality; he will also work closely with machine suppliers to develop products and drive continuous improvement, which will lead to benefits for XYZ customers through ‘cost down’ initiatives.

XYZ managing director Nigel Atherton said: “Mark joins us at an interesting time and will play an important role, as we continue to develop our business and product ranges.

“His experience of project management and engineering will prove extremely valuable and allow us to continue to provide efficient and cost-effective solutions for all of our customers.”