Mills CNC, the Leamington Spa-based exclusive distributor of Doosan machine tools in the UK and Ireland (
www.millscnc.co.uk), has reported impressive sales results for 2017, thanks to new machine tool introductions, a well-attended Open House, a significant increase in demand for large-capacity Doosan machines and ‘best in class’ turn-key solutions.
Managing director Kevin Gilbert said that the company ended 2016 on a real high, “bolstered by a better than expected sales performance in quarters three and four.
“We haven’t looked back since and have maintained that momentum right through 2017.
“Our Lynx and Puma lathes, as well as our DNM three-axis vertical machining centres, have a wide appeal, and our recent decision to introduce models equipped with the latest Siemens control has had a further significant and positive impact on sales.
“Furthermore, the new Doosan machines we launched last year made a marked contribution to our sales performance — most noticeably the large-capacity horizontal boring machines, vertical turning lathes and horizontal machining centres ordered by component manufacturers in the energy, oil and gas and rail sectors.
"Large machines are often installed as part of a more extensive and involved turn-key project; during 2017, we were
approached by an increasing number of manufacturers to help design, develop and implement complex solutions.
“Our ‘Strokes of Genius…LIVE’ Open House surpassed all expectations, and the 200 visitors were much more than anticipated.
"Moreover, a high percentage of them were new customers — OEMs and sub-contractors alike — visiting our Campus for the first time.
“In 2017, we also joined the AMRC as a Tier One member and installed two Doosan machines — a TT1800SY twin-spindle twin-turret turning centre and a DNM 5700 vertical machining centre — in the AMRC’s advanced manufacturing centre.”
To maintain Mills’ momentum in 2018, the company has a number of initiatives and plans in place.
These include attending the
MACH show in April, where it will be showcasing 16 Doosan machines on its stand (H18 520); it will also be launching a series of sector-based marketing campaigns.
“We’ve had a great 2017, and I’m confident that things can only get better. We aim to build on the successes of 2017 and, among many initiatives, are making significant investment in our people, processes and systems to further improve our customer service.”