Having won an order for six machine tools for the Pribram Technical College in the Czech Republic, XYZ’s distributor — Rexim — had to overcome significant challenges to install the machines in a historic building that dates back to when the country was part of the Austro/Hungarian Empire, as any structural changes that needed to be made to gain access could become an issue with the authorities.

Following careful negotiation, permission was granted to remove the door frames and cut away brick and plasterwork to make the inner and outer doorways just large enough for the machines to pass through.

Adding to the challenge was the need to get the machines up a large flight of stairs between the outer and inner doors — and then negotiate a 90deg corner. It was also necessary to make a framework on which the machines could be slid through the door.

Although it took just 8hr to offload and locate the six machines — a combination of CNC machines, CNC/manual machines and manual machines — preparations for the move took some 50hr.

This was followed by a further 16hr of work to reinstate the doorways, which required 60 bags of cement and plaster, plus two pallets of bricks.

Nigel Atherton, managing director of XYZ Machine Tools (www.xyzmachinetools.com), said: “This is another example of commitment to the customer from our people, whether here in the UK or our distribution partners across mainland Europe.

"Our installation teams are among the best and most ingenious in the industry, and it is fair to say that no delivery is too difficult for them.”