Sheffield-based Seven Hills Fabrication (part of the Steetley Corner Group, has invested £60,000 in a ‘state of the art’ AMOB NDH electric tube-bending machine to complement its established design, consultancy and fabrication services, which includes laser cutting and welding.

The new machine is part of a wider investment programme for Seven Hills, as it embraces automation and Industry 4.0 technology to ‘future-proof’ the business.

Managing director James Harding-Terry said (www.sevenhillsfabrication.com): “The installation of a tube-bending machine adds to our ability to function as a ‘one-stop shop’ for fabrication projects and is an important stage in the company’s transition to Industry 4.0.

“It is a highly flexible piece of equipment and allows us to bend complex tube geometries within seconds of programming.

"As we look to expand our operations and build on consistent growth patterns, we are dedicated to training apprentices in cutting-edge manufacturing and fabrication technologies.

"We are also complementing those skills sets with the next generation of machinery, which will become a standard for British manufacture.

“The increasing investment will see us install more new machinery — including a Bystronic press brake and a Panasonic robot welder — before the end of the year.

"This follows the commissioning of a £550,000 laser cutter less than two years ago.”