Record results for Ward Hi-Tech

Sheffield-based CNC machine tool distributor Ward Hi-Tech (www.wardhitech.co.uk) reports that it has had its best-ever first-half performance since the company was formed. Commenting on a bumper six-month order intake, UK sales manager Mike Burke said: “Our strategy of building market awareness of our growing range of larger-frame machine tools has really paid dividends.

We set out to move more into the bigger end of the machine tool market during the depths of the recession three or four years ago, and we have not looked back. 2011 was an exceptional year for us in terms of high-value machine sales, but as we pass the current half-year period we have already exceeded the previous 12-month trading result — plus there is significant order potential to take us through the next six months. We always have many large-frame CNC machine tools in stock, and this allows us to satisfy customer demand for short-term deliveries which can be the difference between winning and losing business.”

Ward Hi-Tech says it will take a number of additional product lines on board during the next few months; the company has already announced a sole UK agency agreement to represent the OKK range of vertical, horizontal and five-axis machining centres.