Oxfordshire-based MH Development Engineering (MHDE), which specialises in high-quality bespoke systems and products, puts its success partly down to its investment in Haas machines (
www.haas.co.uk).
Established by Matt Hill in 2014 to provide design and R&D services to the motor-sport industry, MHDE began by focusing on Formula One. Today, it offers design and manufacturing support to a range of industries, including marine and defence.
The company began with the intention of outsourcing all manufacturing, but the challenge of managing parts on a tight deadline — especially complex ones — soon became a huge problem and Mr Hill realised that he needed to have his own production machinery.
He said: “When we first decided to invest in CNC machines, we approached a number of suppliers for advice.
“Surprisingly, we weren’t met by too much enthusiasm, given that we were looking for our first machine, but Haas were more than happy to discuss the range of machines available and try to recommend one that would be suitable for us.
“We were already a supplier to the Haas F1 Team in Banbury for R&D services, so it was simple for us to pop into their CNC machine showroom for a demo.”
MDHE’s first investment was a VF-2SS Super Speed vertical machining centre equipped with a five-axis trunnion. This was closely followed by an ST-25 turning centre.
Most recently, Mr Hill purchased a DM-2 Drill Mill Centre equipped with a 15,000rev/min spindle, rapids of 61m/min, a fast tool-changer and through-spindle coolant for optimum productivity.
“We have received on-site training from Haas with each machine we’ve bought, which really helped us to get started. The machines are easy to use and do exactly what we need.”