Leamington Spa-based Mills CNC (www.millscnc.co.uk) experienced a ‘tremendous 2018’ on the back of new machine tool introductions, an exceptional MACH 2018 exhibition, and the continued growth in demand for both large-capacity Doosan machines and technically proven turn-key solutions.

When its order books closed (just before the Christmas break), Mills had taken orders for 440 new Doosan machines during 2018 and delivered 431 machines.

Managing director Kevin Gilbert said: “Business activity was strong in the first quarter and was sustained throughout the year — even during the traditionally ‘quieter’ summer months.

“The number of machine tool orders and deliveries demonstrates the continuing strong demand for Doosan machines, backed by Mills’ after-sales service and support.”

Doosan’s comprehensive machine tool range was extended and improved in 2018 by the introduction of a number of new machines, including the DVF 5000 simultaneous five-axis machining centre, which features direct-drive spindle technology and integrated thermal-compensation systems.

Other new machines included: the DNM 4000 — a compact high-productivity vertical machining centre with a direct-drive spindle; the V8300M — a rigid box guideway vertical turning lathe with driven-tooling capability; and the NHP 4000/5000 — a range of fast, accurate and powerful high-performance horizontal machining centres equipped with high-torque spindles and integrated automation.

MACH 2018 was a highlight of the year for Mills, which invested significant resources into making the event a success, exhibiting no fewer than 16 Doosan machines.

The company welcomed over 3,000 visitors onto its stand (one of the largest at MACH), and sold 20 machines.

Other highlights included an increase in demand for Mills turn-key and process improvement solutions, a marked increase in sales achieved by the CNC Training Academy (Mills’ independently operated training arm) and a significant increase in the number of Mills customers taking out service contracts on their Doosan machines.


Despite such a successful 2018, Mills is now focused on the future, and it has a number of new initiatives and developments planned for 2019.

These include an increase in the number of external exhibitions that the company will be attending for the first time in its history, including Southern Manufacturing in February and SPE Offshore Europe in September.

Mr Gilbert said: “We aim to build on the successes of 2018 and, among the many initiatives planned, will continue making significant investment in our people, plant, processes and systems to further improve our customer service and our overall business performance.”