US-based machining centre and CNC lathe manufacturer Hurco has relocated its subsidiary serving the UK and Irish markets — Hurco Europe Ltd — to a 26,000ft² facility on the Cressex Industrial Estate in High Wycombe that is double the size of its previous facility.

The official opening of the new headquarters, showroom and technical centre was marked by an Open Day for customers earlier this month, when 11 of the latest Hurco models were demonstrated under power.

Grego Volovic, president of Hurco Companies, travelled from Indianapolis to formally open the building.

David Waghorn, managing director of Hurco Europe (www.hurco.com), said: “Sixteen years in our previous facility saw business grow by an average of 10% a year and the number of staff increase from 25 to 55.

"Unit sales trebled and included shipment of higher-value bridge-type and five-axis machines, with the result that annual turnover rose more than four-fold to over £20 million.

“Considering this level of growth and with an increasing number of Hurco products being introduced, we needed to expand the size of our showroom to accommodate up to 14 machines — and substantially increase our warehouse space.

"More bays are now available for machine preparation, and we have upgraded our applications and training areas. Visitors will also notice improved meeting and conference facilities.”

After unveiling a plaque to mark the inauguration of the facility, Mr Volovic said: “The UK is one of the main pillars of the Hurco group.

Not only have sales been strong under the direction of David Waghorn, who has been with the company for 30 years, but feedback from the customer base in Britain and Ireland has helped to shape our product development over the years.

“We supply into a broad spectrum of manufacturing sectors, which helps to insulate us from industry downturns.

“Although there is currently a short-term dip in orders, we are very optimistic about the future; we intend to expand our machine portfolio further and enter new markets.”