Mills CNC’s ‘Another Giant Leap’ Open House — held recently at its Technology Campus in Leamington Spa — pulled in the crowds, resulting in the sale of eight machine tools and three collaborative robots; it also generated over 100 significant enquiries.

The total number of visitors attending the event, where 15 Doosan machine tools were being exhibited (including
four machines making their UK debuts) exceeded 350 over the two days.

Kevin Gilbert, Mills CNC’s managing director (www.millscnc.co.uk), said: “What a fantastic event! We not only sold a number of machine tools and collaborative robots but were also inundated with enquiries for our technology solutions.

"The mood of visitors throughout the two days was incredibly positive; and despite some reported uncertainty in the market, business confidence at the event was high, and a commitment to invest in high-productivity machining and automation solutions was apparent for all to see.”

Tony Dale, Mills CNC’s technical director, said: “Interest in the new machines was high. Our new Doosan TT1300SYY and TT2100SYY — twin-turret twin-spindle machines with dual Y-axis capability on their upper and lower turrets — drew in the crowds, as did our new large Doosan 6700XL vertical machining centre with its 2.1m X axis, directly coupled spindle and thermal-compensation system.”

A constant theme running throughout the event was automation and the way it can help component manufacturers improve their productivity and competitiveness.

As well as showcasing a range of Doosan machines with built-in and integrated automation, Mills used the Open House to promote its industrial and collaborative robot solutions — as demonstrated by a Doosan DNM 4500 vertical machining centre integrated with a Mills CNC industrial robot.

This com-pact cell, which also featured a workpiece/part storage system and Mills CNC’s proprietary software, was set up to demonstrate workpiece loading/unloading operations.

Mr Gilbert concluded: “We knew from the number of pre-registrations that the event would be popular, but the sheer number of visitors that attended the Open House on both days took us a little by surprise.

"I have been particularly pleased with the number of positive comments we have received — from visitors and suppliers alike — about the structure and content of the event.”