Staffordshire-based precision sub-contract specialist Unilathe Ltd has invested in a new large-capacity vertical turning lathe (VTL).

Supplied by Leamington Spa-based Mills CNC (www.millscnc.co.uk), the Fanuc-controlled Doosan VT1100 has been positioned next to another VT1100 to create a flexible vertical turning cell.

It is currently being used to machine a range of performance-critical components in difficult-to-machine materials for customers in the aerospace, oil and gas, off-highway, mining, rail and special industrial equipment sectors.

Unilathe’s managing director, Andrew Sims, said: “We have been active in the aerospace sector for a number of years and have an international reputation in the sector for quality, lead time fulfilment and cost-competitiveness.

"Our ambition is to significantly grow this side of our business and to strengthen our position in the supply chain.

"We want to move away from being perceived as a company that only offers first- and second-stage machining of castings and forgings to one that can machine and deliver high-integrity components from start to finish to aerospace customers.

"To do this, we rely on proven machine tools that are fast, accurate and flexible.”

In addition to the Doosan VT1100 vertical lathes, the company has also invested in a large-capacity Puma 480 lathe and a large and powerful DBC130 horizontal borer in recent years.

“We are an advocate of Doosan machine tools; they perform well, are reliable and represent good value.

"The fact that they are backed by Mills CNC’s applications and after-sales service and support makes them even more of an attractive proposition.”