Like majority businesses involved in the manufacturing sector, Burlescombe-based www.xyzmachinetools.com XYZ Machine Tools did not escape the initial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, through prudent financial management and a focus on customer service, XYZ maintained an active presence to support both existing and new customers as the crisis unfolded.

At the height of the pandemic, XYZ Machine Tools reduced overall staffing levels while maintaining those crucial areas of customer support, service, programming support, spares administration and sales, with a core of 22 people. A strengthening in sales throughout June and July have seen that number increase to 56, with the prospect of more people being returned from furlough in the coming weeks.

Nigel Atherton, XYZ Machine Tools managing director, said: “Thanks to our strong financial position we have been able to weather whatever Covid-19 threw at us. We were resolute in maintaining the core customer service functions and this has paid dividends as customers have continued to accept existing orders, while we have also seen relatively strong sales of new machines during the pandemic.”

“We still have to continue to remain focused and wary of the ongoing situation, but it is encouraging to see confidence returning to our customers, with positive signs of a willingness to invest in new machine tools.”

Particularly encouraging for XYZ Machine Tools is the mix of machines being ordered. While it may be expected that orders for smaller machines have held up, customers are also placing orders for larger machines including the XYZ 2010 and 3010 heavy-duty vertical machining centres, as well as the flagship UMC-5X five-axis machining centre — the most recent being specified with XYZ’s RoboTend machine tool automation system.

Large capacity turning has also seen an upturn with the latest RLX 780 lathes proving popular.