The expanded CNC Robotics management team, Jason Barker, Bart Simpson, Philippa Glover and Madina Barker (left to right)

Over the past ten years, Liverpool-based CNC Robotics Ltd has established a reputation as a leading supplier of robots for machining applications, and now has clients in many manufacturing industries. 

The company has developed systems for a huge variety of machining processes, including milling, drilling, trimming and additive manufacturing (AM), as well as general process automation to carry out packing and pick-and-place operations, and for machine tending of conventional machine tools.

It has recently celebrated its milestone anniversary by undertaking a significant expansion of its robot-machining business which includes adding a second site near its Liverpool base and the recruitment of five more people.  

The addition of the second site will enable a clearer separation of the company’s business in the supply of standard cells for single functions, typically trimming or drilling, and its innovative R&D projects for more challenging applications.

Jason Barker, CNC Robotics founder and chief technical officer, said: “Running both services from a single site presented several challenges, not just a shortage of space. For example, we often needed to stop work on confidential projects while prospective customers were visiting to see our standard solutions.

“Having our innovative research on a separate site means that work can continue there uninterrupted. Equally, we now have room on our main site to keep a standard demonstration cell permanently on show for clients that need a “plug-and-play” system.”

Along with the five recruits, the management team has been strengthened with the promotion of Philippa Glover to managing director and the addition of Bart Simpson, a former Autodesk and Delcam director, as the company’s non-executive chairman.

The expansion follows an increase in turnover of more than 30% during 2019, with CNC Robotics on course for even higher growth this year. Alongside the general trend towards increased automation, there is a growing appreciation that robots can often provide a more cost-effective solution than milling machines for the large-scale machining of softer materials.

CNC Robotics has seen rapid growth in the demand for its systems from both industry and higher education establishments and the extra staff will enable the company to meet that increased demand.

They will also help to maintain the high levels of training and support provided to customers as the client list grows.