‘Yellow coat experts’ ready to support UK manufacturers

Since opening its new UK headquarters in 2023, Sandvik Coromant, a leader in metal cutting and manufacturing solutions, has strengthened its support for British manufacturing and innovation. Over the past year, the Halesowen Sandvik Coromant Center has served as a hub for manufacturers nationwide, providing cutting-edge metal-cutting technology and digital solutions and fostering knowledge sharing.

Based in Halesowen in the Midlands, the new centre forms part of the global network of Sandvik Coromant Centers, a growing number of facilities that allow the organisation to share engineering expertise with its customers in a physical environment. The new facility, which is also home to Sandvik Coromant’s UK staff, has undergone significant investment and operates as a national hub for metal-cutting expertise.

The centre contains two education stations with machines equipped for tooling demonstrations, application training and engineering projects. Remote training sessions are also possible, thanks to the centre’s Digital Live Machining (DLM) technology that can broadcast demonstrations and events worldwide.

The two machines in the centre are advanced five-axis DMG Mori DMU 80 eVo milling machine and a Mazak Integrex i-200S AG lathe, ensuring the centre is prepared to demonstrate any turning or rotating cutting application. Within the education stations, Sandvik Coromant’s engineers, known as ‘yellow coat experts’, are on-hand to deliver training and demonstrate trials and tests of cutting tools for customers and partners.

Tackling industry challenges
The centre also supports British and Irish manufacturers by hosting dedicated training days and events, including an Automotive and Motorsports Day in May, and a recent Aerospace Innovation Day which welcomed over 50 visitors from various aerospace organisations. The event highlighted Sandvik Coromant’s commitment to the sector, with regional manager Stephen Bennett addressing customer challenges. Partners included Vericut UK, Mastercam UK and Zoller UK, and they demonstrated how Sandvik Coromant tools integrate with broader machining solutions, providing manufacturers with the skills and knowledge to tackle any industry challenges.

Further events are planned for the remainder of 2024, including an exclusive Mastercam 2025 Open Day on 6 November, during which the computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software provider will unveil its latest solutions. Sandvik Coromant has enriched Mastercam Version 2025 with cutting-edge tooling methods and data technologies, including seamless integration with the CoroPlus Library. These solutions are designed to help customers work faster and more efficiently, significantly simplifying the import of tool geometries and cutting data. UK manufacturers will have the opportunity to witness these benefits through live machine demonstrations.

Nick Goater, cluster manager for the UK and Ireland at Sandvik Coromant UK, said: “At the Sandvik Coromant Center in Halesowen, innovation and collaboration drive advanced machining solutions, empowering manufacturers to achieve precision, productivity and sustainability. Through our ‘Manufacturing Wellness’ initiative, we promote holistic, efficient practices that benefit both industry and the environment, ensuring a healthier future for metal cutting and manufacturing excellence. Since opening our new Center last year, we have made a conscious effort to support UK and Ireland manufacturers, and look forward to hosting more events at the facility in 2025.”