UK manufacturer expands operations with major investment

Sarah Stephens stand in front of the new five-axis Mazak SDR machining centre at ASG TMG

Preston-based ASG TGM (Techni-Grind Machining), a specialist in large five-axis machining of hard and soft metals, with a focus on aerospace and defence industries, has undertaken a major expansion of its operations. The sub-contractor has doubled its footprint by acquiring an additional 11,000ft² unit adjacent to its existing facility.

This strategic move, led by the ASG Group and supported on-site by ASG TGM managing director Sarah Stephens, positions the company for future growth as it capitalises on new contracts and investment in advanced manufacturing technology. The additional space is already being filled with investment in new five-axis CNC machinery, underscoring the company’s proactive approach to meeting demand and ensuring long-term resilience to its customers.

The recent expansion by ASG Group supports the winning of a high-value Tier One aerospace contract, involving the machining of large aerospace components up to 2.5m in length. Currently, ASG TGM is managing eight different part numbers as part of this project, with the value of the orders exceeding £1 million annually. The work is being executed in close collaboration with ASG Phoenix in Nottingham, reinforcing the Group’s reputation for seamless coordination and supply chain excellence across its multiple manufacturing locations.

Growth strategy
Simon Weston, ASG Group’s managing director, said: “The expansion at ASG TGM is a key part of our growth strategy. By adding new capabilities and increasing our manufacturing footprint, we are not only meeting current demand but also strengthening our position for future opportunities. This is particularly important as we seek to deepen our role within the aerospace supply chain, where consistency, capacity, and precision are paramount.”

Sarah Stephens said: “This expansion is about future-proofing our business. The additional capacity has allowed us to respond swiftly to new opportunities, including a significant contract with a major Tier One aerospace prime. This has given us the confidence to further invest in our capabilities, ensuring we remain a critical supplier to the aerospace sector.”

Central to this investment by parent ASG Group, is the acquisition of a new advanced five-axis Mazak SDR machining centre, a £500,000 investment which can handle components up to 3.8m long, providing the precision, efficiency, and versatility required to support the highly specialised needs of the aerospace market, where demanding tolerances and intricate geometries are required.

The Group’s ongoing investment into the latest CNC machinery has proved pivotal in helping the company secure crucial work for the UK rotorcraft industry. Now, with the additional machining capacity in its new unit, ASG TGM is creating physical twinning of assets, offering increased production flexibility and greater operational resilience across the ASG Group.

Scaling up to meet demand
Ms Stephens continued: “This investment allows us to better balance our capacity and meet the demanding requirements of the aerospace sector. It is a strategic step to ensure we are prepared not just for today’s contracts, but for future growth as well. We have already brought on three new team members — a quality inspector, a CNC programmer, and an additional CNC operator — to support this expansion. With plans for a further seven Mazak machines, we are now positioned to continue scaling our operations to meet demand for existing single-aisle structural rib work for wings.”

ASG TGM’s growth trajectory has been impressive, with turnover expected to exceed £5 million this year, and forecasts pointing to £8 million in 2025. Despite this success, the firm faces challenges in recruiting skilled apprentices, a common issue across the manufacturing sector that is impacting companies’ ability to expand their workforce.

She added: “Developing the next generation of talent is a priority for us, but it remains an uphill battle. There is a need for greater support from the Government and a shift in attitudes towards careers in manufacturing. Young people need to see the exciting, high-tech opportunities that exist in this field.”

Furthermore, with a current headcount of 32 at the Preston site, ASG TGM’s commitment to investment in new technology and facilities is paving the way for a new chapter of growth. As the company builds on its legacy of precision machining and embraces new opportunities, it remains a cornerstone of the ASG Group's vision for a more resilient, agile, and innovative future.