Historic Leeds manufacturer invests in new Index lathe

Leeds-based Kingfisher Lubrication, a world-leading manufacturer of high-quality grease fittings for various industries including the aerospace sector, has invested in a new Index MS24-6 multi-spindle lathe with funding support from Lloyds Banking Group.

Supplied by Gosport-based Kingsbury CNC, the sole UK agent, the new lathe, built in Germany, will cut energy costs by up to 50% for certain products, streamline production by reducing the number of machines required, and significantly lower overall power consumption — all while boosting efficiency and product quality. Six main spindles, up to two swivelling synchronised spindles, and up to 12 tool carriers, which can be freely configured as cross slides X/Y/Z or boring slides Z, offer highly productive machining options.



This latest investment will enable Kingfisher Lubrication to expand its operations, diversify its product range and strengthen its workforce’s capabilities. Plans include hiring new people, including a new multi-skilled development engineer, and enhancing team capabilities through upskilling initiatives.

Lloyds’ Clean Growth Financing Initiative (CGFI) armed the manufacturer with a £1 million funding package to support the purchase of the new machine. This builds on the firm’s investment into technology last year, also backed by Lloyds, which saw the manufacturer install a solar PV system across approximately one-third of its roof space, powering 30% of its production with ‘green’ energy. Serving global giants like JCB, Kingfisher is setting the sustainability standard for the industry.

Meeting environmental expectations
Chris Ryan, financial controller at Kingfisher Lubrication, said: “We are dedicated to making our operations as sustainable as possible and are always looking for ways to achieve this. Thanks to Lloyds’ ongoing support, we can continue to grow responsibly and meet our clients’ environmental expectations. It’s a win-win, really - being more energy efficient not only reduces costs but also allows us to be a more sustainable employer in a sector that is on an environmental journey. Looking ahead, we are excited to expand our product portfolio and cement our position as a world-leading supplier of high-quality grease fittings.”

Scott Hickling, relationship manager at Lloyds, concluded: “Kingfisher is catapulting its 150-year-old business into a new sustainable future. Chris and the team at Kingfisher are leading the way in sustainable manufacturing, demonstrating how sustainability and business growth go hand-in-hand. We are proud to support Kingfisher on its journey and encourage other manufacturers to explore opportunities to innovate and reduce their environmental impact. I would also like to thank my colleague John Hinchliffe whose expertise has been instrumental in helping Kingfisher achieve this next step.”