East Sussex-based
Dicker Precision Components Ltd has invested in a sixth
Dugard machine, marking a strategic expansion during what director Mark Love calls the company’s “best year yet”.
Founded in 1973, the Hailsham sub-contractor specialises in stainless steel machining for the pump industry, which accounts for 90% of its business. Mr Love said: “The Eastbourne area is renowned for pump manufacture in the UK. It has been a very challenging year, but we have invested and the orders keep coming in thick and fast, which is great.”
The latest addition, a Dugard 760XP vertical machining centre, was chosen for its compact footprint, direct-drive spindle, and Siemens Sinumerik 828D control system. Mr Love explained: “One reason we went with the Dugard 760XP is the floor area. Having the ability to squeeze a machine with the capability of the XP in a small area gives us an upgrade on what we have had before.”
The machine’s probing technology and large work envelope support both accuracy and flexibility. Mr Love added: “We can go from a one-load to a multi-load set-up. This suits us as a customer might order a batch of 50 parts and then ramp it up to 500-off.”
Proximity to Dugard’s Brighton headquarters also played a role. “If we ever have a breakdown, Dugard is quick to attend, or we can go and pick parts up within the hour. We have always had this level of support from Dugard.”
The 760XP joins a fleet that includes the Dugard Eagle 1000 VMC, Dugard 1000Y+, HD1886B BT50, and Dugard 1100. He concluded: “The machine is very cost competitive and we are delighted with it.”