Yamazaki Mazak’s investment in its UK manufacturing facilities was one of the main draws behind strong attendance at its recent annual Open House.
The event, themed ‘Building For Your Future’, linked the increase in capacity at the company’s European Manufacturing Plant with its ability to now offer significantly shorter lead times on key machines.
In total the Open House received over 700 visitors over the four days, with a strong proportion comprising of potential new customers making their first visit to Mazak.
Jason Butler, Sales Director for Yamazaki Mazak UK, says the strong attendance proved Mazak’s strategy in the UK. “I’m very pleased, we had a packed European Technology Centre over each of the days with plenty of potential new customers visiting us for the first time. That says to me our message of continued investment in Worcester, which has led to increased production capacity and very short lead times on key machines, is getting through and really resonating with UK manufacturers.”
Yamazaki Mazak hosted its ‘Building For Your Future’ Open House between 5-8 December at its European Headquarters in Worcester.
Central to the success of the ‘Building For Your Future’ event was the ability for visitors to view machines in the European Technology Centre, talk to applications engineers about their specific machining challenges, see machines being built on the factory floor with a tour led by Mazak’s bright and enthusiastic apprentices and then arrange suitable finance packages – all in one day.
Jason continues: “We wanted to provide a very sales-focused one-stop solution for visitors to enable them to access competitively priced Mazak machines quickly and easily. The ability to sit down with our preferred finance partner, Finance for Industry, was crucial and we’ve seen strong take-up of creative finance options, such as payment holidays and low-start finance.”
Over 700 visitors attended the event, which saw 18 different machines on display, including several models manufactured at the Worcester site.
In total, Mazak exhibited 18 different machines, including new UK-designed and built vertical machining centers through to 5-axis machines, models from its flagship INTEGREX Multi-Tasking range, turning centers and laser cutting machines. In addition, Mazak placed a strong focus on its range of automation options and service and support solutions, including the new Mazak iCONNECT package.
Alan Mucklow, Managing Director UK and Ireland Sales and Service Division at Yamazaki Mazak, says the success of the Open House demonstrates the positive attitude that UK manufacturing is taking into 2024.
A Mazak apprentice leads a tour around Mazak’s European Manufacturing Plant, which has been subject to significant investment in recent years to help reduce lead times.
“There’s been a very positive outlook during the week from all visitors, with a sense of confidence returning to the market. The government’s recent announcement of a permanent extension to fully expensing capital investment against corporation tax was very welcome and demonstrated a real understanding of the importance of manufacturing to the UK economy. We’ve seen that confidence this week in Worcester and we’re excited about 2024.”
