TC Industries, a global manufacturer of cutting edges and wear parts for heavy machinery, has invested in a new Yamazaki Mazak FJV vertical machining centre at its UK facility. The upgrade enhances production efficiency for parts used in excavators, bulldozers, and other earth-moving equipment supplied to clients like Caterpillar.
Expanding Capabilities
The Mazak FJV, installed at TC Industries’ Skinningrove plant in North Yorkshire, replaces two older machines. The facility exclusively serves export markets. The high-precision FJV specializes in drilling and milling large workpieces, including complex slot machining. Its rigid double-column design allows five-face machining in a single setup, slashing production time.
A Trusted Partnership
Paul Bird, Skinningrove site manager, credited TC Industries’ U.S. parent company for advocating Mazak technology. “Our U.S. team has years of experience with Mazak machines at their Crystal Lake facility,” he said. A visit to Mazak’s European plant in Worcester confirmed the FJV’s performance and the strength of Mazak’s UK support network.
Training and Integration
TC Industries leveraged Mazak’s training programs to smooth the transition. Two operators attended courses in Worcester on Mazatrol SmoothG controls, followed by on-site training. “The courses were excellent—our team adapted quickly,” Bird noted. He emphasized Mazak’s family-owned ethos and commitment to service, aligning with TC Industries’ values.
The investment underscores TC Industries’ focus on advanced technology to maintain its competitive edge in global markets.
