Grenville Engineering (Stoke-on-Trent) Ltd has expanded its strategic investment program by installing a second Hurco VM20i 3-Axis CNC Machining Centre. This addition will improve its in-house machining capabilities to meet the increasing demand, particularly from customers in the renewable energy sector.
This latest machine joins the company’s first Hurco unit, commissioned in July 2024. It reflects Grenville’s commitment to increasing capacity, driving efficiency through automation, and keeping production firmly in-house to maintain complete control over quality and lead times.
The new VM20i machining centre delivers significant performance benefits, including a 20-bar through-spindle coolant system for faster drilling, improved tool life, and an integrated swarf auger that ensures consistent chip removal and reduced daily maintenance. Offering a robust specification, the machine weighs in at four tonnes and features a table size of 1168 x 508 mm, 15.0 kW of spindle power, and space for 24 tools up to 80mm in diameter and 250mm in length.
Commenting on the decision to expand the company’s CNC capacity, Grant Barratt, Purchasing Director at Grenville Engineering, said:
“The main driver behind this investment was the uplift in customer demand, particularly in the renewable energy sector. We were extremely impressed with the performance, reliability, and finish quality of the first Hurco machine. Adding a second was a logical step to ensure we can continue to serve our customers at the highest level.”
He added:
“This machine also supports our wider growth strategy. It aligns with our focus on automation, a key driver of future success. As we continue to invest in technology and people, we’re positioning ourselves to meet the evolving needs of our customers.”
The machine is ideally suited for high-volume batch production. Still, it is equally capable of producing complex, low-volume components that demand high tolerance and excellent surface finish, offering flexibility across a wide range of applications.
A Longstanding UK Manufacturer
Founded in 1984, Grenville Engineering has built a strong reputation as a reliable UK-based subcontractor offering complete sheet metal fabrication solutions. Operating from a 50,000 sq. ft facility in Stoke-on-Trent, the company provides a comprehensive range of services including laser cutting, punching, CNC metal forming, welding, machining, assembly, and finishing.
The shop floor manufacturing setup includes three CNC flatbed laser machines (Trumpf and Bystronic), a Bison CNC tube laser, a Trumpf punch press, eight Bystronic press brakes, 22 manual welding stations, a robotic welder, and two Hurco CNC machining centres.
Grenville serves various sectors, including renewable energy, materials handling, petrochemical, medical, earth moving, and security. The company is ISO 9001 certified and well known for its ability to deliver reliable lead times, high-quality production, and strong technical support.
More Investment on the Horizon
Grenville Engineering has confirmed that further machinery orders have already been placed as part of its ongoing growth and modernisation plan. A new CNC laser cutting machine and a second robotic welding cell are scheduled for delivery in the coming months. These additions will further strengthen the company’s position in the UK subcontract manufacturing market and enhance its ability to support customers with increasing volumes and technical complexity.
With a 40-year legacy and a forward-looking approach, Grenville Engineering invests in automation, capacity, and workforce development to meet the demands of a fast-evolving manufacturing landscape.
