Shotaro Miyazaki, the president of Tokyo-based Makino Milling Machine Co., recently visited NCMT in Coventry to commemorate their joint 60th anniversary. The event highlighted the enduring collaboration between the two companies, beginning with Gerry Gray’s establishment of NCMT in 1964 as the exclusive distributor of Makino products in the UK. This partnership introduced the first Japanese-built CNC machine tool to the UK market.
Throughout their history, Makino and NCMT have leveraged NCMT’s local industry knowledge and engineering expertise to customize and refine machines such as the MAG series, tailored specifically for aerospace applications. Notably, a request from Rolls-Royce, facilitated by NCMT, led to the development of the VIPER machine series for grinding nickel alloy turbine blades, demonstrating Makino’s innovative capabilities.
The anniversary celebration, held at NCMT’s showroom and technical center, brought together over 100 guests including Makino customers, suppliers, and representatives from three generations of NCMT management. Miyazaki-san emphasized the foundational trust and enduring commitment between Makino and NCMT, recalling the straightforward agreement made between Mr. Gray and Makino’s founder, Tsunezo Makino, which has persisted without formal contracts.
Jonathan Smart, NCMT’s managing director, expressed gratitude for Makino’s steadfast support over the decades, acknowledging Gerry Gray’s vision and leadership that shaped NCMT’s success. He also highlighted Lynn Gray’s ongoing involvement through the Gray Foundation, particularly in supporting NCMT’s apprenticeship scheme.
Following the anniversary celebration, NCMT participated in MACH 2024, the UK’s premier machine tool exhibition held at NEC Birmingham. The event showcased Makino and Okuma machine tools, attracting a diverse audience including aerospace and automotive manufacturers, as well as representatives from burgeoning start-ups. Automation demonstrations featuring the Makino DA300 and Okuma Genos L3000-e-MYW with Cellro CoMate cobot underscored NCMT’s commitment to technological innovation and integration.
Key highlights at the NCMT-Okuma stand included the introduction of the Okuma OSP500 control, offering enhanced computing power and advanced features such as Digital Twin simulation and cybersecurity protections. The exhibition also spotlighted Blue Photon’s photo-activated adhesive workholding systems and marked the UK debut of Tritone Technologies’ additive manufacturing technology, signaling NCMT’s strategic expansion of its product offerings.
Smart concluded on an optimistic note, noting the robust engagement and significant interest generated at MACH 2024, with a plethora of sales inquiries signaling promising growth prospects for NCMT amid an evolving manufacturing landscape.
In summary, both the anniversary celebration and participation at MACH 2024 underscore NCMT’s pivotal role as a premier distributor of advanced machine tools and technologies in the UK, buoyed by enduring partnerships and a steadfast commitment to innovation.