Business Weekly - Cambridge, UK

Companies such as Acro Precision Engineering in Catfield have spent the past ten years investing in unmanned 24 hour machining technology and 3D machining technology, both of which are helping it compete with oversees competition and within the UK.

East Anglia based precision engineering company Acro, are celebrating the fulfillment of several recent contracts for high volume turned components.

"Many allergies are caused by dust. Once I understood the problem and thought through the solution, it seemed clear to me that the health benefits of such a device could be applied to hospitals, old peoples homes, restaurants, dentist and doctors surgeries and many other buildings where hygiene is a concern."

New Metal Spinning technology helps Ladbrook meet short timescale deliveries for Sony display system components.

"This has been our key to competing with the likes of China," said Fred Pain, General Manager. "Unmanned machines enable us to remove the labour content from the component cost and leaves us pretty much on par with Far East manufacturing prices. To some extent, the rise in the price of oil and the price of metals has also helped us close the gap and I think this is what's probably driving much of the current success at Acro and the wider UK engineering sector."

Acro's investment in 3D CADCAM technology pays dividends; helping win new CNC machining business and expanding capabilities.

UK precision engineers, Acro, have announced that they will be exhibiting at Aerolink Wales 2008 , an event that bring together supplier to the aerospace industry.

North Walsham engineering company Ladbrook is celebrating being appointed as a Strategic Supply Partner to Parker Hannifin, one of the world's largest engineering corporations.