ASG Arrowsmith, a leading precision aerospace subcontractor and part of the Manchester-based ASG Group, has strengthened its machining operations with the addition of two advanced CNC machines. The investment includes a DN Solutions DNM4500 multi-axis machine and a state-of-the-art DVF 5000 vertical five-axis machining centre, both supplied by Mills CNC in Leamington Spa.
The new equipment has been installed at ASG Arrowsmith’s Centre of Excellence in Coventry. This upgrade marks a strategic step for the company as it continues to deliver high-precision, complex aerospace components to major clients such as Rolls-Royce and Airbus.
The DVF 5000 is a key part of the investment. It features simultaneous five-axis machining and comes equipped with an automatic pallet changer. This setup will improve automation and help the company increase efficiency and precision in its manufacturing process.
Jason Aldridge, Managing Director of ASG Arrowsmith, said the partnership with Mills CNC reflects the company’s commitment to innovation. “Working with Mills CNC has allowed us to adopt advanced CNC automation technology,” Aldridge said. “Around 80% of our work is covered by long-term agreements lasting two to three years. That stability helps us plan for future investments in new equipment and automation.”
Precision and Planning at the Core
In the aerospace sector, production volumes are smaller than in automotive manufacturing, but the demand for accuracy is much higher. Aldridge noted that the company’s long-term partnerships and customer trust have enabled ASG Arrowsmith to adopt digitalisation and automation effectively.
“To justify the investment, automation must run nearly continuously,” he explained. “That means having a strong and reliable order book. We initially had to price jobs as if they were already automated, even before the equipment was in place. It was a calculated risk to support long-term growth.”
Navigating Industry Challenges
While the new machines represent a major improvement, the company still faces broader industry challenges. Material shortages remain a key issue affecting operations across the sector. Aldridge said technical issues related to the new machines are manageable, but sourcing materials continues to be a more pressing concern.
Even so, the company sees automation as essential for staying competitive and meeting its long-term commitments. ASG Arrowsmith’s investment reflects its goal to remain a top-tier supplier within the aerospace industry.
With the backing of the wider ASG Group, which generates $80 million in revenue, the company continues to focus on long-term growth through advanced technology. Aldridge said its partnerships with major aerospace firms give ASG Arrowsmith the long-term vision it needs to justify bold investments.
This latest move not only enhances its technical capacity but also reinforces the ASG Group’s leadership in precision aerospace subcontracting.
