Nottingham-based Caunton Engineering, one of the largest single-site steelwork contractors in the UK, has completed a major investment in cutting-edge machinery. The family-owned company has installed two state-of-the-art machines with robotic automation at its on-site Cut Shack components plant, marking a significant upgrade to its production capabilities.
Located at the site of the former Moorgreen Colliery in Newthorpe, Caunton Engineering is introducing advanced technology to streamline and enhance its production process. The company’s latest addition includes the Mazak FG-400 NEO, a high-tech, automatic 3-D laser cutting machine. Supplied by Worcester-based Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd, this machine is the first of its kind to be installed in a structural steelwork company in the UK. The purchase follows the earlier installation of the PeddiBot-1250, a robotic machine designed for structural steel fabrication.
Simon Bingham, Chairman of Caunton Engineering, commented on the investment: “This upgrade demonstrates our commitment to improving both the quality and efficiency of our production process. We are excited to be working with Mazak to bring the UK’s first FG-400 NEO laser cutting machine to our facility. This technology will enable us to carry out ultra-high-speed, 3-D cutting of a range of materials, helping us meet the demands of larger and more complex steelwork projects.”
He continued: “The speed and precision provided by laser cutting and robotic technology will significantly enhance our capabilities. This investment will also change the way we operate and train our employees, keeping us at the forefront of innovation in the steel industry. Our goal is to boost efficiency, improve component quality, and accelerate production.”
Advanced Machinery to Enhance Steelwork Production
The Mazak FG-400 NEO features advanced capabilities for high-speed, 3-D laser cutting of long tubes, pipes, and structural materials. It utilizes an energy-efficient fibre laser that can make precise, continuous cuts and complex joints. The machine is designed for materials with profiles under 300mm and thicknesses up to 20mm, including universal beams, columns, channels, tubes, and box sections.
Alongside the Mazak machine, Caunton Engineering has also installed the PeddiBot-1250, a robotic steel fabrication machine from the US. This versatile machine can perform plasma cutting, oxy-fuel cutting, and layout marking, all within a single unit. With an intelligent plasma cutting system, the PeddiBot-1250 can process materials up to 80mm thick at higher speeds, further boosting productivity.
Both machines will be housed in Caunton Engineering’s Cut Shack, a 45,000-square-foot facility opened in 2014. With a workforce of 250 employees and an annual turnover of approximately £100 million, Caunton Engineering is one of the UK’s leading steel manufacturers. The company has been involved in several major projects, including the £118 million distribution warehouse for retailer TJ Morris in Warrington, the Energy Recovery Centre at Edmonton EcoPark in London, and the North Stand of Leicester Tigers’ stadium.
