Trio of installs gives ETG Ireland a platform for growth in 2020

A trio of machine installs gave Engineering Technology Group (ETG) in Ireland a strong finish to 2019, with bosses predicting a rise in demand for twin and triple turret technology and smaller 5-axis machines over the next twelve months.

The leading machine tool supplier delivered a Nakamura AS200LMYT for the Limerick Institute of Technology’s training facility and a Quaser MV184 EH vertical mill for one of its longest-established customers in Northern Ireland, taking the firm’s total of machines sourced from ETG to nine.

A further Nakamura AS200LMSY sub-spindle lathe also left its Newbridge showroom heading to Sligo, with a mould making specialist investing in new technology to help it increase its market share in the aerospace and medical sectors.

“The start of 2019 was very strong and, despite a dip in the middle due to Brexit uncertainty, we were able to record a good last quarter with the three installs and five further sales highlighting customer interest for machines that can deliver greater control, speed and quality,” explained Jamie Fletchmoore, Managing Director of ETG Ireland.

“Software solutions, especially for Mastercam and Cimco machine monitoring, were very popular and the pipeline for 2020 is extremely healthy.”

He continued: “The group acquisition of HK Technologies is also an exciting new development for our business and gives our customers in Ireland direct access to a trusted supplier of 3D printing technology, EDM machines, balancing systems, laser marking, micro finish capability and gear grinding solutions.”

ETG Ireland, which was opened in 2014, provides all the group’s products, including sales, service, training and support delivered by experts on the ground, direct from their offices in Newbridge, Kildare.

The company has also recently recruited a new Software Support Engineer to help cope with the growth and demand of Mastercam and Cimco, whilst future plans will see it take on an additional Sales Engineer to cover the Northern counties of Ireland.

“Traditionally, we had one person covering the country, but demand for Nakamura and Chiron means we need to split the territory into two, ensuring we offer our growing customer base the best possible service,” added Jamie.

“There is definitely a lot of potential for twin and triple turret technology, which gives the client a completed part in one set-up. The other benefit of additional turrets is that it allows the user to have multiple tools available to the machine, thus reducing costly set-up times.”

He concluded: “We are also seeing a trend for smaller, faster 5-axis machines and that will hopefully open the door further for our Chiron machines.”