A 60 per cent increase in enquiry numbers compared with the previous MACH was experienced by XYZ Machine Tools.

'A great success' is how Nigel Atherton, Managing Director of XYZ Machine Tools, describes MACH 2006, and with a 60 per cent increase in enquiry numbers compared with the previous MACH he has good reason to be pleased. Even more encouraging is the value of orders actually placed during the exhibition, which at close to £400,000 also represented a significant increase, and the positive response of visitors to the many new additions to the company's product portfolio. One customer specialising in high quality open die hammer forgings placed an order for a 50 hp,1.5 m between centres, XYZ XL 1500 CNC lathe, one of several models in the Burlescombe, Devon company's new range of 'extra large capacity' turning machines.

Another customer, a sub-contractor, that in addition to sheet metal fabrication also undertakes precision machining, opted for the recently-introduced 9 hp, 8000 rev/min, XYZ Mini Mill 450 compact vertical machining centre.

And a defence equipment OEM signed on the dotted line for a 7.5 hp, 2500 rev/min, ProTURN SLX 1630, the latest addition to the XYZ range of manual/CNC lathes, and also for the new XYZ VMC 710, a 15 hp, 8000 rev/min, vertical machining centre with 4th axis rotary table option.

'I am confident that the next few weeks and months will see many more orders placed as a direct result of taking part in MACH 2006,' says Nigel Atherton, 'and this fully justifies our decision to take our largest-ever stand at a MACH show.

With 23 machines under power - including several new models of machining centre; our new Mini Turn entry-level turning centre; the recently-introduced CNC bridge mill; and the new range of 'extra large capacity' CNC lathes - we were in the ideal position to demonstrate that when it comes to metal cutting, XYZ offers a comprehensive range of machine tools designed to increase productivity, reduce costs, combat skills shortages and provide a competitive edge.