ANT Industries has secured a series of new aerospace and gas turbine work packages following the successful introduction of its recently installed AXILE G8 Turn/Mill Centre — a strategic investment that is already exceeding expectations at the company’s Atherstone facility. The precision engineering specialist, which supports customers across the aerospace and energy sectors, says the six-figure investment is strengthening its ability to win increasingly complex, high-value machining programmes as OEMs and Tier One suppliers continue to demand greater levels of accuracy, repeatability and process control from their supply chains.
The AXILE G8, introduced earlier this year through ANT Industries’ partnership with the Engineering Technology Group (ETG), was initially acquired to enhance the company’s capability in machining intricate aero engine components. However, Managing Director Shaun Rowley says the machine’s performance has already surpassed the company’s technical expectations — helping unlock new opportunities across multiple aerospace programmes. “We invested in this technology because we knew the market was moving towards increasingly complex geometries and tighter tolerances, but even we have been surprised by how quickly the machine has demonstrated its value,” said Rowley.
“The level of geometric accuracy, repeatability and surface finish we’re achieving has opened doors to new packages of work that previously would have been significantly more difficult to manufacture competitively. Customers are seeing the results coming off the machine and recognising the capability immediately.” The newly awarded work includes complex rotational and prismatic aerospace components requiring multi-axis machining strategies, high positional accuracy and exceptional surface integrity — areas where the AXILE G8’s centred trunnion design and advanced turn/mill functionality are proving particularly effective.
According to Rowley, one of the key advantages has been the machine’s ability to complete multiple operations within a single setup, eliminating the inaccuracies that can occur when components are transferred between separate machines.
“In aerospace, every time you move a component you introduce potential variation,” he explained. “What this machine allows us to do is maintain positional accuracy throughout the entire process. That consistency is becoming increasingly important as engine designs evolve and tolerances become more demanding.”
The company says the investment is also improving manufacturing efficiency by reducing setup times while maintaining exceptionally high quality standards — a combination that is becoming critical as aerospace production rates continue to increase globally.
“What we’re seeing across the sector is a clear expectation that suppliers must not only deliver precision, but do so repeatedly and at scale,” Rowley added. “The AXILE G8 gives us that platform. It’s not simply about speed — it’s about control, stability and confidence in the process.”
ANT Industries has continued to experience growing demand from aerospace and gas turbine customers amid sustained long-term investment across the global aviation market. The company believes its latest technology investment further strengthens its position as a specialist UK supplier capable of supporting the next generation of high-performance engine programmes. Rowley said the latest contract wins also reflect the importance of continued investment in advanced British manufacturing capability.
“When customers visit the facility and see the level of technology we’re investing in, it sends a strong message about where ANT Industries is heading,” he said. “We are building capability for the long term, and the response from the market so far has been extremely encouraging.”
With the AXILE G8 now fully operational and additional aerospace programmes entering production, ANT Industries says it expects further growth opportunities as demand for highly complex precision-machined components continues to rise across the sector.