WD Hearn Machine Tools will host a grand opening event at its new purpose built CNC Technology Centre from 14 to 16 March 2016. The Centre, which will be located in Bonaero Park, will also be the new home for the company’s Gauteng branch.

“We are continuously looking at ways to serve our customers with solutions for improved manufacturing and productivity so as to remain competitive,” said Graeme Cooper, Sales Director at WD Hearn Machine Tools.

Citing improving demand for its machine tool products, technical services and related equipment in the Gauteng area, Cooper said the strategy of the company was to be a single source supplier of manufacturing solutions for a wide range of industries including high speed machining for the die mould and automotive industries, as well as production machining for a tool room environment and general engineering.

“Over the last 18 months we have also added Swiss type lathes and multi spindle machines, precision measuring tools and equipment, laser sources and systems for welding, marking, 3-D and cutting, portable measuring, articulated arms, optical inspection and mechanical 3D metrology solutions, complemented with vision measuring instruments, machine tool probing, waterjet cutting systems and EDM and WEDM to the list of metal working technological services portfolio that we supply.”

An artist’s impression of the new WD Hearn CNC Technology Centre in Gauteng

Previously MD Ray Cooper had said “Our continuing mission is to provide a market-driven services portfolio inspired by an intimate understanding of our customers´ needs, while at the same time keeping our commitment to a “Different Thinking is Better Thinking” policy.”

“The new Centre will not be just another machine showroom. Rather we would like to portray it as a solutions centre for those companies that are already involved in CNC technology or are thinking of getting into it,” continued Graeme Cooper.

“Investing in CNC technology is a strategy and can seem unfamiliar, even a little scary. We will take a bold approach to justification that will show shops that they need to jump in if they want to compete.”

“Additionally we want to show customers that despite a CNC machine being a useful tool there is a range of technologies that will compliment it so that they can machine their components more efficiently and effectively.”

“Our existing and potential customers will be able to use the centre like a lab to research and develop new, relevant technologies as they become available, conduct test cuts, apply different processes, experiment with cutting tool designs, and prove out CNC programs. They will also be able to try different integrated in-process quality control devices and software. The Centre’s resources will help them determine the best strategies and solutions for their specific needs in their own factories.”

“With this in mind we will initially be displaying a Kitamura 5-axis machining centre, a Mitsubishi WEDM, Leadwell CNC lathes and machining centres, a Nikon portable arm for 3D metrology, Renishaw probing systems, Sisma laser welding and marking machines and Starret video measuring equipment. As and when new machines or technologies are launched they will also be incorporated.”

“The Centre will also house a Siemens training centre where customers can learn about and how to use the latest CNC controls, as well as a Siemens service centre, which will be run by our current partners EJE Industrial Electronics.”

For further details contact W.D. Hearn Machine Tools in Gauteng on TEL: 011 970 7005 or Marius Conradie on 083 285 1655, the head office on TEL: 021 534 5351 or visit www.wdhearn.co.za