Middlesex Aerospace has expanded its multi-tasking machining capability with the installation of a Yamazaki Mazak INTEGREX i-250H, adding capacity for safety-critical aerospace components and assemblies.
The Hampshire-based manufacturer, established in Middlesex in 1945, supplies Class 1 safety-critical parts into landing gear, actuation systems, and helicopter transmissions. The new machine has been installed to support rising demand for complex, small components across existing UK and overseas customer programmes.
Laurence Foulds, Chief Executive of Middlesex Aerospace, said: “With demand surging for complex, small components across the aerospace sector, we knew we had to enhance our capabilities in this area.”
The INTEGREX i-250H gives the company a high-speed, high-torque platform for combined turning and milling operations. The machine features an eight-inch chuck, a 5,000 rpm 22kW main spindle, and a 12,000 rpm milling spindle, allowing multiple cutting processes to be completed in fewer setups.
Foulds added: “As this was our first new Mazak machine investment in six years, it was important we upgraded to a machine capable of meeting the myriad of requirements our customers all around the globe have today. Considering we have worked with Mazak as our principal machinery partner for more than 25 years, it was only natural we chose the INTEGREX i-250H as the latest addition to our factory floor.”
The installation extends a Mazak portfolio at Middlesex Aerospace that already includes two VARIAXIS i-series full 5-axis machining centres, one equipped with an expandable large-capacity tool magazine, and an HCN-4000 horizontal machining centre with extended tool storage.
The mix reflects a production model built around tighter tolerances, lower batch sizes, frequent changeovers, and certified repeatability. In aerospace subcontract manufacturing, reducing handling between operations can be as valuable as adding raw spindle power.
“Thanks to the precision of its multiple cutting processes, the INTEGREX i-250H will play a critical role in our high-mix, low-volume production of complex components for the aerospace industry,” Foulds said. “We expect to follow this with further investments in larger Mazak machines over the coming years, as manufacturing demands within the sector continue to grow.”
Alan Mucklow, Managing Director UK and National Distributors at Yamazaki Mazak, said: “Middlesex Aerospace is one of many valued customers that has built a long-standing relationship with Mazak, reflecting years of collaboration, trust and shared commitment to engineering excellence.”
Aerospace machining capacity remains under pressure from more complex component geometries, stricter traceability requirements, and demand from global OEM supply chains. Middlesex Aerospace’s latest installation strengthens its position in the small, complex, safety-critical parts market while setting up further machine tool investment in larger platforms.
