Expanding our UK Manufacturing with New CNC Investment

We have announced the acquisition of seven new CNC sliding headstock lathes supplied by Star Micronics GB Ltd. Adding these machines significantly increases our capacity for manufacturing high-reliability connectors.

The purchase follows heightened demand for our connector ranges - particularly Gecko - and increased investment in R&D. This increased capacity will come into effect from January 2026, when the first two Star SL-7 sliding-head lathes are delivered to our Portsmouth manufacturing plant. Capacity will continue to ramp up during the first half of the year, with additional new lathes being added in February, March and April. 

This investment also strengthens our long-standing partnership with Star GB, increasing our total number of Star lathes to 56. 

Our expanded capacity is supported by the broad range of Star technology already in use at our Portsmouth site. The facility operates SD-26 Type E and SR-20RIV Type B machines, providing versatile, high-precision machining across mid-range diameters. 

These are complemented by SL-7 and SR-10J models, which specialise in producing very small, highly accurate components. This capability is complemented by several SW-12RII models, delivering high-speed twin-platen machining for complex, multi-feature components. 

Together, these platforms give us a well-balanced mix of capacities, enabling efficient production of both miniature connector elements and more demanding geometries, while maintaining the precision and repeatability required for our high-reliability product range.

This latest phase of investment underscores our commitment to maintaining world-class manufacturing in the UK and ensuring rapid, resilient supply for our global customer base. By combining advanced automation with in-house expertise, we continue to strengthen our position as a trusted partner for mission-critical connectivity solutions worldwide.