80 years in business and still innovating

A key player in the UK machine tool marketplace is Hove-based Dugard. Known for its eclectic mix of ‘old school’ experience and expertise coupled with cutting-edge innovation, the company is one of the largest exporters of CNC machines to Europe, with exclusive UK supplier partnerships with Hanwha, Chevalier, Tos Varnsdorf, Honour and SMEC.

And most recently, world-renowned manufacturers Kitamura and Ibarmia have joined the Dugard family.

Founded in 1939, Dugard is one of the UK's oldest CNC machining manufacturers and suppliers. Yet rather than rest on its laurels as a member of the machining industry old guard, the company is all about innovation.

According to managing director Eric Dugard, the key factor that makes the range so cutting-edge is the people behind it: “After 80 years, Dugard has become one of the UK's foremost suppliers for CNC machines," he says, "but despite that, we're still family-owned and engineer-owned. That focus is why we prioritise partnering with manufacturers who are delivering cutting-edge solutions engineers can rely on.”

One of those manufacturers is Kitamura, which recently made Dugard its exclusive supplier in the UK.

“We’re delighted that the UK’s fantastic engineering companies will finally have real access to some of the highest quality machining centres being made in the world right now, along with the technical support to ensure they perform at their best,” Mr Dugard affirms. “And we’re even happier that Dugard is such a big part of making that happen.”

New to the Dugard range is the Kitamura HX500iG, which is capable of machining a wide range of diverse materials, from Hastelloys or Inconels to softer materials like plastics. Joining the HX500iG is the popular Kitamura MedCenter 5AX, a full 5-axis simultaneous machining centre that’s ideal for small parts, plus Ibarmia's 3, 4 and 5-axis travelling column machines, with turning capabilities ranging from 1.5m to 12m.

Many of Dugard’s most sought-after machines are currently available in Dugard’s showroom in Hove – but with its imminent return to MACH, there are other opportunities to see the range up close and personal.

“Dugard is returning to MACH this year, and we’re delighted to be bringing some of our most exciting additions to the range, including the Kitamura MedCenter 5AX,” Mr Dugard concludes.

“We’re looking forward to sharing more of the big things Dugard has planned for 2020 – and introducing the industry to the newest members of the Dugard family.”

Dugard www.dugard.com