Open for business

The timing is particularly appropriate as the company celebrates its 30th anniversary in January 2010 and at a cost of around £400,000, it represents a serious investment.

With 72 sites globally, Mitutoyo is a name synonymous with precision measuring equipment with a product range spanning micrometers, callipers and dial gauges through to hardness testers, vision measuring systems and 3D coordinate measuring machines. In addition to a diverse product portfolio, Mitutoyo offers comprehensive product support from each of its six UK sites and further specialist services such as calibration, subcontract measurement, gauging technology and training.

Products are marketed and sold through three main outlets: from the company itself; through a large distributor network or through the company's website which has an online shopping cart capability. The Andover site employs around 50 people and is the UK hub for marketing, accounts, sales, administration, service and repair. Managing director David Thompson, who set-up Mitutoyo UK in 1980, remains at the helm today.

As marketing manager Louise Ellison reveals, the new facelift will provide a clean, bright area for training and demonstration purposes. “We've always had a showroom here at our Andover site but to be honest it was time for a makeover,” she explained. “It's very much a hands-on facility - customers can come here, see a large selection of from our product range under one roof and bring their own products in to decide what piece of equipment would be best suited for a particular application.

“It'll also serve as a training centre for those customers wanting to get the best out of their products,” she continued. “As a company, we run over 40 different training courses – including the NPL Dimensional Measurement Course for which we approved training providers.”

Cosmetically, the facility has been completely modernised with simple décor and hi-tech LED lighting. A streamlined workbench houses Mitutoyo's range of measuring machines, a new small tools display and spacious CMM area complete with plasma screens, while the training room has a new audio visual presentation system.

Customers are welcome to either book an appointment if they want to see something specific, or simply pop in if they're in the area for a quick tour.

Mitutoyo
www.mitutoyo.co.uk