The performance comes against a backdrop of challenging trading conditions in the machine tool supply industry and a general reluctance among manufacturers to invest amid economic uncertainty, Hurco said.
Despite these headwinds, sales to subcontractors serving aerospace, defence and motorsport sectors remained resilient throughout 2025. Notably, more than one-third of machining centre and CNC lathe sales were secured from first-time buyers of the Hurco brand, a proportion that has remained remarkably consistent year after year. This trend has helped the company maintain its strong market position and grow share across the UK and Ireland.
Speaking at Hurco’s year-end open house in High Wycombe on December 2–3 2025, Managing Director David Waghorn said: “As is the case for many of our peers, unit volumes were down this year, particularly for the lower-cost, smaller models. However, we were fortunate that several orders were of high value, including for our four types of 5-axis vertical machining centre and our large travelling-column DCX models. At the same time, CNC lathes remained a key part of our business, providing 20 per cent of revenue.”
Hurco reported that it also saw strong demand for 3- and 5-axis vertical machining centres built in Germany by Roeders, which the company has represented exclusively in the UK for more than two decades. Six machines were shipped during the year – a notable figure for such specialised, high-performance equipment. Waghorn also highlighted growing interest in integrated jig grinding, which enables users to complete high-accuracy parts in a single handling.
Automation continues to gain traction, with Hurco’s ProCobots proving increasingly popular: “ProCobots have always generated huge interest at shows, but it has taken time for subcontract engineers to appreciate how easy they are to operate and program,” Waghorn explained.
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“Once a company installs one ProCobot, they quickly come back for a second, as the return on investment is easy to justify. Often, the automated cell continues to make parts long after the operator has gone home.”
Hurco also reported a rising demand for refurbished machines, which are restored to 'near-new condition' at its High Wycombe headquarters. These pre-owned systems provide a cost-effective option for first-time users and businesses on tight budgets, while offering full warranty coverage for peace of mind.
Looking ahead, Hurco expects a positive start to 2026, with plans to exhibit at Southern Manufacturing & Electronics in February and MACH 2026 in April, where it will unveil new automation solutions alongside its latest 3- and 5-axis mills and CNC turning centres.
“We are eagerly awaiting the forthcoming MACH show in Birmingham, as the biennial event normally triggers an upturn in orders. We are particularly excited to be showing two automation solutions in addition to a broad selection of our 3- and 5-axis mills and CNC turning centres," Waghorn concluded.
“Thankfully, the original 2026 expiry date for removing full expensing of capital investment was swiftly cancelled in the Autumn Statement of 2023 and the 100 per cent write-down against corporation tax for qualifying new plant and machinery remains. It is a big incentive for anyone considering purchasing a new machine tool.
“Moreover, based on forecasts from major economic institutions, there is consensus that UK interest rates are likely to go down in 2026 as inflation is brought under control. Despite the headwinds, these factors in tandem should lead to buoyant business activity going forward."
