Radical CNC makes strategic investment in Mazak machines to support expansion

Founded in August 2024, Radical CNC was established by owner and Managing Director James Bolland, after his 15 plus years working in engineering firms across the North West. Since then, the Barnoldswick operation has quickly built a reputation as a reliable supplier of general subcontract work and motorsport components.

Central to its early success has been the purchase of two Mazak machines, the firm said: the UK-designed CV5-500 5-axis machining centre, complete with robotic automation, and a QUICK TURN 200MSY turning centre.

“I have worked with Mazak machines for the past decade, so when it came to starting my own engineering firm, I knew who I wanted to work with," Bolland commented. "The CV5-500 stood out as an affordable 5-axis machining centre, and the ability to integrate a robot has given me a lot of flexibility. Rather than spending time loading and unloading the machine, I’m able to quote jobs, order tooling and see customers, all while the machine is running.”

Plans are already in place to add automation to the QUICK TURN turning centre, which the firm says has been vital for handling both high-volume production and more complex parts.

“I’ve been able to run the QUICK TURN lights out, machining steel bushings for one job and then change over to EN24T steel for the next – it gives me the ability to machine parts quickly if I need to but also have the capacity to handle heavier work while meeting tight tolerances. The fact I can program directly on the machine also helps to reduce downtime between jobs. We are looking at adding a robot loading system to the QUICK TURN to increase our flexibility even further.” 

Currently the sole full-time employee at Radical CNC, James says the support provided by Mazak during the company’s first six months has been invaluable: “Karl Hargreaves and the Mazak service team have been very supportive throughout the entire process," he concluded. "We’ve made a strong start, and I am looking forward to taking on more 5-axis work. My long-term plan is to grow the team here and add both more machines and more automation, and I am confident Mazak is the right machining partner to do that.”

Jason Butler, Sales Director at Yamazaki Mazak UK & Ireland, added: “James is a fantastic example of what one person can achieve on their own. Starting a new engineering company can be a daunting prospect but we were determined to help him get up and running with the right machines as quickly as possible.

"The combination of a compact CV5-500 5-axis machining centre with robot automation is perfect for achieving high output from a small team. We look forward to working with James over the coming months and years to help Radical CNC meet its ambitious growth plans.”