Buckinghamshire-based injection mould tool specialist - Precision Moulds and Tools (PM and T) - has recently invested in a high-speed milling machine (HSM) and a high-performance milling machine (HPM) from AgieCharmilles GF. The vertical machining centres - a Mikron HSM 800 and a Mikron VCP 800W Duro - have been installed (September 2006) at the company's 10,000ft2, purpose-built facility in Aylesbury, UK - and provide PM and T with a significant increase in machining capacity and capability as well as improving the company's overall manufacturing flexibility. PM and T, established in 1991 by joint managing directors Michael Rush and Paul Newton - and now employing 20 people in the UK - is a market-leading design and manufacturer of complex, high-precision mould tools.

The company has an international reputation for the quality and the sophistication of its tooling solutions (single through to multi-impression) and has a global customer base (US, Far East, Europe, etc) covering a diverse range of industry sectors - medical devices, electronics, white goods, cosmetics, etc * Total solutions - PM and T provides total systems solutions to its customers.

This does not just include the manufacture of complex single and multi-cavity production precision tooling - but also involves working in consultation with customers to develop and design mould tool concepts and prototypes - and providing pre-production testing and sampling services.

The company also has comprehensive mould tool modification and repair capabilities.

This 'concept through to completion' approach helps differentiate PM and T from the competition - it also helps explain the company's continuing growth and success.

Said Rush: 'The days when tool makers just 'made' things are over.

Customers not only expect (and demand) high-quality, reduced lead times and cost competitiveness from their tooling supplier - they are also looking, in many instances, to work in collaboration with them - sharing expertise, shortening design-to-manufacture processes and lead times - and minimising risk.' This pragmatic and strategic approach to business is evident across all of PM and T's operations.

* New technology - forward-looking and forward-thinking companies make prudent and timely investments in new technology - and PM and T is a case in point.