WORCESTER-based manufacturer Yamazaki Mazak has reported a record breaking year for machine orders and sales in 2014 driven by strong growth in multi-tasking machine sales and the company’s SMART range.

The company's UK headquarters and advanced manufacturing plant in Badgeworth Drive manufacturers around 100 machines every month for UK domestic customers and for export.

Richard Smith, managing director UK & Ireland sales division, said: "2014 was a record sales year for the UK business with a very strong final quarter in particular. Growth has been driven by the strength of the UK’s manufacturing sector, specifically aerospace, and a very buoyant oil and gas sector which continues to invest in new technology. Growth has been achieved across the entire Mazak range but our multi-tasking and the SMART range are particular drivers. In terms of machine type, we are seeing continued strong growth in multi-tasking machines. This is growth that is being propelled by the UK’s manufacturing base adopting the latest technologies in order to maintain its competitive advantage.

“We have also seen significant growth in our entry-level machine sales, such as the QUICK TURN SMART. I believe the UK’s subcontract manufacturing base is recognising more and more that Mazak can supply it with affordable entry-level machining solutions and then grow with them as their companies develop and they move into more sophisticated machining techniques, such as multi-tasking and simultaneous five axis machining.”