INTIME ENGINEERING has invested in advanced machining technology as part of a major programme to strengthen its manufacturing capabilities following a challenging period for the business.

The firm faced a significant setback in 2025 when a lithium-ion battery fire destroyed its facility and equipment in Ledbury. Despite the disruption, MD Colin Selwyn remained committed to rebuilding the company and protecting its workforce.

"I remember saying to my wife on the second day after the fire that if we got the business going again, I would use a phoenix as our symbol. That’s why we now have the phoenix branding – rising from the ashes," he said. After the fire, Selwyn was certain he wanted to rebuild the business. "Many people in my position said they wouldn’t have restarted after something like that. But that was never an option for me."

An opportunity to modernise

Intime’s new facility in Malvern has 4,000 sq ft of space with 16 employees on site. In terms of machining capability, Selwyn didn’t just want to replicate his old machine footprint, he wanted to 'build back better'.

Central to this rebuilding process has been Intime’s long-running relationship with Yamazaki Mazak. "We obviously needed like-for-like replacements for some machines, but I also saw an opportunity to modernise and improve. Machining technology has advanced at pace in recent years and we need to lead the field if we are to remain competitive," he stated.

Alongside new models from Mazak’s QUICK TURN 250 series to replace lost machines, Intime has upgraded its turning capability with several new QUICK TURN 250 MY machines with a Y-axis, 1.5 metre barfeed capability on two of its machines, and a one metre bed on another.

Consolidating operations onto one machine

However, Intime’s flagship investment is a new INTEGREX j-series multi-tasking machine that takes the company’s machining capabilities in a new direction.

"The INTEGREX will allow us to consolidate multiple different operations onto one machine which saves us a lot of space. It’s also effectively two machines in one, possibly more, due to its second spindle and milling spindle that gives us the capability for multi-face work," Selwyn added.

Manufactured in Worcester, the INTEGREX j-series is the first multi-tasking machine to be built outside of Japan. Mazak positions the machine as an accessible entry point to 5-axis machining while combating a number of the challenges associated with turreted lathes, specifically the number of tools available and interference with large workpieces.

"I’ve got 43 years with Intime Engineering behind me, but sometimes it feels as if I’m starting again," Selwyn acknowledged. "However, we’ve got great people, loyal customers and the right partner in Mazak who can equip us with the right technology to make Intime rise from the ashes. We’re very positive about the future."

For more information: 

www.mazak.com

Tel: +44 (0)1905 755 755