PP Control & Automation has secured a landmark contract to assemble the critical EDM generator module for Winbro Group Technologies’ revolutionary HSD-351 drilling machine. The West Midlands-based specialist has established a dedicated production cell staffed by eight experts to build the first 25 units of what’s being hailed as the world’s most productive EDM drilling system. These precision machines will manufacture complex components for aerospace and industrial gas turbines, including turbine blades and nozzle guide vanes.
The partnership represents a decade-long collaboration that has yielded ten successful machine variants, with outsourcing proving key to Winbro’s operational flexibility. PP C&A’s involvement has consistently reduced assembly times and streamlined supply chain management for the Leicestershire manufacturer. CEO Tony Hague describes the relationship as a textbook case for strategic manufacturing outsourcing, noting their team’s instrumental role in developing the compact yet powerful EDM generator that forms the core of the new system.
The HSD-351 breaks new ground in manufacturing efficiency, packing unprecedented drilling capability into just 2.5 square meters of floor space. With capacity for nearly 700 electrodes of varying diameters, the machine delivers lights-out production capabilities that surpass Winbro’s previous best-in-class models. This ultra-compact design directly addresses manufacturers’ growing need to maximize productivity per square meter of factory space while maintaining precision standards.
Gary Robinson, Winbro’s VP of Sourcing, emphasizes how the collaboration has evolved into a business-critical relationship. The companies jointly developed optimized manufacturing processes for the generator module, combining their engineering expertise to create a more efficient assembly system. The resulting modules carry UL 508A certification for the American market – a quality assurance milestone made possible through the partnership. PP C&A’s supply chain management capabilities have proven particularly valuable in securing hard-to-find electronic components amid global shortages.
Beyond immediate production benefits, the arrangement demonstrates the strategic value of focused outsourcing in advanced manufacturing. Winbro’s decision to concentrate on core competencies while partnering with PP C&A for specialized assembly has created a scalable, responsive production model. As the first units move through assembly, the project underscores how UK manufacturers can maintain global competitiveness through innovative collaborations that combine engineering excellence with operational efficiency.
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