Precision, Partnership and Performance: NCMT Supports EVTEC’s EV Manufacturing

As UK automotive manufacturing accelerates its transition towards electrification, suppliers are under increasing pressure to deliver high-quality components at scale, with absolute confidence in accuracy and repeatability.

That’s where NCMT and EVTEC’s partnership began, building capacity for the next generation of automotive engines on high quality machine tools. “This isn’t just a single machine story. It’s about building a production line around a consistent, repeatable platform.” Say’s NCMT’s, Key Accounts Manager, Greig Underwood.

NCMT are meeting this challenge and supplying a growing fleet of high-precision Makino horizontal machining centres to underpin EVTEC’s latest manufacturing growth. Demonstrating how supplier and customers are pivoting and scaling together to meet the demands of electrification.

Underwood explained: “We started with three machines for prototyping, one of each size in the Makino a-nx-Series range. That allowed the process to be proven before scaling up to full production.”

Building on Trust and Technical Capability

According to EVTEC’s NPI Advisor Bran Antal, the decision to partner with NCMT was rooted in both technical confidence and long-standing trust: “The key factor was trust in both the technology and the people behind it. We needed a partner who understood the complexity of our components and could support us through the full journey from process development to full-scale production.”

That confidence proved critical as EVTEC scaled up machining capacity for high-pressure aluminium die cast components, including main housings, transmission housings and end covers for electric drive units.

Antal said: “Beginning with a small number of machines allowed us to validate the process, refine the tooling, optimise cycles, and build operator expertise. By the time we expand the line, we will have a proven, repeatable process ready to scale.”

Precision Where It Matters Most

The Electric Drive Unit (EDU) components being produced place extreme demands on machining accuracy. Tight positional tolerances are essential to ensure performance, durability and downstream assembly integrity.

As Antal explains: “The tolerances on EDU components are incredibly demanding. Any deviation can affect the overall performance. Makino’s accuracy and repeatability gave us confidence that we could consistently hit those tolerances.”

From NCMT’s perspective the application required machine tools capable of repeatedly achieving true positional tolerances of around 40 microns: “The initial line needed machines capable of hitting 40-micron true position. Based on previous experience, Makino could do this reliably and that was a deciding factor.” Underwood said.

He continued: “Makino builds these machines as highly accurate horizontal machining centres. When you’re dealing with demanding automotive applications, that level of inherent machine accuracy is essential.”

A Scalable Makino Platform for EV Production

EVTEC’s machining line is built around a family of Makino horizontal machining centres from the A-Series, including a51nx,  a61nx and a71nx models. Each machine was selected to match specific process requirements:

• a51nx machines with 400 mm pallets and HSK-63 spindles are used for high-speed, high-accuracy peripheral drilling operations.
• a61nx machines provide additional capacity for transmission housings, again prioritising positional accuracy and repeatability.
• a71nx machines, equipped with HSK-100 spindles, support heavy metal removal using large-diameter tooling for main housing roughing operations.

Underwood explains: “The a71nx supports an enormous tool to remove a large volume of material in one hit, while the a51nx and a61nx machines handle the precision drilling operations. Together, they form a highly efficient, balanced machining strategy.”

Despite their capability, the machines’ compact footprints were also a key advantage when installing high machine counts on the shop floor: “The compact footprint allowed us to design a very efficient layout with good operator access and smooth material flow once we scale production.” says Antal.

Phased Investment Reduces Risk and Builds Confidence

The project began with a small number of machines for prototyping and process validation, before scaling to full production volumes. This phased approach allowed EVTEC to work with NCMT to ensure the scalability.

That confidence is reflected in continued reinvestment, with EVTEC repeatedly returning to NCMT for additional Makino machines and technical support as production requirements grow.

“Ultimately, this was about building a scalable solution. The machines had to support today’s volumes but also give headroom for future growth.” Underwood added.

Through-Life Support as a Differentiator

Beyond machine capability alone, both parties emphasise the importance of ongoing support throughout the life of the equipment. NCMT has provided project management, installation, commissioning, operator and programmer training, and responsive service support.

Antal said: “NCMT has supported us at every stage, from installation and commissioning to training, application support and ongoing service. Their team has been quick to respond whenever we’ve needed technical input. It is a genuine partnership.”

For Underwood, repeat investment is the strongest endorsement: “Customers don’t keep buying the same machines unless they’re happy not just with the machine, but with the support behind it.”

Investing in the Future of UK EV Manufacturing

For EVTEC, the investment signals long-term confidence in electrification and UK-based manufacturing: “It shows that we’re fully committed to the future of electrification and to manufacturing high‑value components here in the UK. Investing in advanced machining capability is a clear signal that we believe in the long‑term growth of the EV sector and in the UK’s ability to compete globally. These machines are not just for today’s programmes — they’re part of our strategy for the next decade and beyond.” Antal said.

Underwood added: “This project shows that investment is happening in UK automotive. Companies are growing. And they’re investing in advanced capability to support the future of the sector.”

By combining Makino’s proven precision with NCMT’s through-life service and application expertise, the partnership with EVTEC demonstrates how advanced manufacturing capability can be successfully scaled to support the evolving needs of the UK automotive sector.