ASG Arrowsmith Boosts Aerospace Machining Capabilities with Strategic CNC Investment

Leading aerospace subcontract manufacturer ASG Arrowsmith, a key division of the Manchester-based ASG Group, has strengthened its advanced manufacturing capabilities with the recent acquisition of two high-performance CNC machining centres from Mills CNC, the UK and Ireland distributor for DN Solutions.

The new machines — a DN Solutions DNM 4500 and a DVF 5000 5-axis vertical machining centre — have been installed and commissioned at ASG Arrowsmith’s Centre of Excellence in Coventry. This strategic investment reflects the company’s commitment to technological innovation and its ongoing role as a trusted supplier to global aerospace giants including Rolls-Royce and Airbus.

The DVF 5000, equipped with a simultaneous 5-axis configuration and an integrated automatic pallet changer, is designed for high-precision machining of complex aerospace components. Together with the robust, multi-axis DNM 4500, the new machines will play a pivotal role in improving productivity and supporting the company’s increasing move toward automation.

“Partnering with Mills CNC has allowed us to embrace cutting-edge CNC automation technology,” said Jason Aldridge, Managing Director at ASG Arrowsmith. “With 80% of our work secured through long-term agreements, we have the visibility and confidence to invest in forward-looking strategies — including automation and digitalisation.”

Operating in a sector where precision is paramount and batch volumes are comparatively low, ASG Arrowsmith has been proactively reshaping its manufacturing processes to meet the demands of modern aerospace production. This includes adopting automation early — even pricing projects as if automation were already in place, before equipment was fully deployed.

“Automation needs to run almost constantly to deliver ROI, which means having a robust order book is essential,” Aldridge added. “That’s why we’ve taken strategic risks and made early moves to bring in high-capability equipment.”

Despite industry-wide challenges such as material shortages, ASG Arrowsmith remains focused on long-term growth. Aldridge noted that most technical hurdles related to the new installations have been minimal compared to supply chain constraints.

As part of the wider $80 million ASG Group, ASG Arrowsmith’s latest investment underscores a broader vision: to maintain its competitive edge through advanced manufacturing, strategic planning, and long-term customer partnerships.

This commitment ensures that ASG Arrowsmith continues to lead in the high-precision aerospace subcontracting sector — today and well into the future.