ASG TGM Deepens Aerospace Ambitions with £1.75m Investment in Third 5-Axis CNC Machine

ASG TGM, the Preston-based precision machining specialist and part of the ASG Group, has reinforced its position at the cutting edge of UK aerospace manufacturing with the acquisition of a third Mazak VTC 800 5-axis CNC machine, installed at its newly expanded machine shop in Unit 24 - in addition to the three VTC 800’s in their existing unit 23. This latest addition marks a total investment of £1.75 million in the new facility, signalling a strong vote of confidence in the site's role within the group’s long-term strategy.

Each of the state-of-the-art machines carries a price tag of £500,000 and features a working envelope of 3 metres by 1 metre, delivering full 5-axis capability to handle large and complex components with the high precision demanded by Tier 1 aerospace suppliers.

“This third VTC 800 represents our intent to lead in high-complexity, high-value aerospace manufacturing,” said Dan Hall, Director of ASG TGM. “We’ve developed Unit 24 as a future-ready machining hub, and every investment we make here is targeted at ensuring resilience, repeatability, and readiness for the next generation of aerospace programs.”

ASG TGM recently doubled its footprint by acquiring an additional 11,000 square feet adjacent to its original Preston site. This physical expansion has been matched by aggressive capital investment, aimed at supporting the company’s growing contract base—including a significant Tier 1 aerospace program involving the machining of large structural components.

“The working envelope of these machines is a perfect match for the parts we’re now taking on,” explained Hall. “At 3 metres long and with full 5-axis control, they allow us to achieve geometries and tolerances that simply weren’t possible before.” Sarah Stephens, Managing Director of ASG TGM, noted the strategic importance of this latest investment amid ongoing demand for large aerospace components.

“This is about building in capacity where it matters,” she said. “With three VTC 800s now running in Unit 24, and a further three in our existing unit 23, we’re creating a mirrored production cell that allows for flexibility, redundancy, and continuous workflow—crucial advantages when working with high-reliability aerospace partners.” Stephens added that the investment comes as ASG TGM ramps up its collaboration with ASG Phoenix in Nottingham, ensuring seamless execution of complex aerospace orders across the group’s UK footprint.

“The strength of ASG lies in our ability to share capability, capacity, and knowledge across our sites. The investment here in Preston complements the group’s broader aerospace strategy,” she said.

The expansion and investment also align with a sharp uptick in business activity. ASG TGM’s turnover is on track to exceed £5 million this year, with £8 million forecast for 2025. Growth is being driven by increased demand for large-scale structural machining, including ribs and spars for wing assemblies in single-aisle aircraft.

However, both Hall and Stephens acknowledged that one of the key challenges ahead will be securing a skilled workforce to match their technical ambitions. “There’s no shortage of work, but skilled machinists and engineers are in short supply,” said Hall. “We’re actively investing in training and recruitment, but broader support is needed to bring new talent into the industry.”

With 40 employees currently at the Preston facility and plans to continue hiring, ASG TGM is balancing cutting-edge technology with workforce development to secure its future. “From new apprenticeships to partnerships with local colleges, we’re building a pipeline of skills,” said Stephens. “But we also need to show young people that this is an industry where you can build a rewarding, high-tech career.”

As aerospace primes increasingly demand speed, scale, and quality from their supply chain, ASG TGM’s latest move positions it as a reliable partner for complex component manufacturing—firmly anchored in Preston but with a reach that spans the global aerospace sector.