#EMCON, the region’s largest meeting of cross sector engineers and manufacturers took place on Thursday 12 September 2024 and we’re already seeing the impact of the connections and new relationships that were built on the day.

Two of this years’ exhibitors, Turnmill Engineering & MEC Machine Tools connected for the first time at EMCON 24, held at Sunderland Live (formally Rainton Arena) with more than 900 visitors and 115 exhibitors and established a new partnership with a focus on operational efficiency.

As a direct result of this new connection, Turnmill has made a significant six-figure investment in a state-of-the-art VMC (Vertical Milling Machine) supplied by MEC Machine Tools. This is the first of its kind to be installed in the North of England.

The new VMC, stationed at Turnmill’s Washington facility, has a high specification with an impressive 1,100 mm x 600mm x 600mm capacity, Blum part probing, tool measurement and high pressure through spindle coolant. This is in addition to Turnmill’s range of specialist machinery, allowing them to expand their existing capabilities and take on new clients as part of their continuing growth journey.

MEC will provide Turnmill with ongoing support, ensuring the machine operates at peak performance and this partnership includes comprehensive training for Turnmill’s team and an extended warranty.

Andrew Howe, Operations Director at Turnmill Engineering said;

“Our recent investment in the new VMC machine marks a significant milestone in our growth journey, enabling us to take on more complex projects and offer our national and regional clients enhanced service and quality—all proudly delivered from the North East. EMCON provided an ideal setting to connect with industry professionals who are well-positioned to support our unique needs.”

Liam Eley, MD at MEC Machine Tools said;

“It was a pleasure meeting the guys from Turnmill at EMCON 2024, from the get go it was apparent we shared a similar mindset with regards to being able to deliver high level service to our clients, combined with both companies proudly located in the North East.

Turnmill were perfectly placed for MEC to deliver one of our stock VL11 VMC machines, and this gives us the opportunity to showcase our machinery within a high paced, high technology manufacturing company like Turnmill.

We look forward to working with Turnmill over the coming months.

Thanks to all involved for making this deal happen.

Ailsa Anderson, Director of Development at EMN, said: “As we plan for EMCON 25, I’m thrilled to see the impacts of EMCON 24 taking shape.

Engineering & Manufacturing Networks purpose in running EMCON each year has always been to bring engineering and manufacturing businesses together, sharing experiences and ideas, making new connections, fostering new relationships and doing business. This is what the event has become renowned for and the partnership between Mech Machine Tools and Turnmill Engineering is just one of many success stories from the last 16 years of the show.

We’re already taking bookings for www.EMCON.show planned for Thursday 18 September 2025 and look forward to creating more connections and business opportunities.

EMN supports businesses from small scale SMEs to PLCs and its membership base stretches across North East England.