7 October 2008 - New addition to BLM machine shop

BLM have recently replaced an old Colchester centre lathe with a Takisawa EX-308 CNC lathe. The Takisawa is a slant bed machine with a 12-station turret with all stations capable of running live tooling. This allows the machine to perform milling operations on items being produced. The Takisawa is a good addition to BLM's growing list of CNC machines which now includes 2-lathes and a machining centre. Check out the article in the November 2008 edition of the New Zealand Engineering News (Page 9).

7 October 2008 - BLM begins groundwork for new workshops

Work has begun on preparing BLM's site for new workshops to be built next year. Soft ground is being replaced with rock to provide a good foundation for the 1200m2 workshop space planned for the site in Morrinsville.

17 November 2008 - BLM apprentice selected for Worldskills International Competition

Fitting & Turning apprentice Tony Wells has been selected as a member of the 2009 Tool Black team to represent New Zealand in the Fitting skill category at the WorldSkills International competition in Calgary in September. Tony has been selected after first winning the regional, and then the national WorldSkills New Zealand competitions.