Lights out and full speed ahead at Avant

Although Avant Manufacturing didn’t exactly take the easy route into precision engineering following its foundation during a global pandemic, fast-forward five years and the Fenland-based business is not just surviving, it’s thriving. Six people, a growing reputation around Cambridge’s research-intensive science hub, and now a major step forward in capability thanks to investment in a fully integrated Erowa automation solution supplied by REM Systems.

At the centre of it all, an Erowa Robot Compact 80 works seamlessly with a Brother CNC machining centre, supported by other Erowa solutions that include the PowerChuck P clamping system, tooling, ITS 148 pallets and JMS 4.0 cell management software. It’s a set up designed for efficiency, flexibility and scale without losing the quality-first culture that’s defined Avant from day one.

Built different from the outset

Avant Manufacturing launched in April 2021, a time when uncertainty was everywhere, but demand for high-quality components, particularly in medical and scientific sectors, was anything but.

“We’re a specialist in precision engineering, typically focusing on complex, intricate parts for sectors like biomedical, surgical robotics, scientific instruments and microfluidics,” says founder and Director Dominic Roach. “We supply 90-95% of our work to the world-renowned science hub located in and around nearby Cambridge.”

Degree educated, Dominic’s background spans more than a decade in a large subcontract environment. But after experiencing cultural shifts driven by repeat rounds of private equity, he felt it was time for something different.

“I wanted to create a business focused on customer satisfaction, with heavy involvement in design for manufacture and cost optimisation for our clients.”

His approach quickly gained traction, with Avant building a formidable reputation for prototypes and small batches. However, success brought its own challenge, with customers soon asking for production runs. And that’s where things got tricky. Scaling output traditionally means scaling headcount, but that wasn’t the route Avant had in mind.

“I didn’t want a massive team of people stood in front of machines. It’s so difficult to find staff. I’d rather invest in automation and upskill the team we already have.”

The right automation partner

By the time Avant began exploring automation, the company had already invested in a trio of Brother CNC machining centres from Whitehouse Machine Tools, all arriving inside 12 months. The business then invested in a fourth: a Brother Speedio U500Xd2-100T universal compact machining centre, the first of its type to offer a 100-tool magazine. Having seen the machine in-person at the EMO 2025 exhibition in Hanover and learnt of Brother’s technical partnership with Erowa in Germany, things started falling into place.

“Erowa became the benchmark and our preferred choice,” states Dominic. “Swiss technology. High quality. Machine-independent. It all fit perfectly.”

A visit to REM Systems’ UK showroom to see the Erowa Robot Compact 80 in action sealed the deal.

“That gave us real confidence. REM Systems walked us through everything, all the options, and really understood what we were trying to achieve.”

Density, flexibility and control

One of the key drivers behind Avant’s decision was the need for pallet density, as Dominic confirms: “Around 80% of our jobs are aluminium, so cycle times are relatively quick. We needed a system that could keep the machine fed with a high number of pallets.”

The solution? An Erowa Robot Compact 80 system customised to support 30 pallets.

Dominic reveals: “That was the real selling point. It was the only system that could give us that level of pallet density.”

The customised ITS 148 pallets allow for component footprints up to 200 mm, facilitating the ability to manage multiple part variations simultaneously. In effect, this level of flexibility offers Avant the opportunity to run 30 one-offs should it require. Supporting hardware like the PowerChuck P and standardised pallet set up further enhances consistency.

“Every pallet is set up the same way, with the same vice. Moreover, no matter what job we run, the software finds the datum straight away. There’s no messing around. It really helped that the entire system was very intuitive. Half a day of training from REM Systems and we were up and running.”

Lights-out capability

According to Dominic, the biggest transformation has come from increased spindle utilisation: “The machine runs all night, fundamentally changing how we operate. We even get more from the machine during the day because it doesn’t need breaks or get distracted.”

The result? Higher productivity, improved OEE (overall equipment effectiveness) and more capacity without adding headcount. But just as importantly, staff who were once loading machines are now undertaking added-value tasks. Programmer/setters can get more familiar with inspection equipment, for example. Everyone’s stepped up.

Trustworthy precision

For a business built on quality, repeatability is everything. And here, the Erowa Compact 80 delivers peace of mind.

“Thanks to the system’s repeatability, if we need to re-machine a part feature, such as a slightly undersized bore, we can reload the workpiece and go again with confidence.”

Combined with automated job control and consistent set ups, Avant can maintain its standards in line with company growth, as Dominic sets out: “We’re ISO 9001 accredited and rely heavily on reputation. Word of mouth and recommendation go a long way. But we know we’re only as good as our last job. We need to get it right every time. The Erowa Compact 80 helps us meet that ambition.”

 A partnership that delivered

The success of the project at Avant Manufacturing wasn’t just about the technology, it was about collaboration, with REM Systems front and centre.

“REM Systems were excellent throughout. Very responsive, very supportive. And the co-ordination with Whitehouse Machine Tools was spot on.”

He adds: “From initial discussions through to installation and commissioning in early 2026, the process was smooth and well-managed.”

Ready for what’s next

With demand at an all-time high and Avant setting revenue records month after month, the company has further automation firmly on its radar.

“We’re already talking to REM about automating more machines. Anything that means I don’t need to come in on a Saturday morning is very welcome,” jokes Dominic.

For Avant Manufacturing, investment in automation is about setting the pace, not just keeping up. And if the company’s first five years are anything to go by, it’s only just getting started.