Billington have recently invested in a new combined CNC sawing, drilling and marking machine at their Yate facility near Bristol. The long awaited machine has been recently launched on the market by Peddinghaus Corporation based in the USA and enables the drilling of structural steel sections using carbide tooling technology at much increased rates of throughput. The machine employs a massive heavy duty frame and a superior clamping system to eliminate unwanted vibration which can occur when drilling at extreme speeds and feeds. The machine known as ‘The Beast’ was fully installed and commissioned by a Peddinghaus engineer sent across from the US for the task and is has quickly become the most productive of its type within the company. Production Director – Kevin Campbell stated “We are very pleased with the way the machine has settled in and become productive so quickly. The installation and commissioning process has been the smoothest we have ever experienced and the machine is the most productive we have ever had, what more could we ask for?” Billington see the machine as a cornerstone investment that will be playing a key role in its future competitiveness within the industry for many years to come.