Greener by Design: Holtex Develops Low-Waste Tooling System for Regional Automotive Supplier

Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword at Holtex — it’s a design principle. In response to growing demand for environmentally conscious engineering, we recently collaborated with a West Yorkshire automotive supplier to reduce material waste in their machining process.

Our client was facing high levels of aluminium swarf during the manufacture of drivetrain components. After an initial process review, Holtex proposed a re-engineered modular tooling system that optimised part nesting, reduced unnecessary stock material, and improved repeatability across batches.

By combining simulation software with on-machine verification, we fine-tuned cutting paths to minimise tool wear and material waste. The result? A 40% reduction in swarf, improved part consistency, and a measurable drop in cycle times. We also provided training to the client’s operators to help embed best practices for sustainable machining.

This project exemplifies how small design decisions can have large environmental impacts. Beyond cost savings, the new tooling system supports the client’s ISO 14001 environmental targets and boosts their green credentials in a competitive supply chain.

At Holtex, we believe that the future of manufacturing lies in intelligent design, responsible sourcing, and long-term thinking. Our role is to help clients improve not only their output, but their impact. Greener. Smarter. Better. That’s how we build the future — one project at a time.

Holtex Supports Medical Innovation: Rapid Prototyping for a Yorkshire-Based Health Tech Startup

Medical innovation is accelerating, and Holtex is proud to play a part in bringing the next generation of life-saving technology to market. Recently, we partnered with a Yorkshire-based health tech startup developing a wearable device for respiratory monitoring. The company needed precision enclosures for their functional prototypes — and they needed them fast.

Within days, our team reviewed the startup’s 3D models, advised on manufacturability, and sourced suitable grades of anodised aluminium to balance weight, strength, and aesthetic appeal. We then programmed and machined the parts on our high-speed CNC mills, completing five full enclosures with laser marking and surface finishing within ten working days.

Speed was essential, but quality couldn’t be compromised. Each part underwent dimensional inspection and functional testing to ensure compatibility with embedded electronics and wearable straps. Our flexible, responsive approach enabled the startup to demonstrate a working prototype to investors and accelerate their regulatory pathway.

This is just one example of how Holtex supports innovation outside traditional industrial sectors. We recognise the importance of helping early-stage businesses translate great ideas into real-world products, and we have the tools, talent, and attitude to do it.

As we look to the future, we’ll continue to work with startups, researchers, and entrepreneurs to push boundaries and deliver precision where it matters most — whether that’s in an operating theatre, on a factory floor, or worn by a patient at home.

Inspiring the Next Generation: Holtex Partners with Local Schools and ‘Make It In Manufacturing’

The future of British manufacturing depends not only on innovation, but on people. At Holtex, we’re committed to addressing the growing skills gap by actively engaging with local schools and inspiring young people to consider careers in engineering. That’s why we’re proud to support the “Make It In Manufacturing” initiative.

Earlier this term, we opened our doors to students from 2 local schools. Pupils were invited to explore our facility, meet our engineers, and take part in interactive workshops. From CAD modelling demonstrations to hands-on CNC programming sessions, the aim was to show what a modern manufacturing career really looks like.

We also hosted a Q&A with Holtex apprentices and junior engineers, who shared their journeys into the industry. For many students, it was the first time they’d seen advanced machinery up close or spoken to someone working in engineering. Their questions were curious, insightful, and sometimes unexpected — just the way we like it.

This initiative is about more than outreach. It’s about helping young people see the value in making things, solving problems, and being part of an industry that underpins so much of the world around them. By showing them what’s possible, we hope to plant the seeds for future careers in manufacturing.

Holtex remains committed to working with local schools, supporting STEM education, and providing pathways into rewarding, hands-on careers. Because the next great engineer might just be sitting in a classroom in Huddersfield right now.

Holtex Invests in Metal Additive Manufacturing with GE Concept Laser M2 Machine

Innovation is at the core of Holtex’s identity, and our latest investment in a GE Concept Laser M2 metal 3D printer is a significant leap into the future of manufacturing. This state-of-the-art machine enables us to produce complex geometries in high-performance metals such as Inconel, stainless steel, and aluminium, with unrivalled precision and efficiency.

Additive manufacturing opens up a world of possibilities that were previously out of reach using traditional subtractive methods. With the GE M2, we can fabricate intricate lattice structures, internal channels, and bespoke components that are both lighter and stronger. This technology is particularly valuable in sectors like aerospace, medical, and energy, where precision and performance are paramount.

The M2 integrates seamlessly into our digital workflow. It allows for rapid prototyping, low-volume production, and the manufacture of highly customised parts without the need for expensive tooling. Combined with our in-house machining and finishing capabilities, it means we can offer clients a full end-to-end service from concept to delivery.

We’ve already begun producing tooling inserts with conformal cooling channels, leading to reduced cycle times and improved part quality. Future plans include exploring multi-material builds and hybrid assemblies that combine 3D printed and machined elements.

This investment reflects our commitment to staying at the cutting edge of manufacturing technology. It also underscores our belief in providing clients with smarter, more sustainable solutions that deliver long-term value.

Precision Reimagined: Holtex Reverse Engineers Oil & Gas Pump Components to Extend Asset Lifespan

At Holtex Ltd, we pride ourselves on turning engineering challenges into opportunities for innovation. Recently, we undertook a significant reverse engineering project for a key client in the oil and gas sector. The task: to recreate legacy pump components that had been machined from solid over three decades ago, and for which original technical drawings no longer existed.

Using advanced 3D scanning and high-accuracy coordinate measuring systems, our engineering team captured precise data from the worn components. We then used SolidWorks to build robust CAD models, identifying material improvements and integrating subtle design tweaks to enhance wear resistance. Once verified, these models were transferred to our 5-axis machining centres for precision remanufacture.

The project proved the power of combining modern digital workflows with traditional craftsmanship. Not only did we extend the operational life of a high-value pump assembly, but we also enabled our client to avoid lengthy international procurement times. With full traceability and rigorous quality control, we supplied the parts faster and more cost-effectively than the OEM.

This work cements Holtex’s position as a trusted partner for oil and gas operators looking to maintain critical infrastructure without compromising on quality. Whether it’s obsolescence, failure analysis, or performance enhancement, our reverse engineering capabilities help breathe new life into old equipment, ensuring clients remain agile in a high-demand, high-stakes industry.

£0.5m Project Launched Into Post Processing for Metal AM

Holtex have recently developed ElectroForm(TM). Currently at proof-of-concept stage with a patent pending, ElectroForm enables the operator to conform the tool to the unique geometry of individual additive manufactured components. This enables bespoke geometry correction and fine surface roughness targeting. In the Advanced Dynamic Electrochemical Polishing Techniques to Improve Additive Manufactured Surface Conditions (ADEPT) Project we will team with the University of Huddersfield (UoH) to develop ElectroForm to TRL7/TRL8. The UoH EPSRC Future Metrology Hub is one of eight recently created EPSRC Future Manufacturing Research Hubs.

Holtex have been successful in launching a £492k project through Innovate UK SMART grants to progress this exciting new technology and are aiming to deliver Alpha machines within 18 months. For further information please get in touch via our contact page.

Novel Marine Air Lubrication Technology

Holtex are pleased to announce a collaboration between Green Shipping Solutions Ltd. and northern Universities to investigate the use of dry cell water cracking for the air lubrication of commercial shipping.

Our unique method of powering the dry cell provides an increased power output per kW input, making the technology highly attractive against existing offerings. If successful the technology could be used to improve fuel efficiency by up to 12%.

For more information please get in touch!

Site Move

They say moving to a new house can be one of the most stressful things to do but moving business site was a breeze (kind of…).  In late 2020 Holtex completed the purchase of a new facility in Skelmanthorpe, Huddersfield. We are now up and running in the new premises, which is approximately twice the size of our original site. Despite the trials and tribulations of upgraded power and some nesting birds, everything is back to full capacity.

Now at;

Unit 1, Skelmanthorpe Technology, Station Rd, Skelmanthorpe, Huddersfield HD8 9GA

If you would like to arrange a visit and a nosey please get in touch, one of the team would love to show you around!

Zero Emissions Diesel

With a strong drive towards Hydrogenics and Electric Vehicles (EV), the automotive industry is aggressively investing in clean transport. One of the sectors that has a greater limitation on deploying these technologies is heavy duty engines & haulage.

The power requirements and milage needed provide little space for existing infrastructure to support electric or fuel cell heavy goods vehicles. As such, any improvements to existing Diesel engines give businesses the time to operate in a more green, clean fashion, buying time until other power and fuel technologies become available.

With a consortium effort of Cummins Turbo Technologies, The University of Bath and Aeristech, Holtex has successfully won a £20m project bid with APC to use E-Machine technology and improvements to material surface finish to move towards a zero emissions Diesel solution.

This project aims to complete by 2024 and will shape the future of heavy duty powertrain.

For more information please visit https://www.apcuk.co.uk/portfolio/cummins-turbo-technologies-trident/