As demand in the aerospace sector continues to rise, Northern Ireland–based Moyola Precision Engineering has expanded its manufacturing capacity with the installation of the first HBZ AeroCell 160 | 400 five-axis horizontal machining centres in the United Kingdom. The investment marks a major step in Moyola’s long-term strategy to enhance productivity, innovation, and competitiveness in global aerospace manufacturing.
Moyola Precision Engineering expands production with the first HBZ AeroCell 160 | 400 in the UK, enabling high-speed five-axis machining of large aluminium aerospace components.
(Source: Moyola Precision Engineering, bavius technologie gmbh.)
Responding to sustained growth in the aerospace market, Moyola Precision Engineering has taken a decisive step to strengthen its production capabilities by investing in two HBZ AeroCell 160 | 400 five-axis horizontal machining centres from German manufacturer bavius technologie gmbh. The first system was installed in December 2023, with a second following in February 2025. Together, they form an integrated two-pallet production unit designed for high-speed machining of large aluminium aerospace components.
The investment is part of a wider R&D initiative to modernise Moyola’s manufacturing approach for a major international aerospace programme. The project focuses on developing new machining strategies and implementing an efficient production workflow that combines speed, precision and process stability.
“The HBZ AeroCell configuration has played a key role in redefining how we approach large-scale machining,” said Lee Averill, CAD/CAM Engineering Manager at Moyola. “It consistently exceeds our expectations in both speed and precision.”
High-speed precision at scale
Developed by bavius, a leading German machine tool builder with over 40 years of experience in five-axis machining, the HBZ AeroCell 160 combines speed, accuracy and reliability. With its horizontal machining design, twin-pallet changer and powerful high-performance spindle, the system achieves practical cutting rates of over 12 litres per minute without compromising process safety, even for large-volume parts.
Additional advantages include:
Precise machining of complex geometries at high speeds
Seamless transitions between roughing and finishing operations
Reduced cycle times through fast tool changes, synchronised pallet operation and intelligent process control
“The installation was smooth and efficient, with minimal disruption,” Averill added. “Since commissioning, machine availability has been excellent, and the performance has exceeded our expectations.”
From installation to industrial success
Both AeroCell 160 systems are now operating at full capacity. Moyola reports stable, continuous production with minimal downtime—an essential prerequisite for scaling output while maintaining high precision. The increased capacity allows Moyola to fulfil production commitments more flexibly and efficiently, meeting the aerospace industry’s stringent quality requirements.
A long-term technology partnership
The installation of the first HBZ AeroCell 160 | 400 in the UK underlines the growing partnership between Moyola and bavius. Both companies share a commitment to quality, technical excellence and innovation in aerospace manufacturing. “The adoption of this advanced technology is an important milestone in our collaboration,” Averill said. “It drives innovation while reinforcing our shared commitment to excellence.”
About Moyola Precision Engineering
Founded in 1976 in Castledawson, Northern Ireland, Moyola Precision Engineering has evolved into a trusted partner for the global aerospace and defence industries. The company specialises in precision machining of complex five- and six-axis components from aluminium, titanium, steel and composites. With expertise in assembly, direct line feed, and in-house treatment processes, Moyola supports OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers across civil, military and space programmes.
Continuous investment in technology and R&D—up to 30% of annual revenue in some years—has enabled Moyola to expand its production footprint, add NADCAP-certified treatment facilities and secure its position as a key supplier for major aerospace programmes across Europe, North America, Asia and South Africa.
About bavius technologie gmbh
Headquartered in Baienfurt, Germany, bavius technologie gmbh is a leading manufacturer of five-axis high-performance machining centres for large-component, high-speed milling. The company offers modular machine concepts ranging from stand-alone units to automated manufacturing cells with spindle speeds of up to 30,000 rpm. bavius solutions are widely used in aerospace, extrusion and façade construction, combining speed, precision and flexibility.
Date: 08.12.2025
Naturally, we always handle your personal data responsibly. Any personal data we receive from you is processed in accordance with applicable data protection legislation. For detailed information please see our privacy policy.
Consent to the use of data for promotional purposes
I hereby consent to Vogel Communications Group GmbH & Co. KG, Max-Planck-Str. 7-9, 97082 Würzburg including any affiliated companies according to §§ 15 et seq. AktG (hereafter: Vogel Communications Group) using my e-mail address to send editorial newsletters. A list of all affiliated companies can be found here
Newsletter content may include all products and services of any companies mentioned above, including for example specialist journals and books, events and fairs as well as event-related products and services, print and digital media offers and services such as additional (editorial) newsletters, raffles, lead campaigns, market research both online and offline, specialist webportals and e-learning offers. In case my personal telephone number has also been collected, it may be used for offers of aforementioned products, for services of the companies mentioned above, and market research purposes.
Additionally, my consent also includes the processing of my email address and telephone number for data matching for marketing purposes with select advertising partners such as LinkedIn, Google, and Meta. For this, Vogel Communications Group may transmit said data in hashed form to the advertising partners who then use said data to determine whether I am also a member of the mentioned advertising partner portals. Vogel Communications Group uses this feature for the purposes of re-targeting (up-selling, cross-selling, and customer loyalty), generating so-called look-alike audiences for acquisition of new customers, and as basis for exclusion for on-going advertising campaigns. Further information can be found in section “data matching for marketing purposes”.
In case I access protected data on Internet portals of Vogel Communications Group including any affiliated companies according to §§ 15 et seq. AktG, I need to provide further data in order to register for the access to such content. In return for this free access to editorial content, my data may be used in accordance with this consent for the purposes stated here. This does not apply to data matching for marketing purposes.
Right of revocation
I understand that I can revoke my consent at will. My revocation does not change the lawfulness of data processing that was conducted based on my consent leading up to my revocation. One option to declare my revocation is to use the contact form found at https://contact.vogel.de. In case I no longer wish to receive certain newsletters, I have subscribed to, I can also click on the unsubscribe link included at the end of a newsletter. Further information regarding my right of revocation and the implementation of it as well as the consequences of my revocation can be found in the data protection declaration, section editorial newsletter.