Xtrac, the global leader in transmission technology, has announced a £1 million (€1.15 million) investment in advanced machining centres at its Thatcham headquarters, reinforcing its commitment to precision, performance, and innovation. The newly installed equipment, now beginning production in January 2026, will enhance Xtrac’s capability to deliver high-precision gearing solutions across motorsport, high-performance automotive, and aerospace applications.
Wire Cutting at the Pinnacle of Precision
At the heart of this investment is a new Sodick ALC 600P wire EDM machine. Building on Xtrac’s existing expertise in electro-discharge machining, the Sodick unit features the manufacturer’s most advanced generator and full CE-certified safety compliance. Its unparalleled accuracy and repeatability make it ideal for producing internal splines to standards that were almost unimaginable just a few years ago.
“This machine will primarily be utilised to deliver the very highest quality for Xtrac’s gears and splined components used in Formula One engines and gearboxes,” said Xtrac CEO Adrian Moore. “It will also support top-level motorsport series worldwide, including all-electric Formula E racing and hybrid transmission components for events such as the Le Mans 24-hour race.”
Sustainable CNC Turning for Complex Parts
Xtrac has also brought a new DMG Mori-Seiki NLX 2500/700 CNC turning centre online. Fully commissioned in December 2025, the energy-efficient, automated centre boasts dual spindles, Y-axis capability, digital tailstock, and robotic unload. This combination enables the rapid and flexible production of complex internal gearbox components for motorsport and high-performance automotive applications.
Designed to run in lights-out mode for high-volume production, the DMG Mori-Seiki enhances Xtrac’s turning and milling capacity while seamlessly integrating with the company’s in-house gear cutting, heat treatment, and grinding processes.
Flexible Metal Preparation
To further streamline production, a Behringer HBE Performance Series high-performance band saw has been added to Xtrac’s 5000 sq ft (465 m²) metal preparation area. The new saw complements existing equipment, allowing for quick changeovers between different bar sizes and reducing the time from project launch to machining. The upgrade significantly improves production flexibility while maintaining the high standards Xtrac customers expect.
Precision Inspection Upgraded
In addition to new machinery, Xtrac has invested in enhancing its existing equipment. The Klingelnberg P40 gear inspection machine received an upgrade in December 2025, incorporating the latest closed-loop bevel manufacturing technology from the Swiss/German specialist. This enables unprecedented dimensional accuracy in gear manufacturing while unlocking vital performance improvements in Xtrac’s designs.
Investing in People and the Future
“This million-pound investment demonstrates our long-term commitment to customers in the UK and across the globe,” Moore explained. “It reflects our ethos of continuous improvement, ensuring our products are delivered on time and to the highest quality. Importantly, much of this machinery will be programmed and operated by graduates of Xtrac’s award-winning apprentice academy, highlighting our dedication to developing the next generation of engineers.”
With its combination of advanced technology, production flexibility, and investment in talent, Xtrac is positioning itself for continued leadership at the forefront of technical innovation in motorsport, automotive, and aerospace transmissions.
