New Puma DNT 2600 Lathe
We've been eagerly anticipating this: the arrival of our new Doosan Puma DNT 2600 lathe.
Company profile
An established UK casting manufacturer supporting aerospace, marine and premium automotive sectors.
Company profile
Leading precision casting manufacturer
Maycast-Nokes is a leading manufacturer of high-quality precision castings. We supply a variety of industries including the aerospace, marine and premium automotive markets.
Maycast-Nokes is proud of its position as one of the most comprehensive single-site suppliers of non-ferrous castings in the UK. Operating from a modern site in Halstead (north Essex) the company is fully equipped with the latest technology to produce machined investment castings, precision sand castings and gravity die castings of the absolute highest standard.
Our capability
A complete single-site casting partner
We aim to be the UK’s most versatile aluminium foundry, undertaking as many processes in-house as possible so that our customers can source fully finished, production line ready components from a single source.
Maycast-Nokes is a privately owned business, just as it was when it was formed in the 1950’s when it was known as Evans Foundry. The company’s success over the past 50-plus years has been as a result of responsible, sustained continual growth. Today, the company employs more than 116 people with an annual turnover of £9.2 million.
Maycast-Nokes is a privately owned business, just as it was when it was formed in the 1950’s when it was known as Evans Foundry. The company’s success over the past 50-plus years has been as a result of responsible, sustained, continual growth.
Engineering legacy
Aluminium casting for scientific innovation
Evans Foundry was a tied foundry making shell and sand moulded aluminium castings exclusively for Evans Electroselenium, manufacturers of laboratory and scientific equipment.
New beginnings
Nokes Foundry established under new ownership
Mr Charles Nokes, Foundry Manager and Mr Roy Tanner, a local businessman purchase the foundry from Evans Electroselenium and Nokes Foundry is created.
Growth and investment
New investment and modernisation
Colin Richer, invests into Nokes Foundry, which was the start of a long and successful partnership with Roy Tanner.
There is a gradual transformation over the next decade. Old technology is retired and new installed.
The first CNC machine is purchased in 1985.
Quality and expansion
Quality standards established
First full quality manual written and BS5750 accreditation gained.
The largest and most significant acquisition was made of Maycast Precision Products, a well-established, family run business, founded in 1967 and one of the forerunners of the UK investment casting industry.
Transformation
Amalgamation and move to Halstead
Nokes Foundry and Maycast Precision Products were amalgamated forming the company we know today – Maycast-Nokes Precision Engineering. In 1998 the manufacture of investment castings was moved from Hitchin in Hertfordshire to Halstead in Essex.
Accreditations
Nadcap approvals awarded by PRI
November 2006: Nadcap accreditation for Non Destructive Testing awarded by PRI.
May 2009: Nadcap accreditation for Heat Treatment & Mechanical testing awarded by PRI.
Apprenticeship recognition
National recognition for apprenticeship excellence
In 2016 Maycast-Nokes became the first foundry to be listed in the Top 100 National Apprenticeship Employers list.
This was followed by recognition at regional and national levels in 2017 and in 2019 we reached the final of the UK National Apprenticeship Awards after winning the East of England regional award.
Leadership transition
Management buyout ensures continued independence
After 37 years at the helm Colin & Lyn Richer retire following a management buyout by Steve Wallings, Derek Redgwell and Dave Blower. This will guarantee the stability of the company and maintain the company’s continued independence and ability to supply high quality castings.
Local plating company
Maycast-Nokes purchase Braintree Electroplaters
This is a significant and strategic addition to Maycast’s capabilities and completes our total supply chain solution offering.
News & insights
Explore our company news and technical updates
Degree success – Ashley
Congratulations to Ashley Phillips on successfully completing his degree in mechanical engineering!
Out with the old, and in with the new
Maycast-Nokes has replaced the final two legacy machines in its machine shop. The MH1600 & MH1200 (chassis of the 1600 shown below) both of which have…
ICME awards lunch
The event was held at the Founders' Hall in London and was attended by 64 guests.
