The purchase is driven by increased demand for Harwin's connector ranges, particularly Gecko, and the company's increased investment in R&D.
This increased capacity will come online in January 2026, when the first two Star SL-7 moving headstock lathes are delivered to Harwin's manufacturing facility in Portsmouth. Capacity will continue to increase throughout the first half of the year, with additional lathes being added in February, March, and April.
“Harwin continues to make significant investments in its UK manufacturing capacity, and the addition of these new machines represents a major milestone in the next phase of our expansion,” said Jon Churchill, Chief Operating Officer at Harwin. “Star’s high-precision sliding head machines are fundamental to our HRi product range. By combining this advanced and reliable equipment with our highly skilled workforce, premium raw materials, and innovative structural design features, we are able to deliver critical components that underpin the exceptional robustness and performance of Harwin’s HRi products.”.
The investment also strengthens Harwin's long-standing partnership with Star GB, increasing the company's total number of Star lathes to 56.
Harwin's expanded capacity is supported by the broad range of Star technology already in use at its Portsmouth plant. The plant operates SD-26 Type E and SR-20RIV Type B machines, which provide versatile, high-precision machining of mid-range diameters. These machines are complemented by SL-7 and SR-10J models, which specialize in the production of very small, precise components. This capability is further enhanced by several SW-12RII models, which offer high-speed, double-platen machining for complex, multi-featured components.
Together, these platforms provide Harwin with a balanced combination of capabilities, enabling efficient production of both miniature connector elements and more demanding geometries, while maintaining the accuracy and repeatability required for its range of high-reliability products.
“We are proud to continue our close collaboration with Harwin as they expand their presence in the UK manufacturing sector,” said Stephen Totty, Managing Director of Star GB. “Our technology is designed to deliver the precision, repeatability, and reliability that Harwin interconnects demand, and we look forward to continuing to work with them in the future.”.
This latest phase of investment underscores Harwin's commitment to maintaining world-class manufacturing in the UK and ensuring a fast and resilient supply for its global customer base. By combining advanced automation with in-house expertise, Harwin continues to strengthen its position as a trusted partner for mission-critical connectivity solutions worldwide.
