Increased pressure from rival machine tool manufacturers forced Bridgeport Machines, a brand of the Hardinge organisation, to completely re-evaluate their product line. The best German competitors were applying new levels of visual design sophistication to products that had previously consisted of basic flat panel cladding with access doors and windows.

Recognising this, Bridgeport approached Renfrew Group to design a new guarding concept, which embodied the quality of the machines, and incorporated soft touch moulded components at user interaction points. The result is a stylish yet cost effective guarding arrangement and user interface, which has been rolled out across the range. Teach Lathe, the result of a joint manufacturing initiative with another British machine tool company, is one of the latest machines to receive the new theme.