As part of the British Engines Group‘s continued investment in advanced manufacturing, BEL Engineering has successfully restored an exceptionally rare Schaudt external cylindrical grinding machine to further enhance its precision grinding capability.
Built in 2008, the machine is renowned for its outstanding accuracy, having been acquired from a paper mill in Japan in 2013. Fewer than ten machines of this type are believed to have ever been produced, making it a highly valuable and unique asset within our capability portfolio.
With a new machine of comparable capability exceeding £3 million, a strategic decision was taken to rebuild and modernise the existing grinder, preserving the machine’s exceptional accuracy while significantly improving reliability and performance.
The Schaudt external cylindrical grinding machine before refurbishment.
The Result
By refurbishing the existing asset, BEL Engineering has not only reduced this investment by almost a third, but also expanded capability.
This approach allows us to maintain ultra-high precision grinding performance without compromising on technical standards.
Beyond reliability improvements, the refurbishment significantly enhances our grinding capability. The machine is currently capable of external grinding of components up to 1,000 mm diameter and 3 metres in length. This upgrade will also introduce internal grinding functionality, a capability not previously available at this scale within the business.
The machines high performance and accuracy will be maintained, and the addition of internal grinding gives a broadened work scope, increases capacity and enables BEL Engineering to undertake work that was previously outside of our operational capability.
Enhancing Long-Term Performance
While mechanically robust, the refurbishment focuses on modernising key systems to ensure long-term performance and supportability.
The original Siemens control system, though reliable, had reached a stage where certain components were becoming obsolete. As part of the upgrade, the machine will be fitted with the latest Siemens 1 control platform, ensuring full compatibility with current standards and long-term parts availability.
In addition, the grinder is undergoing a comprehensive upgrade of its hydraulic, electrical and coolant systems. Once complete, it will return as a fully modernised platform, retaining its proven high-accuracy and integrity while benefiting from state-of-the-art systems throughout.
Specialist Refurbishment in Germany
The refurbishment is being carried out by GSN in Stödtlen, Germany, a specialist organisation founded by former Schaudt employees with deep expertise in the brand’s machines.
The grinder was shipped from Cramlington to Stödtlen in October 2025 and is expected to return to the North East during July 2026, with final commissioning taking place as part of the installation process.
Operational and Environmental Benefits
Upon its return, the machine will be installed at BEL Engineering’s St Peters facility in Newcastle. Consolidating the equipment at the main site reduces inter-site transport, minimises staff travel between locations and improves production flow.
The refurbishment also represents a more sustainable alternative to full replacement. By retaining the existing machine structure and rebuilding core systems, we extend the lifecycle of high-value capital equipment while reducing the environmental impact associated with manufacturing an entirely new platform.
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