New Haas VF-2SS Milling Machine
New Haas VF-2SS Delivered to Strengthen Manufacturing Capability
We are pleased to announce the successful delivery in December of our new Haas VF-2SS Vertical Machining Centre.
This latest investment represents a significant step forward in enhancing our machining capability, increasing capacity, and improving overall efficiency. The VF-2SS offers high-speed machining, improved accuracy, and reduced cycle times, allowing us to continue meeting customer requirements while maintaining our high standards of quality and delivery performance.
The addition of this machine supports our ongoing commitment to continuous improvement and investment in modern manufacturing technology. Now fully commissioned, it will play a key role in supporting both existing and new customer requirements.
Ongoing Investment in Apprenticeships
At VRS, we are committed to investing in the next generation of engineering talent.
Danny, who joined VRS in 2022 as a Deburrer and General Hand, demonstrated a strong interest in developing his skills further. In 2024, he embarked on an Apprenticeship programme and is now in his second year at PETA (Portsmouth Engineering Training Association), where he is progressing exceptionally well.
We are also delighted to welcome our newest apprentice, Sohan, who begins his 48-month apprenticeship this year with CEMAST (Centre of Excellence in Engineering, Manufacturing and Advanced Skills Training) in Fareham. Sohan first joined us for his school work experience placement earlier this year. His positive experience with the team inspired him to return to begin his career in engineering with VRS.
New Matsuura Machine Arriving Soon
We are pleased to announce that on 18th December 2025, we will be taking delivery of a new Matsuura VX-1000 vertical machining centre, bringing the total number of Matsuura CNC milling machines on our shopfloor to six.
Renowned for their precision, reliability, and speed, Matsuura remains our preferred brand for CNC milling. The VX-1000 features a generous 1,200 x 600 mm table size, making it ideal for high-speed, precision engineering applications and further enhancing our machining capabilities.
Kitamura Medcentre 5AX
Doosan coming soon
On 22nd March 2022 we will be welcoming our latest acquisition a Doosan 350X 5 axis milling machine.
Read MoreArrival of another Matsuura
On 19th August 2021 we welcomed our newest asset to our collection of Matsuura milling machines. A Matsuura MX520, a 5-axis machining centre was commissioned for use and three members of staff received on-site training. We are looking forward to using such an up to date machine. This full 5 axis machine will enable us to take on more versatile components and reduce machine cycle times.
Read MoreApprentice completes HNC Diploma
Congratulations to Joe our former apprentice, who in July 2021, completed his two year HNC Diploma in mechanical Engineering with merit. We have supported him through the last two years one of which was challenging due to the pandemic, as much of his studying was from home. Well done Joe.
Read MoreWhite Collar Boxing
An unusual and exciting charity event in aid of Cancer Research UK
At VRS there is a history of supporting good causes, and we were delighted to sponsor our apprentice Byron who very bravely put himself forward to take part in a charity boxing evening called White Collar Boxing. Briefly it is where people who have not boxed before put themselves into the ring to face another like-minded individual in aid of charity. This event was in support of Cancer Research UK, a charity that VRS were very happy to support, especially following our MD Serena Sinanan’s own successful fight with cancer over recent years.
Byron sensibly threw himself into an 8-week training programme before he eventually stepped into the ring for his debut contest on Sat 24th March 2018 at the Portsmouth Mountbatten Centre. As he did so he hoped that the exciting experience of stepping through the ropes for the first time would not be matched by flying back out of them halfway through the bout! Pre-fight nerves were made all the more difficult to deal with in having to wait until 9pm for the sound of the bell signalling the start of his scheduled three round contest, each of two minutes duration.
Byron acquitted himself well in the early stages, although at the bell ending round one his opponent seemed to have just edged it. Undeterred, Byron came out fighting in round two and landed some good punches. Sadly, none of his punches matched the smacker which was planted on the end of his nose which knocked him back for a count towards the end of the round but Byron was happy to continue. As we might expect of Byron, he said he was ok to continue in round three, but his corner man had the last word and decided that round three should not go ahead.
Putting himself forward for such an event was a brave thing to do, and we are very proud of his efforts. Byron thoroughly enjoyed the experience. So much so, that he is willing to do it all again if the chance comes his way. Despite losing this one, he enjoyed a friendly chat and a few drinks with his opponent afterwards. Byron raised more than his £200 target, with the whole evening raising around £14500.
VRS have willingly supported charity events over the years in all sorts of ways including sponsorship of individuals, donating prizes for prize draws, and at times organising their own fund raising events in conjunction with Fareham Snooker Club next door.
Sea Vixen parts manufactured
It was a privilege to be asked to participate in the Sea Vixen XP 924 project and Serena Sinanan (Managing Director) is delighted to be included and is really looking forward to seeing it fly at the Bournemouth Air Festival 2015 in August where she will be on the SS Shieldhall Steamship in the Solent. William Collins the Production Manager at VRS volunteers as a 2nd engineer on the ship.
Keith Copus from the Sea Vixen team emailed to us the following:
“A series of successful test flights and at the Yeovilton Air Day, at which G-CVIX flew two public displays. This marked the return of the A/C to fly from her original home base, going back to the 1960/70’s
The Sea Vixen Team have overcome many hurdles with the valuable assistance of yourselves at VRS, 1710 Naval Air Squadron who repaired the port aileron and designed a modified lug for the fuel bay doors. SES in Kemble, who serviced the A/C ejection seats. Without this level of support we could not have made G-CVIX airworthy. We now feel confident that G-CVIX is sustainable operationally.”
Thank you to John Fennell a Deck Hand Volunteer, who works with William on the SS Shieldhall, as he has provided us with the great photos of the Sea Vixen.
Apprentice completes first year
As part of VRS Precision Engineering strategy of investing in people we support the employment of apprentices.
Byron Deacon who started with us as an apprentice CNC Programmer/Setter and Operator in September 2014 has just completed his first year. We are really pleased with Byron’s progress both within the company and at PETA. After a successful year Byron will shortly be starting a level 3 Diploma in Engineering and Technology (QCF).
Read More