Dapol announces UK investment to automate wheel assembly and cut build times

Dapol says a fresh UK manufacturing investment will automate wheel assembly and greatly reduce build time for certain components, and the company has taken delivery of new machining equipment to boost in-house tooling.

The announcement, posted on February 6, 2026, pairs the automation claim with the arrival of a HURCO VM10HSi three-axis machining center. Dapol stated, "We are thrilled to announce our latest investment aimed at enhancing our UK manufacturing capabilities." The company added, "We have recently received our very own HURCO VM10HSi three-axis machining center, which marks a significant boost to our tool room's potential."

Dapol describes the VM10HSi as a machine that will improve the speed and accuracy of tooling made on site. "The Hurco VM10HSi three-axis machining center, will allow us to far enhance our ability to make our own tooling right here in the UK with greater speed and accuracy," the company wrote. Dapol also explained the software that runs the machine, noting, "The software we use is called Win Max. This allows our team to input exact instructions, either manually or through CAD input, for the machine to execute. Additionally, it provides the operator with a simulated preview of the upcoming process on the integrated monitor.."

Dapol has a long manufacturing pedigree in the UK, having begun in Winsford in 1983. The company has been expanding its in-house capabilities over the past decade, and a November 13, 2025 post highlighted earlier shop upgrades, including a new CNC tool station and two new bolster sets with Huw, identified as "Dapol's Master tool maker," assigned to work on them. Those steps help explain the company framing the VM10HSi as the latest phase in a steady push toward greater self-sufficiency.

For modellers and small-layout operators the practical value is straightforward. Faster tooling turnarounds and reduced build time for wheel assemblies could mean shorter waits for replacement wheelsets, faster deliveries on bespoke or repair work, and improved consistency of small batch production. Expect tighter tolerances and repeatable jigs and fixtures as tooling moves from outsource runs to machines under Dapol's direct control.

The announcement couples the automation and equipment claims but does not explicitly state that the HURCO VM10HSi itself is the device that automates wheel assembly. Dapol presents both points in the same news item, and the company links the HURCO to tooling manufacture while also saying the investment will automate wheel assembly and reduce build times for some components.

This investment continues Dapol's recent production push and signals a likely acceleration of UK-made parts and repair services. Watch for follow-up detail from Dapol on which components will benefit first, exact build-time reductions, and whether additional automation hardware or process changes are being installed alongside the new VM10HSi.