Our Story: SEMCO Machine Tools

Proudly Serving Engineers Since 1938

Founded in 1938, SEMCO (Southern Engineering Machinery Co) began its journey in the Connaught Buildings on Millbrook Road, Southampton, as a precision engineering firm focused on repairing and rebuilding industrial machinery.

🇬🇧 1938–1945: Supporting the War Effort

During WWII, SEMCO made a significant contribution to Britain’s defence. Based in Southampton, home to Supermarine, SEMCO played a part in the manufacturing and servicing of components for the legendary Supermarine Spitfire, one of the most iconic aircraft of the 20th century.

📸 Suggested image: Black and white photo of a Spitfire, wartime engineers, or Southampton docks.

🔧 1945–1960: Post-War Industrial Growth

After the war, SEMCO’s expertise in rebuilding machinery was in high demand. British industry was expanding rapidly, and SEMCO earned a reputation for quality, reliability, and innovation. The company began importing and adapting machine tools for British standards.

📸 Suggested image: Workshop photo from the 1950s, technical drawings, or early machine tools.

🛠 1960s–1980s: Expanding into Manufacturing

With the experience gained from decades of hands-on engineering, SEMCO transitioned into manufacturing and assembling machine tools under its own name. The company grew to offer a full catalogue of:

  • Lathes
  • Milling machines
  • Drills
  • Grinders
  • Slotters and shapers

📸 Suggested image: Vintage SEMCO branding, early brochures, or promotional posters.

🌍 1990s–2010s: Global Reach and Modernisation

SEMCO continued to grow by partnering with leading global component suppliers such as Fanuc, Siemens, HiWin, and SKF. The company adapted to digital controls, introducing CNC ranges and integrating modern control systems like Siemens 808D and Fanuc 0i MF.

With increasing demand from schools, colleges, and industry, SEMCO expanded its product line to include educational machines, CNC training units, and compact workshop machines.

📸 Suggested image: CNC machine in a modern workshop or classroom.

⚙️ Today: Engineering with Experience

Now with over 85 years of heritage, SEMCO offers one of the UK’s most comprehensive ranges of:

  • Manual & CNC Lathes
  • Milling Machines (Universal, Vertical, Turret & Bed)
  • Drills & Radial Arm Machines
  • Surface & Cylindrical Grinders
  • Slotters & Shapers
  • High-end CNC Machining Centres

Whether for high-volume production, educational training, or specialised engineering tasks, SEMCO combines heritage, reliability, and service to support the next generation of manufacturers.

📸 Suggested image: Team photo, current product line, trade show booth, or factory floor.

📞 Get in Touch

Join hundreds of engineers, educators, and manufacturers who trust SEMCO.
Call us today or visit our showroom to explore the full range of machines.
CE & CA Certified | UK Based | Engineering Since 1938

  • Semco Mastermill 800

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