Discover how Winkworth Machinery manufactures reliable mixing machinery through data-driven production
By combining its unparalleled knowledge of industrial mixing processes with significant in-house technical expertise, Winkworth Machinery (Winkworth) has established itself as the largest industrial mixer manufacturer in the UK. Since the company’s inception in 1924, its machinery has earned a reputation for being robust, reliable, strong and efficient. Backed by a legacy of installed machines designed and manufactured in the UK and supplied worldwide, Winkworth’s products are used extensively across all industries for mixing stiff gums, pastes, powders, liquids and everything in between.
“With over a century of experience, we have become synonymous with robust engineering and exceptional performance in mixing technology. Renowned for our
deep process knowledge and technical expertise, we design and build bespoke mixing machinery that is engineered to perform and built to last,” opens Richard Gale, Managing Director. “Our product lineup includes Z blade mixers, ribbon blenders, mixer extruders, plough mixers, double cone blenders, paste feeders and process vessels. Each solution is built with precision to meet the specific needs of our clients, ensuring efficiency, reliability, and performance across a wide range of applications.”
Recently, Winkworth opened a new site in the English town of Dudley, marking a significant milestone for the company. “Thus far, the site has bolstered our production capacity, shortened lead times, and enhanced our ability to meet increasing customer demand, both in the UK and internationally. Beyond boosting efficiency, the new location has also contributed to job creation, enabling us to offer new roles in engineering, production, and management across Dudley and our Basingstoke headquarters. Furthermore, this strategic expansion supports our international growth, particularly in key markets such as the US, Asia, and the Middle East,” Richard reveals.
Shortly after acquiring the new site, Winkworth was granted funding from the UK Export Finance (UKEF). Richard explains how this funding will help to accelerate the business. “Expanding into new international markets often presents financial challenges, particularly around managing risk. Hence, support from UKEF has been instrumental in helping us navigate these complexities. Through export insurance and project-specific financing, UKEF has enabled us to mitigate risk and pursue new opportunities with confidence. Financially, their support has unlocked the liquidity we needed to secure and fulfil large-scale export contracts without impacting our cash flow. This has allowed us to scale our operations to meet rising global demand, especially in emerging markets. More than just funding, UKEF’s backing has given us a foundation for sustainable international growth and reaffirmed our long-term confidence in these ventures,” he states.
Keen to stay ahead of the curve and consistently deliver products that cater to its customers’ needs, Winkworth is leveraging data management to optimize operations and enhance productivity. “Some of the advanced manufacturing technologies we are investing in include CNC machining, digital monitoring systems, and real-time data capture across our production lines. These tools allow us to monitor machine performance, predict maintenance needs, and minimize downtime. By leveraging data-driven insights, we are able to streamline our production processes, reduce waste, and deliver highly consistent, high-performance mixing equipment to our clients. These digital advancements are not only increasing our manufacturing agility but also enabling us to respond more quickly to customer needs with improved lead times and customization capabilities,” Richard enlightens.
Alongside advanced technology, sustainability is an increasingly important issue for Winkworth. Richard sheds light on approaches the company is adopting to be greener. “We are committed to reducing our environmental footprint through various strategic initiatives. For example, we continuously evaluate our production processes for energy efficiency, and we are moving toward using more sustainable materials and packaging wherever possible. In addition, we design our mixers with longevity and serviceability in mind. Indeed, many of our machines remain in operation for decades, thereby reducing the need for frequent replacement and supporting a circular economy model. Internally, we have adopted environmentally conscious practices, such as recycling, energy-efficient lighting, and low-emission manufacturing systems across our facilities. As part of our long-term sustainability goals, we are also exploring ways to integrate low-energy technologies and develop systems that support cleaner processing across various industries.”
As 2025 nears its end, Richard highlights Winkworth’s priorities for the remainder of the year and into early 2026. “The next few months and early 2026 mark an exciting period of continued momentum for us at Winkworth. With our expanded production capacity at the Dudley site now fully operational, we are well-positioned to meet increased demand from both domestic and international markets. Therefore, our focus over the coming months will be on fulfilling a growing pipeline of export contracts. This involves strengthening relationships in key regions such as North America, Asia, and the Middle East all while further enhancing our operational efficiency through smart manufacturing practices. Additionally, we plan to introduce several product upgrades that reflect our commitment to innovation, performance, and sustainability.”
Looking to the future, Richard shares his perspective on where he hopes to see the business in the future. “Our vision for the next five years is to further strengthen our position as a global leader in industrial mixing solutions, while maintaining our commitment to high quality and competitive positioning. We aim to expand our presence in key international markets, continue investing in advanced manufacturing technologies, and develop innovative mixing solutions that anticipate and meet evolving industry needs. Overall, we will remain focused on sustainable, scalable growth, as underpinned by the quality and engineering excellence for which Winkworth is renowned,” he ends.