In an industry that dates back several centuries, wood-turning lathes were known of in the 1650's, brand identity built up over the years is crucial. This long established brand name is part of 600 Group PLC. The 600 Group has been supplying machine tools and providing support in their installation for over 150 years. 600 Group is UK's largest manufacturer and distributor of machine tools and sells its products in over 100 countries.

The Colchester Lathe Company was first established in 1887. Although officially known as The Colchester Lathe Company from 1907 the company was actually established in 1897 by John Ephrain Cohen. The company had its centenary in 1997.

In 1992, Colchester moved production to Heckmondwike, West Yorkshire and now operates from the largest volume lathe factory in Europe.

Time Line

2004

• Launch of new range of 2, 3 & 5 axis Tornado along with MultiTurn 3000 & 4000.

2003

• MultiTurn 1000 & 2000 low cost flat bed CNC/electronic lathes introduced.

2002

• A further addition to the driven tool ranges; the Tornado 120M is launched in April / May at the MACH 2002 exhibition, Birmingham

2001

• The award winning Tornado 220M 3 axis driven tool model is launched at the EMO show, Hannover.

2000

• Combi K range of slant bed combination / CNC lathes launched

1999

• New heavy duty Combi 6000 introduced

1998

• New Combi range of combination / CNC lathes introduced
• New Tornado A Series launched

1994

• Introduction of the TORNADO range of low cost slant bed 2 axis CNC lathes

1993

• New Electronic Centre Lathes launched at Hanover, Germany

1992

• Production moved to Heckmondwike, West Yorkshire

1988

• New range of lathes introduced (Variable speed, flat bed CNC and slant slide CNC machines)

1982

• First range of CNC lathes introduced

1975

• Queens Award to Industry for Export Achievement

1971

• Queens Award to Industry for Export Achievement

1968

• Queens Award to Industry
• New headstock factory opened

1967

• Queens Award for Industry for overseas trade and technological achievement

1962

• Elmstead Road factory built

1954

• Colchester became part of the George Cohen 600 Group

1949

• Became a Limited Company

1933

• First all geared head Triumph produced

1922

• Triumph lathe introduced (Cone Head machine with parallel split bearings)

1921

• Bantam lathe first introduced (small low cost lathe suitable for garages and small workshops)

1914-18

• Special machine introduced for the Ministry (Mascot)

1914

• First all geared head lathes produced

1907

• The Colchester Lathe Company registered

1887

• The Colchester Lathe Company first established by John Ephrain Cohen