Mclennan is celebrating 50 years of supporting the UK automation, manufacturing and science sectors with precision motion control technology, engineering expertise and responsive technical support. Founded in May 1976, the company has established itself as a specialist partner to OEMs, machine builders, systems integrators and specialist equipment designers requiring dependable motion solutions for demanding industrial and research applications.
“Reaching 50 years in business is an important milestone for Mclennan and a reflection of the trust our customers have placed in us across generations of automation innovation,” said Helen Doel, Mclennan’s Managing Director. “Throughout that time, our focus has been on helping OEMs, machine builders and specialist equipment manufacturers solve real motion-control challenges with practical engineering support, dependable products and solutions tailored to the application. As automation continues to evolve, we remain committed to investing in the technologies, skills and partnerships that will help our customers build the next generation of high-performance machines.”
Over five decades, Mclennan has built its position in the market by combining component supply with in-house design, development and manufacturing capability. That model allows the company to move beyond catalogue distribution and support customers with application-led motion systems tailored to performance, precision, footprint, duty cycle and cost targets. For automation engineers, this means access to both proven products and the technical resource needed to integrate them effectively into production equipment, laboratory automation, medical devices and specialist machinery.
One measure of Mclennan’s success is the longevity of its relationships. The company’s very first customer, Metham Engineering – now part of the Will-Burt Company – remains a customer almost 50 years later. The same continuity can be seen in its supplier partnerships. Mclennan has supplied motors from the Impex range since 1976, through its transition to Premotec and today as part of Allient group. In addition, the company has represented Portescap products for almost five decades, providing customers with continuity of supply, technical expertise and application support across multiple generations of motion-control technology.
Mclennan’s portfolio includes stepper, servo and brushless motors, drives, motion controllers, gearboxes, encoders and complete bespoke mechatronic assemblies. Alongside product supply, the company provides system design, electrical and mechanical integration, commissioning and ongoing support – capabilities that are increasingly important as manufacturers look to reduce development risk, improve machine efficiency and shorten time to deployment. Its experience in miniature and medium-power motion applications, combined with stockholding and flexible supply support, has helped customers maintain project momentum in a market where resilience and responsiveness remain critical.
The company credits its longevity to long-term customer relationships, strong engineering knowledge and a consistent focus on quality. As an ISO 9001:2015 accredited business for the design, manufacture and distribution of precision motion control products along with ISO 45001:2018 and ISO 14001:2015, Mclennan has continued to invest in the processes, technical skills and supplier partnerships needed to meet evolving industry expectations. Whether supporting a one-off development programme or a repeat production requirement, its approach has remained centred on understanding the application, mitigating integration challenges and delivering reliable performance across the equipment lifecycle.
Looking ahead, Mclennan is focused on expanding its contribution to next-generation automation through continued investment in advanced motion technologies, engineering capability and supply-chain strength. As manufacturing becomes more connected, compact and performance-driven, the company sees significant opportunity to help customers specify and deploy motion solutions that improve precision, throughput and reliability. Reaching the 50-year mark is both a celebration of past achievement and a platform for continued support of UK and international machine-building innovation.
For further information about Mclennan, visit the website at www.mclennan.co.uk .
