The Heckmondwike office of Europe's largest lathe manufac-turing group is to play a key role in developing the firm's overseas business.

Mike Berry has been appointed Director of Business Development Europe for 600 Lathes, whose parent group is made up of Britain's leading lathe producers, including Colchester and Harrison.

Based in Heckmondwike, Mr Berry, who has 25 years' machine tool industry experience, will work with continental distributors to consolidate the company's position in Europe.

He said: "I'm looking forward to being a part of the team which contributes to this success."