In the tranquil setting of Bou, something extraordinary is happening. Not a UFO sighting or a cat parade, but the remarkable endeavor of a young enthusiast, Alex Blach. At the tender age of 27, Alex has set out to work his magic in metal by marrying the old with the new. His freshly minted workshop, Usinage Service 47, is a haven where the beloved hum of a vintage AMC lathe from the ’60s mingles seamlessly with cutting-edge technology—somewhere between a steampunk novel and a sci-fi flick. This charming collision of tradition and innovation is where Alex breathes life back into mechanical components, proving that even in engineering, a bit of nostalgia is always in vogue.
Meet the modern-day blacksmith, Alex Blach, a 27-year-old machining enthusiast who breathes life back into mechanical parts in his newly-founded workshop in Bou. A native of Fumélois, Alex honed his skills in high school on traditional machines, before adventuring to Canada to master high-end digital equipment. In 2024, he launched Usinage Service 47, balancing heritage with cutting-edge innovation. Operating out of Alain Antraygues d’Outils Industrie, his workshop caters to diverse sectors such as agriculture, viticulture, and automotive. With his trusty 1960s Fumel-made AMC lathe and other essential tools, Alex embarks on crafting tailor-made solutions for his clients, ensuring their production lines keep humming. This two-pronged approach is not just a testament to his commitment to local industry, but also an ode to the artistry of mechanics. Alex even hopes to pass on this passion to an apprentice one day, continuing the legacy of craftsmanship. With plans for expansion on the horizon, Alex proves that the right mix of tradition and innovation is a recipe for mechanical magic!
balancing tradition with the AMC tour
In a world of fast-paced technological advancements, Alex Blach stands as a modern-day fusion artist, blending the old with the new. Nestled in Bou, his machining atelier resembles a hybrid botanical garden where vintage machinery like the AMC tour breathes alongside contemporary equipment. Here, steel pieces are not just worked on; they’re part of a dramatic theatrical show, starring Alex, whose symphony of creativity masters both heritage and innovation.
machining mastery from fumel to canada
Starting from the passionate learning corridors of Fumel’s technical high school, Alex carved his early niches in precision machining. After conquering the grand art at the renowned Pôle Formation Adour de Pau, he ventured into the aviation industry, testing the limits of CNC machines and discovering the excitement of digital technology. But Alex’s story was not just limited to the dizzying heights of an airplane component; a transatlantic adventure in Canada added a fresh layer of experience, honing his skills with the sleekness of a maple leaf.
from unique piece creation to future expansion
As the commander-in-chief of Usinage Service 47, Alex has not just repaired mechanical whims; he’s created dreams with nuts and bolts. Working across industries from agri-food to the automotive raceway, if there’s an untold story of machinery, Alex has probably spun it into his narrative. The atelier’s backbone is a community spirit, a belief in using traditional methodologies fused with technologically advanced waltz. His plans for a future with an additional CNC machine echo his expanding dreams, a testament to his indomitable spirit fueled by rust and dreams.
