Insight

Eugen Hornberger (left) and Gerhard Schuler (right) founded Hornberger Maschinenbau oHG in 1960

Homag celebrates 60 years of woodworking excellence

Founded in 1960 as Hornberger Maschinenbau oHG by Eugen Hornberger and Gerhard Schuler, Homag has always been a pioneer in developing innovative woodworking technology. Over the years, it has established an impressive history of world firsts, including the edgebander in 1962, the first panel dividing saw (1970) and the first CNC machine (1974) – all clear proof that Homag has always been at the forefront of the industry.

Launched as a two-man start-up business based in the Black Forest, Homag began to grow significantly when the main brands were integrated into the business – these included Brandt (1976), Weeke (1986) and Holzma (1987). The incorporation of these brands saw the rapid development of each of Homag’s core competencies. Engineering innovation and excellence became the driving forces behind establishing Homag as the multi-million-pound company it is today.

Now, 60 years later, the Homag Group is one of the world’s leading providers of integrated solutions for woodworking production. As a global player, Homag operates several international production plants, as well as sales and service teams. With around 6600 employees, the company is proud of its presence in more than 100 countries and its worldwide market share of over 30%.

Innovative solutions for woodworking manufacturers

Throughout years of innovation, Homag has always offered manufacturers and joiners complete production solutions. These enable companies to automate processes from start to finish. Whether it is an entry-level-sized business

or an industrial manufacturer, Homag is the onestop shop for all.

Homag’s range of machine, software and service solutions gives manufacturers the ability to remain at the forefront of their markets and keep ahead of the competition.

Building strong customer relationships

Homag prides itself on the relationships it builds with customers, and continuously strives to provide the very best long-term customer service and support. This has led to it forming solid partnerships, with repeat business over many years.

Martin Rees, executive chairman, Venesta Washrooms Systems, says: “We have had a continuous relationship with Homag UK for 25 years and have purchased over 40 different machinery and software products from them during this time.

“Initially, we looked at other machinery manufacturers, but we found Homag to be far superior. We’ve always maintained a close relationship with them, and on the odd occasion we have a breakdown or need spare parts, they deal with it instantly. We’ve always felt that Homag’s responsiveness, quality and attitude have stood them head-and-shoulders above anyone else in the market.”

Paul Glynn, Topform, comments: “Our first machine from Homag was in 1976. The quality was brilliant then, and has remained so throughout the years. We have made so much money from these machines because they are so reliable. In the long run, they are by far the cheapest machines on the market.”

Simon Wadsworth, of David Smith St Ives, says: “We at David Smith St Ives Ltd appreciate the honesty, advice and attention to detail provided by Homag when specifying equipment.

“Since taking the plunge with our first machine, we have been impressed with the professionalism of the backup and ongoing service received. We have since invested in two further pieces of equipment, and see this as a successful partnership for the future. Congratulations to Homag on their first 60 years – long may they continue.”

Gary Cleghorn, Alexander Cleghorn, comments: “As a supplier of furniture component panels to many different sectors, our equipment and software needs tend to be highly complex. For this, we have always turned to Homag, whom we trust to offer a high-quality and imaginative solution for our current and future needs.

“The solutions that we require are not always easy, and sometimes don’t even exist – that is, until we engage with the team at Homag. Over the years, the Homag team has helped deliver several interesting, challenging and unique projects. Congratulations to the whole Homag team on your 60th anniversary.”

Sam Buckley, Willerby, says: “Our relationship with Homag over the years has developed from strength to strength. The professionalism, service and skill level is world-class, and ensures that our reliability centred focus is maintained. Homag’s technological developments guarantee an efficiency improvement with every investment. Homag is certainly a brand we can trust to deliver our production objectives.”

Jim Bebbington, of Roundel Manufacturing (RML), says: “All at Roundel Manufacturing Ltd would like to congratulate all at Homag in the incredible achievement of 60 years of trading, and we are proud to say we have been part of that journey for 35 of those great years. A truly magnificent business, your founders Gerhard Schuler and Eugen Hornberger would be so proud of the milestone you are about to celebrate, and the journey that continues to ››

The B-72-ll – an edgebander from the 70s

“A truly magnificent business, your founders Gerhard Schuler and Eugen Hornberger would be so proud of the milestone you are about to celebrate, and the journey that continues to further develop what they created”

The Holzma Model 110 Standard EL – built from 1970-1989

further develop what they created.

“It is clear to us that teamwork and an encouraging workplace environment have contributed to the success of your business over many years and will continue to do so. In short, at RML we trust Homag to do what they say they will, when they say they will – it’s that simple.”

Lee Clarke, BA Clic Components, comments: “Homag UK has the best spare parts team in the industry. The response and attention to detail are outstanding.”

Graham Hatton, Magnet, notes: “I have worked with Homag UK now for many years. I have always found the company to be reliable and efficient, with friendly service – especially regarding spares – and look forward to many more years’ service with Homag.”

Ciaran O’Hagan, Specialist Joinery Group, comments: “Specialist Joinery Group would like to congratulate Homag for the milestone achievement of 60 years in business. At Specialist Joinery, we have purchased all of our large CNC machinery from Homag over the years and have enjoyed excellent service and products. We look forward to working with you for many more years.”

Garry and Anthony Atkins, joint MDs at Duncan Reeds, say: “Duncan Reeds Ltd has been a loyal customer of Homag UK since our founding in 1989. Homag’s trusted support, good communication and, most importantly, highquality machinery, has been invaluable in aiding our growth and success.

“It is because of this relationship that whenever we want a new machine, we inevitably go with Homag. So, from all of us here at Duncan Reeds Ltd, congratulations on your 60th anniversary!”

Ben Fisher, HMP Dartmoor, comments: “Having successfully taken delivery of our new Mouldteq M-300 (the first one in the UK, by all accounts), I wanted to express my thanks to you and the Homag team for doing such a sterling job.

“I’m a big believer in offering thanks and appreciation for a job well done, so I’ll look forward to further dealings with the Homag team as we proceed with getting the new machine installed/commissioned.”

Adrian Stoneham, Stoneham PLC, says: “Stoneham PLC, a 155-year-old kitchen furniture company, based in Kent, has specified Homag machinery for well over 50 years in its factories.

“As a preferred and outstanding supplier – Stoneham has equipped its production facilities with Homag edgebanders, three- and five-axis CNC equipment, beam saws, sanders and more, with great success.

“Well trained and attentive sales and service technicians have been constantly dependable, as well as excellent spares support. Congratulations on 60 years.”

Production benefits available to all workshops

Homag’s wide range of machinery and intelligent manufacturing solutions bring significant production benefits to all manufacturers, irrelevant of size. The Homag product and service offering has been designed to increase production efficiencies, reduce downtime and extend machinery lifetime. This is essential for all companies – whether they are mass producers or batch-size-one manufacturers.

Homag can assist manufacturers with all aspects of their business, to future-proof production processes. To find out more about Homag’s product range and digital solutions, contact Adele Hunt at Homag UK on 01332 856424.

www.homag.com

FIRA International broadens technical expertise

FIRA International, the UKASaccredited testing house, has appointed John Hubbard as its new technical consultant.

John joins from Satra Technology Centre, where he has spent the last 24 years, most recently as its technical manager. He is an expert on the issues surrounding harmful substances in the wide range of materials used in modern consumer goods, and is experienced in the implementation of the Biocidal Products Regulation.

John is also the chair of the BSI UK Mirror Committee on Emission of Dangerous Substances from Construction Products B/557, and is the UK lead delegate to the European committee dealing with that issue (CEN TC351).

With particular expertise on the working group dealing with measuring content of harmful substance, he also provides a liaison between CEN TC351 and the new committee looking at harmful substances across a range of products where no specific committee has jurisdiction (CEN TC462). Previously, he chaired the European Group of Notified Bodies Horizontal group on emission of dangerous substances from Construction Products (GNB-CPR SH01).

In addition, he has participated in UK committees on Physical and Chemical Testing of Textiles and Emissions to indoor air, is vice president of the Society of Leather Technologists and Chemists, and is an ISO 9001:2015 quality management system accredited auditor.

John says: “I am excited to be joining FIRA International at a pivotal time for the industry. We’re already seeing the effect of the Transition Period in relation to the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation (and restriction) of Chemicals (REACH) regulations. The furniture sector is going to need support in interpreting the changes and, more crucially, keeping compliant.

“We’re also likely to see more movement from the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) in relation to formaldehyde in furniture products. This could have a huge effect on the industry, and in my new role I look forward to making a difference as to how organisations navigate these changes.”

Levent Caglar, head of consultancy, and senior ergonomist at FIRA International, adds: “It’s great to welcome John to the FIRA International family. For the past few months we’ve been keeping a weather-eye on issues facing the industry, and there is no doubt that chemicals are going to impact us more and more. With this in mind, in conjunction with an increase in organisations reaching out to us for support, the time was right to bolster our expertise in this area, and John is excellently placed to bring his unrivalled knowledge to the sector.”

Contact John info@fira.co.uk or on 01438 777700.

BCF urges UK and EU to agree Free Trade Agreement

Reacting to the resumption of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks, the British Coatings Federation (BCF) has called on the UK and EU to reconcile their remaining differences and negotiate an FTA as soon as possible. It says failure to do so would have a significant detrimental impact on the coatings sector across Europe, and especially on UK manufacturers.

An FTA is needed to avoid tariffs being placed on future trade – something the BCF calculates would cost the coatings industry in the EU some £75m a year in finished goods alone in added import and export costs.

UK companies would also be hit with tariffs on raw materials imported from the EU, putting up costs by between +0%-6%, adding yet more millions to the cost of trade in the future.

With time running out until the end of the Brexit Transition period, Tom Bowtell, CEO of BCF, says: “The UK coatings sector trades heavily with the EU. If tariff-free trade is not agreed as part of an FTA then the coatings industry across Europe will see added costs of £75m in finished products alone.

“The added tariff costs to raw materials are also likely to run into the tens of millions of pounds, and that will hit UK businesses harder than those on the continent.

“The clock is ticking. We need both the EU and UK to resume FTA talks as a matter of urgency and work to make the necessary compromises to get a deal done. And we need that deal to be agreed as soon as possible to give businesses the time they need to prepare for the final outcome.”

Ironmongery Direct partners with Checkatrade

Leading ironmongery specialist supplier Ironmongery Direct has partnered with Checkatrade, a leading UK website for finding tradespeople, offering exclusive benefits for both new and existing Checkatrade members and Ironmongery Direct customers.

The partnership entitles all Ironmongery Direct customers to receive three months’ free membership with Checkatrade – a platform that can help tradespeople build their business and reputation, with the added benefit that they will also receive a 10% discount on all orders with Ironmongery Direct. The discount will also be available to existing Checkatrade members.

Marco Verdonkschot, MD at Ironmongery Direct, says: “Checkatrade is the UK’s numberone website for finding a tradesperson. We are delighted to partner with them and offer our customers a discounted rate on membership. This will open up the opportunity for their business to be found in over two million monthly visits from individuals looking for trustworthy tradespeople.

“In addition, new and existing Checkatrade members will be able to save 10% on purchases across our range of over 18,000 highquality products. This includes our seven exclusive brands that cover a range of commercial, domestic and specialist projects, all under one roof.”

Alex Cubitt, chief growth officer at Checkatrade, adds: “We’re pleased to provide our members with this benefit from Ironmongery Direct, which has joined our suite of exclusive partnerships and discounts. We’re sure this will be welcomed by our 48,000 trade members.”

For more information or to sign up, please call 02394 317516 or visit https://join.checkatrade. com/idl.

New opportunities

Working from home – from the kitchen table, the sofa or spare bedroom – could offer the chance of a new niche for furniture and joinery manufacturers.

Atim’s drop-leaf desk range sees a cupboard door used as a foldaway desk

According to a report by academics at Cardiff and Southampton universities, 90% of workers who have worked from home during lockdown would like to continue to do so in some form. In the Understanding Society Covid-19 Study, more than 40% felt they had been more productive at home. From an employer’s perspective, having more productive staff away from the office could see considerable cost savings. And, for furniture manufacturers, that could herald the opening of a new market.

For any manufacturer already juggling supply chain, production and staffing issues, developing a new product range may seem like a tall order, but Gareth Atkin, founder of Hull-based furniture agency, Preston Furniture Solutions, believes that now is the ideal time to keep up with social change and anticipate future demand.

For those furniture manufacturers and designers keen to try a new market, Preston Furniture Solutions’ portfolio of innovative components could well provide the inspiration they have been looking for.

“For the furniture industry, demand for multifunctional living spaces and flexible kitchen, dining and living room furniture has never been in such high demand,” he explains.

“What started off as a design trend has been catapulted to the top of the agenda by a global pandemic that could never have been predicted. However, it’s certain that the rise in numbers of people working from home will increase the demand for manufacturers to produce furniture that can adapt to our changing needs.

“This opens the door to furniture manufacturers to increase sales by introducing ranges that reflect our new normal,” says Gareth. “Our homes will have to work harder for us, and furniture will need to be fully adaptable in order to work around our new way of living.

The Oplà Folding +39 pull-out top is designed to align with the counter top

“We need cabinets that turn into conference tables, drawers that reveal hot desks, doors that slide to divide and unite living spaces. And, even when square footage may be at a premium, the creative use of space can make the most of every inch available, and it’s here that growth potential exists. What designers need right now are the mechanisms for change. And that is simply, the best hardware solutions from the best manufacturers.”

Gareth adds: “Problems plus designers, equal solutions – solutions and collaboration equal innovation. It’s these simple formulas that create the breeding ground for design ingenuity. This isn’t designing for trends. Today’s furniture manufacturers are designing with real purpose, to revolutionise the experience of every customer by significantly improving the way in which we use our homes.

“For kitchen and furniture manufacturers, now is the time to engineer a new future and to seek out the expertise in components that will create designs that meet the needs of a new period in society. Let’s call these the mechanisms for change. We can’t be certain of the future, but the power to transform the way in which we live is the key component of a new future.”

www.prestonfurnituresolutions.co.uk

Henkel – Kenyon’s the right partnership

Henkel is the one of the world’s premier adhesives producers. Founded in 1876, Henkel has more than 140 years of success. In 2019, it delivered sales of more than €20b, currently employs more than 52,000 people globally, and has 185 manufacturing facilities and 23 research and development sites worldwide.

Kenyon’s started this adhesive journey as a distributor for National Starch & Chemicals’ range of woodworking adhesives, going from strength to strength to become the UK’s top distributor for National Starch & Chemicals’ woodworking adhesives. 2008 saw the acquisition of National by Henkel, and the Kenyon Group was welcomed aboard and soon grew to Henkel Premium Partner status for furniture and building component adhesives.

These markets are supplied under the industry-leading brand names Technomelt and Aquence, which are recognised for quality and proven performance.

Mike Bridges, Henkel UK and Ireland sales manager, says: “The Henkel/Kenyon partnership delivers the complete package – quality products, excellent service, technical support and product training. Kenyon’s have grown into the UK’s number-one supply route for these markets, and we are proud to work with a company who delivers on their word.”

Henkel’s technical centre, based in Bopfingen, Germany, offers access to a full range of woodworking application equipment, from edgebanding to 3D thermoforming pressing, and helps customers find answers to gluing problems under the careful eye of application specialist, Walter Heldt.

With this support at its disposal, Kenyon’s can respond to market challenges with confidence, and deliver the best Henkel product for the application.

Meet Kenyon’s technical team

Kenyon’s has been supplying adhesives since 1979, covering all aspects of manufacturing and assembly predominantly in the furniture manufacturing and related markets.

Kenyon’s expertise and knowledge has been gained over the years by offering a comprehensive range of market-leading adhesives technologies, UK stockholding across three warehouses, and delivery when the customer needs it.

As Kenyon’s likes to say: “If you have an adhesion problem, don’t come unstuck – talk to the glue experts.”

James Hamilton says: ”This partnership means a lot to

James Hamilton – 20 years in adhesive technologies and applications (07807 107309)

Kenyon’s. Being a Premium Partner is an honour which reflects our commitment to providing quality products for woodworking, furniture, caravan, insulation, mattress, window and door manufacturers.

“Henkel commitment is seen as beneficial for both companies – not just in terms of opportunity and growth, but we’re also hoping to identify applications for Henkel products. It’s an exciting time to be part of the Kenyon team, and we’re looking forward to seeing what the future holds. Right now, our prospects look very bright indeed.”

The Kenyon Group – proud to be a Henkel Premium Partner.

0161 627 1001 salesteam@kenyon-group.co.uk www.kenyon-group.co.uk