Furniture & Joinery Production #346

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Since 1980, the UK has spent around five years in recession, so for those of us who’ve been in business for 30 years or so, demanding situations are a fact of business life. As we begin to batten down the hatches and tread more carefully, I’m reminded of clarity of mind of Ercol’s Edward Tadros, the winner of our Outstanding Contribution Award at The Furniture & Joinery Conference, who sagely pointed out that those of us who can remember the past recessions, and survived them, know full well that we can, and probably will, survive this one too …

Along with this fulsome December issue, readers will find our latest Edgebanding supplement to peruse, plus the useful wall art that is the Furniture & Joinery Production Yearplanner. To all our colleagues, partners, contributors, and advertisers, enjoy the Christmas break and see you in the New Year! I hope you enjoy the issue.

EDITORIAL

John Legg Tel: 01424 834973 john@media66.net

Lisa Williams Tel: 01424 834829 lisa@media66.net

Nyall McCurrach digital@media66.net COPY ADMINISTRATION & DATA Steve Merrick Tel: 01424 776108 production@media66.net ACCOUNTS Wendy Williams accounts@media66.net SUBSCRIPTIONS:

Europe-£85 RoW-£95 lisa@media66.net REPRO,

Altendorf honored as ‘Innovator of the Year 2022’

Big names, gripping impulses, exciting innovations: On Friday, November 4th, the prestigious ‘Innovator of the Year’ business award was presented for the sixth time, for the first time in Berlin, Germany.

300 guests came together to celebrate and experience innovation over three days. Worldfamous sliding table saw pioneer Altendorf GmbH, with its worldwide unique HAND GUARD safety assistance system for sliding table

saws, was awarded ‘Innovator of the Year 2022’.

The world market leader for the manufacture of premium sliding table saws can now call itself Innovator of the Year 2022. The award was presented, appropriately enough, by Professor Hermann Simon, author of the standard work first published in 2007 ‘Hidden Champions of the 21st Century. The Success Strategies of Unknown World Market Leaders. www.altendorfgroup.com

Business confidence measured in latest BFM survey

Rising costs are causing a squeeze on profits, despite increased factory gate prices, the latest survey from British Furniture Manufacturers (BFM) has revealed.

Conducted twice a year, the BFM’s Trade & Price Trends Survey maps out the key factors in the industry including employment, output, costs and exports, as well as giving a clear indication of the opportunities and challenges BFM members anticipate for the coming six months.

A full version of the document, which features a comprehensive overview of key industry statistics, including trends in sales, materials, labour, overheads, and margins is available to BFM members from the

association’s website: www.bmf.org. uk. This latest survey also includes the annual Financial Ratios Survey.

The report reveals that more than a quarter (27%) of survey respondents believe trading is worse now than 12 months ago, and 64%

Blum join NBS Source

Blum has joined the National Building Specification (NBS) platform, to benefit specifiers and other professionals within a single platform to research and investigate kitchen and living space fittings.

Amanda Hughes, Ergonomic Expert at Blum UK comments, “At Blum UK we want to speak directly to specifiers, not only to showcase our product and its flexibility, but more importantly tell our story of commitment to the planet, people and improving quality of living spaces. NBS Source is the perfect partner for us as it allows specifiers to choose product based, not only on long term quality, but

also long term commitments to the environment.

“NBS Source allows us to showcase what we do, but more importantly for us it allows us to tell the stories of how and why we do it. Investment in quality, the environment, and people is now part of the built environment fabric and specifiers make decisions based on a wide range of criteria. It is important for us to talk directly to this sector and give them the reassurance that Blum is more than just a hinge, it is a promise to improve the quality of living spaces, now and in the future.”

The NBS platform is a 12 yearold UK based business providing

are not optimistic about the general business situation.

And while 77% of respondents reported a rise in factory gate prices, 64% reported their gross profit margin had worsened compared to six months ago.

Labour also remains an issue for the industry, with 77% reporting a moderate to severe skills shortage alongside 41% indicating their employment numbers had fallen –representing the largest negative balance since February 2009.

Between April and October 2022, 14% of respondents had made redundancies, and 23% expected to do so over the winter.

BFM MD Sean Holt said: “Across

the economy we are seeing the impact of the squeeze on consumer spending and rising costs of materials and labour.

“In April 2021 the optimism surrounding the general business situation was at a peak of 84%. In April 2022, that had plummeted to -54% and is now at -64%.

“One in five of the respondents to our survey reported that they were either making a loss or were breaking even.

“The BFM Trade and Price Trends Survey does show there is some hope however. In April, 54% expected a drop in orders, but in the October survey, only 14% reported orders were down.”

construction specification information used by architects, engineers and other building professionals. The platform gives the construction industry a completely new way to find manufacturer products – providing

specifiers with unified product data in one place, and allowing manufacturers to build and maintain relationships with specifiers right across the life cycle of a construction project, and beyond. www.blum.com

From left: Oliver Kahn – Chairman of the Board FC Bayern Munich, Peter Schwenk – CEO Altendorf Group, Ralf Dümmel – TV Entrepreneur, Michael Oelmann – Publisher Die Deutsche Wirtschaft

IDS expands its senior panel team with new Regional Sales Manager

Specialist surface materials distributor IDS has appointed Kevin O’Donnell as Regional Sales Manager, as part of the expansion of its dedicated decorative panel division.

Based at the company’s branch in Ely, Cambridgeshire, Kevin will play a key strategic role in driving sales growth of decorative panel products in the south-east region. He will be responsible for driving the panel sales strategy and developing new business opportunities in the region.

Kevin joins IDS with a wealth of sector experience having previously worked in National Sales Manager roles at Twyford Bathrooms and more recently Gerfloor. His expertise will complement the existing senior panel team headed up by Dave

Huggins, Business Development Director and Michael Davis, National Panel Sales Manager.

The appointment comes at a time of expansion for IDS’s panel division. The business has recently invested in extra racking at both its Ely and Blackburn distribution centres, expanded its fleet of delivery vehicles and added new products to its portfolio which spans raw boards, MFC, MDF, CDF and more.

Dave Huggins says: “IDS has continued to invest in its specialist panel business and I’m delighted to welcome Kevin at a time of strategic growth. His track record for being professionally tenacious and renowned as a solutions provider will benefit both IDS and customers alike. Having Kevin

on board will afford IDS Ely the capability to spend more time with our customers in the southeast, deep diving into all issues surrounding customers decorative

2022 continues to be a record year for hardwood imports, says Timber Development UK

The latest Timber Development UK (TDUK) statistics show record hardwood volumes were imported in May 2022.

Overall import volumes for hardwood were up 25% in the period running from January to May 2022, relative to the same period in 2021. This increase in hardwood volumes has largely been driven by Latvia and France, with their totals growing 110% and 82% respectively.

Tropical hardwoods have also seen growth, up 44%, with Cameroonian volumes leading in this category, increasing by 4081m3 in 2022.

Overall timber volumes were also high in May 2022, as volumes climbed over the million m3 mark for the first time since September 2021.

This growth in the month was driven by higher volumes of softwood, hardwood, plywood and particleboard compared to May 2021, only OSB and MDF volumes were lower.

Softwood imports remain 18% below the record levels seen in 2021. TDUK Head of Technical and Trade, Nick Boulton, said: “Though

May 2022 totals resembled the record levels seen last year, the overall market position in 2022 is certainly more diverse than 2021.

“Hardwood imports have been driven by the pallet and packaging trade which has begun to use lower-priced, more temperate hardwood species over typically

used softwood.

“The global logistics market is buoyant with demand outstripping the capacity to recirculate and where necessary repair existing pallet stocks. This means the demand for new wood pallets, bearers and dunnage are all at high levels, putting significant pressure

panel product and service requirements, ensuring we are continuously aligned with the needs of new and existing customers.” www.idsurfaces.co.uk

on the available log supply and specialist mills that service this sector.

“New sectors are also causing pressure on supply with wood fuel, for example, becoming a key driver of demand across Europe due to the energy insecurity caused by the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

TWO NEW OSTERMANN CATALOGUES

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Our range for furniture making and interior design now includes more than 20,000 items. To offer you even more service, we created 2 new catalogues: “Creative Design“ and “Edgings. Everything for Practical Processing.“ While the first catalogue, with products such as surfaces and design items, is perfect for advising your customers, the second was conceived as a reference book for planning, purchasing, and the workshop. On the inside of both catalogues, you can expect numerous inspiring application pictures with ideas for kitchens, offices, bedrooms, bathrooms, and retail shops.

SERVICE, DIVERSITY AND SPEED: THAT IS OSTERMANN.

For further information, go to www.ostermann.eu and type in #catalogue

The Furniture Makers’ Company announces industry day –‘Routes to Greater Sustainability’

The Furniture Makers’ Company, the City of London livery company and charity for the furnishing industry, is to host a climate change and sustainability event on Wednesday 14 December (11am – 5pm) at Furniture Makers’ Hall, London.

The ‘Routes to Greater Sustainability’ event is being supported by the British Furniture Confederation (BFC) and generously sponsored by the Furniture Industry Research Association (FIRA), Ocee Design, Panaz and SATRA Technology.

The free event will be the first pan-furnishing industry conference of its type, welcoming businesses and delegates from all sectors of the domestic and contract markets, with the aim of sharing knowledge and best practice on routes for greater sustainability. As well as networking opportunities, the day will include a series of eight short presentations including an overview by the BFC of potential new legislation; the Furniture Industry Sustainability Programme (FISP),

the UK’s only industry specific scheme; as well as introductions to different corporate approaches to climate change initiatives.

The conference will also have representation from key industry associations including the British Contract Furnishing Association (BCFA), British Furniture Manufacturers Association (BFM), the National Bed Federation (NBF) and UK Carpet Recycling.

The event is being organised by The Furniture Makers’ Company’s Climate Change and Sustainability committee, which was launched in 2022 to support greater environmental awareness, promoting initiatives within the sector and identify opportunities for open innovation.

Joanna Knight, climate change and sustainability chairman at The Furniture Makers’ Company, said: “This event aims to unite all sectors within the furnishing industry and provide an opportunity to collaborate and knowledge share. Delegates will go away from the event with a better understanding

of the various initiatives being undertaken by industry to reduce climate change as well as ideas to action within their own business.”

Jonathan Hindle, chairman of the British Furniture Confederation, said: “The British Furniture Confederation (BFC) is delighted to be co-hosting this important pan-industry sustainability event. Businesses are already acting in response or anticipation of the demands of their customers, shareholders and their own consciences. Government rules and regulations will follow and it’s important that we are there not only to keep our industry informed of these but to engage and shape them. Sustainability is one of the most important challenges and opportunities of our times. Success is essential for all not just some, so we must collaborate as never before, not just for the future of our businesses, but for the planet, our children, for mankind.”

Tony Attard OBE DL, Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company and chairman of Panaz, industry day sponsor, said: “Our world will change irrevocably unless we address climate change. Sustainability and our effect on climate change must now be an important board meeting agenda item for all businesses. Everything we do affects it, and everything we do to make a difference needs to be planed for and delivered. The conference we are holding at the Furniture Makers will help address some of these issues and give sound practical advice on implementation. We will not learn everything in one day but it’s a start along the sustainability pathway.”

John Hubbard, technical consultant at FIRA International, industry day sponsor, said: “I am looking

forward to hosting two sessions at this inaugural event. From my sustainability research and work across the furniture sector, on behalf of the Furniture Industry Research Association, I am starting to see a real step change taking place, driven by both legislation and a stronger focus on corporate responsibility. Platforms like this initiative from The Furniture Makers’ Company offer such a valuable opportunity to share best practice and see first-hand how improvements can be made. Through sharing my experience, I am hoping to inspire others and bring about new ways of thinking.”

Nicola Pichel-Juan, sustainability services manager at SATRA Technology, industry day sponsor, said: “Building more sustainable products and organisations is one of the biggest challenges being faced by most businesses today. No organisation can do this alone – collaboration is key, which is why SATRA is delighted to have the opportunity to support this event and to be able to share our knowledge and expertise with the furniture industry, as well as to discover what we can learn on the day to help us on our own journey to become more sustainable.”

Claire Williams, group creative director at Ocee Design, industry day sponsor, said: “We are proud to be sponsoring the ‘Routes to Greater Sustainability’ industry day. As an industry, we can, and must, do more to protect our planet. If each one of us were to make just one small change in our businesses, and day-to-day life, that collective impact could be huge – and that’s where days like this, coming together to make change as an industry, are so important.”

To register free for the event at https://bit.ly/ RoutestoGreaterSustainability

Mirka® Galaxy

Self-Sharpening Grain Technology

Mirka’s innovative Galaxy abrasive combines effectiveness with long life, thanks to a new self-sharpening ceramic grain, a clog resistant coating and the new Multifit™ hole configuration.

At its core, Mirka Galaxy is a multipurpose product, ideal for sanding both soft and hard materials as well as various substrates.

Allan Brothers wins prestigious industry award

Allan Brothers Ltd, reputedly the UK’s oldest wood windows and doors manufacturer, has scooped ‘Joinery Product Supplier of the Year’ in this year’s Timber Trades Journal Awards.

Now in their 26th year, the awards, which are open to companies across the UK, Ireland and Europe, showcase product quality and service excellence across the timber industry.

As a ‘voted for’ category, ‘Joinery

Product Supplier of the Year’ enabled customers who buy timber products right across the supply chain, ranging from builders, specifiers, merchants to the end users to nominate their best performing suppliers via a rigorous and impartial digital voting process.

As the outright category winner, Allan Brothers beat stiff competition from a strong list of nominees.

Morten Bach Valsted, managing director of Allan Brothers, said: “We

Accsys increases Accoya wood capacity by a third

Accsys, the manufacturer of highly sustainable Accoya wood, has successfully expanded production capacity at its facilities in Arnhem, the Netherlands. The first commercial batch of Accoya wood has been produced from its new, fourth acetylation chamber.

Accoya wood is highly durable, stable and sustainable, and is in strong demand for windows, doors, cladding, decking and more.

Accsys has invested over €30 million in expanding the Arnhem site, including improving the wood handling for the whole site. The new acetylation chamber, which weighs in at 65 tonnes and over 14m long, increases the production capacity at Arnhem by a third, up from 60,000m3 to 80,000m3 (25.4 to 34.0 million board feet) a year.

In addition to the new acetylation chamber, Accsys has also invested in developing the Arnhem plant’s facilities. The improvements include: new capabilities to support safe and rapid handling and logistics of the increased volumes of wood; and a new quality monitoring

and assurance technology with cameras, infrared scattering and x-rays to examine every board to ensure customer satisfaction with the products. A new 20,000m2 (200,000sq. ft.) warehouse opened in October at Hoevers, which will provide 35,000m3 of raw material storage close to the Arnhem site.

Rob Harris, CEO Accsys commented: “The world urgently needs solutions for sustainable construction. Durable, sustainable, and with incredibly high performance, Accoya is in high

demand – and we’re working as hard as we can to produce much more of it. We have earned a loyal customer base and our priority is to deliver more of what they need. Our expansion at Arnhem is a significant step in the right direction of getting more Accoya out to the market. It’s part of our ambitious growth plan to expand production and fulfil our purpose of changing wood to change the world.”

Alongside the expansion at its existing site in Arnhem, Accsys is developing a facility in North America. In April this year Accsys began groundwork for a new factory in Kingsport, USA, which is anticipated to begin producing in 2024. The project is a joint venture with Eastman Chemical Company and is due for completion and first production batch in Q1 2024.

John Alexander, Group Sales Director, Accsys commented: “Reduced output from the Accoya facility in Arnhem over the past 12 months due to the engineering

are delighted to be recognised in what is considered to be one of the most prestigious awards in the timber industry. This fantastic achievement is a testament to the quality and craftsmanship of our bespoke timber windows and doors and the dedication of our team. We would also like to thank all our nominees for showing their support through voting for us in these awards.”

www.allanbrothers.co.uk

work on site for the 33% capacity expansion has created some challenges for our customers. We now have the benefit from that work addressing the demand and significantly increasing supply to our distributors. As we look ahead to early 2024, having two world scale facilities for production of Accoya provides for continued market growth and increased resilience of supply.”

Accoya wood has been on the market since 2007 and is now sold by stocking distributors in more than 35 countries. The drive to net zero and rise in conscious construction have accelerated demand for timber construction materials. Unlike other woods, Accoya is long lasting and is manufactured so as not to visibly swell, shrink or distort. It is a natural carbon sink and is certified at the C2C Gold level for its circular economy benefits. www.accsysplc.com www.accoya.com

Morten Bach Valsted, Managing Director of Allan Brothers, with the ‘Joinery Product Supplier of the Year’ trophy

Rob Harris, Accsys

CEO cutting the ribbon at the opening of R4

Fourth wood acetylation chamber completed and now fully operational at Arnhem site

ESS-ENN Timber’s edge-glued panels are first in the world to achieve Cradle to Cradle Certified Silver

The edge-glued panels of Swedish producer of solid wood products ESS-ENN Timber have achieved Cradle to Cradle Certified® Silver. They are the first worldwide to receive this prestigious certification and therefore the ideal choice for all Homebuilders, Carpenters and hobby craftsmen that want to make a sustainable choice in their everyday life.

ESS-ENN Timber’s edge-glued panels consist of Swedish solid wood and are available in the varieties pine, oak and European spruce, with the proportion of wood in the product being as high as 99.98%.

Other wood products, such as chipboard and MDF, often contain upwards of 10% glue. For the certification, the product has been assessed for environmental and social performance across five critical sustainability categories: Material Health, Material Reutilisation, Renewable Energy, Water Stewardship, and Social Fairness. In the categories Material Reutilization, Renewable Energy, and Social Fairness, it even achieved Gold Level.

ESS-ENN Timber is one of the major Swedish producers of edgeglued panels, as well as sawn and planed wood and biofuel. Currently, the company exports its products to around 15 different countries around the world with an increasing demand especially for the edgeglued panels in 2022. It offers its customers sustainable, circular products made from Swedish solid wood that strive to conserve natural resources.

For every tree cut down as part of their operations, at least two new ones are planted, and raw materials are certified according to the Forest Stewardship Council certification system, FSC®(FSC-C007709). www.ess-enn.se

For questions and further information, please contact us or Caroline Troedson (caroline. troedson@ess-enn.se). We would be pleased to receive a specimen copy or the online link in case of publication.

Foil Laminating Machine

Compact line HG

Single sided compact laminating machine with smoothing roller suitable for the application of glue on the panel and laminate with transparent foil. The process is perfect for melamine coated or digital printed panels achieving a bright high gloss finish. Any other type of foil can be applied obtaining the highest finishing quality as well.

Young Furniture Makers exhibition makes triumphant return

The Young Furniture Makers exhibition, organised by The Furniture Makers’ Company, made a triumphant return earlier this month, following a three-year hiatus, with 100 of the UK’s best emerging designers and makers exhibiting cutting-edge furniture and lighting in the City of London to packed out crowds.

The Young Furniture Makers exhibition was set up by The Furniture Makers’ Company over 15 years ago for school children, students and graduates to showcase their work to the design community and connect with potential employers.

This year’s event was the first live exhibition since 2019 due to the pandemic and took place on Wednesday 12th October at Furniture Makers’ Hall and the Dutch Church in Austin Friars, London.

Students and graduates travelled from across the UK to be part of event, with the youngest exhibitor being 12 years old, the oldest at 59 and one exhibitor returning from Switzerland to be part of this wonderful celebration of furniture and furnishing design.

Sponsored and supported by Axminster Tools, Sanderson Design Group and the January Furniture Show, the exhibition opened at

3pm with excited visitors quickly filling the two venues to see the incredible designs on show. In addition to the stunning furniture and lighting on display, guests and exhibitors were treated to three short informative seminars that formed a Talks Programme.

The anticipation and excitement of the exhibition built throughout the day with the event culminating with a drink reception, sponsored by HIX, and the announcement of the Young Furniture Makers Awards. Hundreds of people packed out the Dutch Church to hear which pieces had been named top of their category, with special

guest William Hardie, founder of Studio Hardie, announcing this year’s winners.

The winners of the awards were:

• National School Design Prize: Jim Notcutt for Chair

• Young Furniture Makers Bespoke Award, sponsored by Axminster Tools: Clare Ng for the Gemini Cabinet

• Young Furniture Makers Design Award: Jack Briggs for Wave

• Young Furniture Makers Textiles Award, sponsored by Sanderson Design Group: Krav Metcalfe for the Cochise Chair

• Best in Show Prize sponsor by Blum: Jack Briggs for Wave

Winners of the January Furniture Show prize: Hannah Richards, Philippa Bourne, Sam Attard, Luke Harrison, Lydia Huntington, William Bevis, Isabel Rough, Katie FitzJohn

Clare Ng being presented the Bespoke Award by William Hardie

Jack Briggs being presented the Blum Best in Show Award

Eight outstanding pieces were also selected to be part of a special feature at the 2023 January Furniture Show (22nd-26th January, NEC Birmingham), giving the winners the opportunity to have their work viewed by 22,000+ visitors and the opportunity to build high level contacts.

Tony Attard OBE DL, Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company, said: “The Young Furniture Makers exhibition was an absolute triumph – it made me very proud to be Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company. The exhibition demonstrates how we make a difference in the most tangible way to students and graduates. I am sure that many of the designers who exhibited will be inspired to pursue a career in the furnishing industry.”

William Hardie, founder of Studio Hardie, special guest presenter of the Young Furniture Makers Awards, said: “I was astounded by the calibre of craftsmanship and quality of design shown at the Young Furniture Makers Exhibition, it is so inspiring to see that children as young as 12 are designing and making beautiful and well thought out pieces.

“The exhibition was a brilliant chance for young makers to show and present their work to industry leaders and the public at a prestigious venue. The result was

over 100 remarkable and diverse pieces of furniture, demonstrating that the future of the furniture making industry looks very bright.”

Lisa Montague, CEO of Sanderson Design Group, sponsor of the Young Furniture Makers Textiles Award, said: “At Sanderson Design Group, we were thrilled to sponsor the exhibition’s inaugural Textiles Award. Nurturing the next generation of creative talent is something we hold very close to our hearts, so it was hugely exciting to see such skilful craftsmanship from so young a cohort of creators. Congratulations, again, to Krav for winning first prize, thanks to The Furniture Makers’ Company for hosting a fantastic event, and we cannot wait to return next year.”

Alan Styles, CEO of Axminster Tools, sponsor of the Young Furniture Makers Bespoke Award, said: “Axminster Tools has been supporting the Young Furniture Makers Exhibition for a number of years. We believe the benefits of celebrating and encouraging craft skills are far reaching. For those of us in the industry, the exhibition is the perfect opportunity to connect with the next generation of makers and celebrate the future of design. I am always blown away by the level of talent and skill on show from our Young Furniture Makers and this year was no exception.

Congratulations to the winners and

all those who exhibited.”

Zoe Bonser, portfolio director at Clarion Retail, organiser of the January Furniture Show, said: “‘Myself and the team at The January Furniture Show were delighted to be a part of the 2022 Young Furniture Makers Exhibition last week. It was such a special event which brought together new and emerging talent in a beautiful setting. The designs showcased

were exceptional and it was so lovely to be able to meet with and celebrate all the students’ hard work. We are very much looking forward to hosting this year’s winners at our next event in January and helping to showcase all the incredible designers to the entire furniture industry.’’

Clare Ng, Bespoke Award winner, said: “It’s truly an honour to have won the Bespoke Award. The whole experience was utterly surreal and emotional, and I’m grateful for all the support I received throughout the entire process of creating the Gemini Cabinet. No doubt it is a strong recognition, also a reminder for my future self to stay passionate and dedicated in this journey.”

Jack Briggs, winner of the Design Award and Blum Best in Show Prize, said: “I would like to thank The Furniture Makers’ Company for the opportunity of exhibiting my ‘Wave’ sustainable manufacture project at the Young Furniture Makers exhibition. With such a high standard of talented designers, I was shocked but thrilled to have won both of the awards and I am excited for what the future holds.”

Jack Briggs and Wave

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Blum acquires majority stake in System Industrie Electronic

Blum is acquiring a 75.1% stake in the Austrian company System Industrie Electronic GmbH (S.I.E), based in the town of Lustenau, Vorarlberg. System integrator S.I.E generated an annual turnover of 24.8 million euros in 2021 with 125 employees in three sites.

Blum’s Managing Director Martin Blum explains: “S.I.E’s focus is on the interaction of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and information technology.

At Blum, we develop product innovations for electric and intelligent furniture. Together, we can further expand our competencies in the business segments of S.I.E and in our mechatronic and smart development projects.” The close partnership also creates new synergies in the procurement of electronic components and the flexible use of resources in research and development.

Smart furniture – Applications for the furniture of the future Blum has been focusing on the

potential of smart furniture for a long time, and was early to start developing mechatronic products for the “furniture of the future”. For example, the fittings manufacturer has been offering the SERVO-DRIVE electrical motion support system for wall cabinet fronts and pull-outs since 2006. The latest product solution from Blum, AMPEROS, equips furniture with lights and charging facilities for smartphones and household appliances,

and there are more electronic applications in the pipeline. It was presented at interzum, the world’s leading trade fair for furniture manufacturing and interior design, in 2021. In contrast to Blum’s core business of mechanical systems, the innovative discipline of mechatronics is very fast-moving and dynamic. S.I.E’s employees are deeply focused on this technology, so their know-how is invaluable to Blum. , So now, Blum is combining

its own competencies in the field of mechatronics with those of the Lustenau-based specialist for embedded systems. S.I.E will retain its status as an independent company with its 125 employees and continue to operate the Vorarlberg site plus two sites in southern Germany.

Interestingly, the founder and owner of S.I.E is Udo Filzmaier, a former Blum apprentice. www.blum.com

Blum’s AMPEROS brings electricity to furniture, to charge batteries or illuminate furniture interiors

Through its majority stake in S.I.E, Blum is acquiring valuable know-how and support in the field of mechatronics

Further Investment In PCD Erosion

Further Investment In PCD Erosion

Over the past 24 months, we have seen a significant transition from AKE TCT Saw Blades to AKE PCD Saw Blades in certain industries. The main reason for this transition is the enormous benefit of service life/linear meterage. We are seeing a minimum increase of 20x linear meterage yield with PCD Saw Blades compared to the TCT equivalent. This is due to PCD tips being 50x harder (on average) than Carbide tips. With this increase, the end user achieves much higher productivity due to a reduction in downtime. They also achieve a reduction in cost throughout the Saw Blade service life.

Over the past 24 months, we have seen a significant transition from AKE TCT Saw Blades to AKE PCD Saw Blades in certain industries. The main reason for this transition is the enormous benefit of service life/linear meterage. We are seeing a minimum increase of 20x linear meterage yield with PCD Saw Blades compared to the TCT equivalent. This is due to PCD tips being 50x harder (on average) than Carbide tips. With this increase, the end user achieves much higher productivity due to a reduction in downtime. They also achieve a reduction in cost throughout the Saw Blade service life.

An important part of Saw Blade Supply is the service turnaround time, the end user cannot wait weeks for a Saw Blade to be serviced. Because of this demand, we decided to invest in a dedicated Erosion Machine for PCD Saw Blades.

An important part of Saw Blade Supply is the service turnaround time, the end user cannot wait weeks for a Saw Blade to be serviced. Because of this demand, we decided to invest in a dedicated Erosion Machine for PCD Saw Blades.

Vollmer QR 270

Vollmer QR 270

In the not-so-distant future, Allied Tooling will be taking receipt of a Vollmer QR 270 Erosion Machine to add to our collection. We will then have the capability to erode PCD Saw Blades for the wood, aluminium and composite industries up to a diameter of 840mm. When attached to our fourth robotic 4 station saw blade loading centre, we will be eroding PCD Saw Blades 24/7.

In the not-so-distant future, Allied Tooling will be taking receipt of a Vollmer QR 270 Erosion Machine to add to our collection. We will then have the capability to erode PCD Saw Blades for the wood, aluminium and composite industries up to a diameter of 840mm. When attached to our fourth robotic 4 station saw blade loading centre, we will be eroding PCD Saw Blades 24/7.

This will allow us to offer the end user an incomparable service for the supply and erosion of AKE PCD Saw Blades.

This will allow us to offer the end user an incomparable service for the supply and erosion of AKE PCD Saw Blades.

Great success for the latest SCM innovations at Xylexpo

Standalone technological solutions and integrated, intelligent and sustainable processes. So much that’s new at the SCM stand to meet any production requirement. Two XIA – Xylexpo Innovation Awards were granted to SCM’s Digital Factory and Blade Off, the predictive safety system for circular saws.

SCM was once again a key player at Xylexpo, on a special occasion for the Italian Group, as it celebrates 70 years of innovation and success by the side of the entire woodworking sector.

At its innovative and multimedia stand of over 2000m2, SCM recorded a huge turnout of professionals, experts and schools

specialising in woodworking as well as great opportunities in terms of orders, negotiations and contacts.

SCM offered its vision for a digital, connected and integrated production: a Digital Factory model that was also awarded at Xylexpo Innovation Awards. It supports the customer with the most complex challenges of mass customisation, making the processes faster and more sustainable, keeping down costs, consumption and waste and simplifying management. A system of Smart&Human Factory flexible, automated and modular cells that was on offer for the first time in two distinct versions for industry and the joinery.

Flanking both the processes

is a rich integrated offering of software, MES and digital services on display in the Digital Integrated Woodworking Process area. Software and services that support the customer at each stage: data preparation, planning, production, monitoring and after-sales assistance, by increasing efficiency and connecting the office and factory.

Worth pointing out was the updated CAD/CAM office programming software for the preparation of data for Maestro CNC machining centres and the 3D Maestro pro view simulator for machining panels and solid wood, as well as the Maestro beam&wall for timber construction.

For planning, optimisation and production control, the new MES Maestro easyFlow is the plug and play solution integrated with all of SCM’s software and machines, combined with both Smart&Human Factory for both industry and the joinery to handle the programming, management and 4.0 interconnection of the entire production flow.

New entries also with the cutting optimisers. Maestro Optiwise for

the Gabbiani single blade and angular beam saws ensures you get the best out of cuts with a minimum amount of waste for both large and small production batches. Furthermore, it offers the best solution in terms of waste, time and costs and a user experience that is even simpler and more efficient.

Maximum performance even for woodworking with the mobile app SCM Thundercut: this optimisersequencer is the only one that provides the operator with a stepby-step guide to inserting the panel into the machine and making the cut; for a completely safe job even when done by those less expert.

Maestro Power TMS, the software that simplifies and optimises the management of tools inside the solid wood CNC machining centres’ warehouses also made its début at Xylexpo. Depending on the kind of machining required, the software operates to maximise the capacity of the warehouses and to speed up the tool change according to the production mix: more than 100 tools readily available, a reduction in times and an increase in productivity.

The HMI software and Maestro

active line supervisors have also been updated for an even simpler, optimal control and interaction with all the SCM machines.

In support of the production monitoring stages, machine maintenance and after-sales services, the digital services enabled by the IoT Maestro Connect platform have been further enhanced. The aim is to guarantee maximum return on the machines and plants in conjunction with the constant support from SCM technicians. This IoT platform, nowadays, integrates into the ‘Woodworking made Izy’ project led by the most important machinery manufacturers to offer a common language and a total integration of the customer’s machines.

The Smart&Human Factory for the furniture industry

The flexible integrated line on offer at Xylexpo produces around 400 furniture parts per shift and shows two alternative flows for the manufacturers of assembled or kit furniture.

This is only one of the many configurations that the Smart&Human Factory can assume based on specific client demands. The cells are integrated with articulated robots and interconnected by unmanned AMR shuttles.

Making its mark in the beam saw area was the new flexible Gabbiani GT2 cell with articulated robot for automatic loading and unloading. It optimises the shifts and combines batch one machining requirements with large volume production.

The cell, enhanced by the new Maestro optiwise optimiser, has been designed for use with or without an operator, permitting the immediate and automatic passage between one mode and another. In automatic mode with robot, it allows you to operate without shift restrictions, relieving the operator of work that is of a low added value. In manual mode, it allows for even the finest, most delicate and smallest materials to be handled extremely easily.

In the edgebanding area, SCM offered a new model of Stefani Cell E flexible cell that combines

the numerous advantages of the Stefani X industrial edgebander in terms of productivity and machining quality with the new Fastback 27 automatic panel return system. Thanks to this device, moving panels loaded onto the edgebander is controlled automatically and flexibly, both long-ways and crossways. This ensures the operator receives maximum support in controlling the entire edgebanding cycle.

The cell, integrated by Maestro active edge HMI software for a simple, intuitive control, is designed for an intensive use over several shifts, with a speed of 25m per minute. It guarantees an ideal application of the edge without the use of glue, thanks to AirFusion+ technology, and outstanding machining quality even on the most delicate, state-of-the-art materials thanks to electronic controls.

Completely new entry was the Morbidelli CX220 drilling and dowelling flexible cell that creates all the parts of the piece of furniture more efficiently, even with pieces that differ dramatically from one another. The new cell produces a panel per minute and in excess of 400 panels per shift with a single operator in just 50m2

Its exclusive layout allows for two possible uses: without operator supervision, thanks to the integrated robot on the rear side that performs all the loading and unloading operations in complete autonomy for a continuous production cycle; with partial supervision of the operator who, in complete safety, can load and unload the panels at the front of the cell while the robot continues to machine on the opposite side.

The process on display at Xlyexpo continued into the assembly area with the Action P clamp, whose automatic setting means all the parts of the furniture can be assembled with precision and simplicity. It is rounded off with packaging and the new range of Cut C200 punching machines for the production of four made-tomeasure boxes per minute and Pack C100 for the automatic closure of the pre-punched cardboard box lids using hot-melt

glue.

Smart&Human Factory for the joinery

Also taking centre stage at Xylexpo was an integrated cell for flexible and customised production from raw material to the finished piece of furniture. As well as MES Maestro easyFlow, the first step towards the ideal office-factory integration, the cell acquires a further advantage from the positive aspects of the machines involved:

• The invincibile SI X circular saw enhanced by the SCM Thundercut cutting optimiser-sequencer; •Startech CN Plus CNC drilling centre, to easily and flexibly produce furniture parts without repositioning the tools and without a need for the operator to intervene; •Top performing ME 40TR edgebander thanks to the new rounding unit that allows you to achieve excellent quality finished products, without further machining.

Three machines for a perfect and unique orchestrated work that dramatically reduces times and margins of error.

Other new entries in the spotlight SCM boasts possibly the largest range in the industry and at Xylexpo exhibited standalone solutions and integrated processes for every kind of production need.

Edge banding

The new olimpic 500 offers excellent machining versatility in a limited amount of space and always with high quality standards. The edgebander has a two motors rounding unit and a new control

system for even more efficient production.

Some of the other advantages include the option to machine two real radii with all the units, panels up to 60mm in width, perform a simple and automatic glue change with the SGP-E pot and an even more user-friendly usage with HMI Maestro active edge software and the new 15in Eye-S console.

Stefani SBX also took centre stage live from the SCM Technology Centee in Thiene. The new squaring-edgebanding machine offers the most advanced SCM technological innovations for this sector: these include Servo electronic units and other solutions for high productivity levels and excellent performance with every machining.

Surface technologies

The integrated offer of DMC technologies for sanding, Sergiani 3D form for ennobling threedimensional panels and Superfici for finishing has been further enhanced with new devices and models to satisfy all process and end-product type requirements and achieve sophisticated finishing solutions.

This is the case of the different new entries on display for sanding that not only permit original, highquality applications but increase productivity and efficiency and make them much easier to use by improving the user experience.

The DCM System T2, a flexible and modular numeric control calibrating/sanding centre appears in a completely new light: the innovative Laser Unit, making its global début at Xylexpo, is

particularly well-suited for the wooden floor super finish, solid wood parts and mdf panels decorating and fibre cement finishes.

Also highlighted was the new planetary unit of the DMC Eurosystem designed to perform every calibrating, sanding, brushing and structuring operation possible. Last but not least, the new Eye-S control panel for DMC SD and DMC Euro system sanders which, thanks to the HMI Maestro active sand, further enhances the machines’ performances and offers an even more advanced look and feel.

Among the new entries for finishing, we had the Superfici Compact XL sprayer for high production capacity, offering a considerable energy saving, a more efficient paint recovery system and an advanced recirculation of air volume, as well as a completely new design.

Also on display was a UV LED polymerisation system with several UV monochromatic sources of different wavelengths to achieve a controlled multi-chromatic emission in a wider spectrum compared to the pure UV led radiation. The result is chemical-physical performances fully comparable with standard UV polymerisation, while maintaining the typical advantages offered by led.

For extra-opaque effects on the finish of the most varied end products and materials, another new entry was the Superfici Excimatt: excimer technology offering surprisingly smooth effects with high levels of opacity but with no more compromising on surface resistance.

Door and window production and solid wood machining

Making its début at Xylexpo was SCM’s Accord 600 CNC machining centre for the production of doors, staircases and windows in solid wood: it offers 30% more productivity compared to market standards and an intelligent management with Maestro power TMS, the software that simplifies and optimises tool handling in the machine’s magazines.

The spotlight at Xylexpo was also shining on Windorflex, the new automatic cell for machining complete fixtures designed to optimise productivity while simultaneously maintaining a high level of flexibility and machining quality, irrespective of the kind of window or door.

The solutions for solid wood were rounded off with the automatic superset nt throughfeed

moulder complete with highefficiency motors that guarantee a considerable benefit in terms of energy saving; the balestrini idea CNC machining centre for chairs and tables and the automatic balestrini pico md tenoner-mortiser, ideal for creating mitre door joints.

Joinery machines

Making its début at Xylexpo was the startech cn k compact threeaxis machining centre, ideal for any kind of routing, decorations, scoring, creation of signs and 3D model prototype. The only one in its category to have a 2.4kW electrospindle, the machine, with integral cabin, guarantees protection to the operator and a clean working environment; it is also very easy to program thanks to the virtual ‘open’Human-Machine Interface for the importing of G-code from any kind of CAD/CAM software. Also being highlighted were the new Eye-S compact touch controls on edgebanders and the exclusive ‘Blade Off’ technological solution (XIA winner) applied to circular saws and fitted with exclusive smart sensors to machine in complete safety.

Timber construction

SCM expands its solutions for the industry. The new Area X five-axis CNC machining centre with mobile gantry structure, is designed for manufacturers of X-lam/CLT

panels and curved laminate beams. Excellent reliability and very high machining quality allow nonproductive times to be eradicated and produce finished parts ready to be assembled on site.

Also on show was the new 3.0 version of the Maestro beam&wall proprietary software designed to provide a better response to the demands for workflow optimisation and greater production flexibility in machining structural parts.

And for X-lam/CLT wall panel sanding comes a new project, the DMC System XL: highly modular sanding-calibrating machine capable of working walls up to 3700 mm wide and 500 mm thick.

Squaring, tenoning and profiling

For visitors to Xylexpo, a closer look at the latest Celaschi products. In particular, for the production of both traditional and gradient board (chevron) wooden floors, the new celaschi tmc transversal tenoner with automatic loading system. Versatile and precise, it offers the utmost in terms of technical solutions for line profiling of boards with different gradients.

The Celaschi innovations also referred to the creation of Threespine® click panels and the production of drawers, with the option of machining pieces of less than 60mm in width.

The Furniture & Joinery Conference establishes important platform

The first independent industry conference and awards gathering took place on Wednesday 26th and Thursday 27th October at Resorts World Birmingham. In excess of a 100 delegates came from across the UK and overseas, who, along with selected suppliers partners, made the inaugural event at Resorts World Birmingham a positive, professional and enjoyable experience.

Following a dearth of opportunities for the industry to come together, The Furniture & Joinery Conference provided an exceptional opportunity at the impressive Vox conference facility at Resorts World Birmingham. If initial reactions, are anything to go by, it looks to have been a resounding success.

The event began with a lively drinks reception held at The Apartment on the eve of the event.

Delegates and invited guests made the most of this initial opportunity to network and compare notes, one said the connections which they’d made had already proved the event worthwhile, anything at the conference the following day would be a bonus. With spirits high, the scene was set for a productive and exciting day at the conference.

The conference proper started with a

Delegates and partners celebrate first outing for The Furniture & Joinery Conference

rousing welcome from Lisa Williams, master of ceremonies for the day. She introduced the conference’s charity partners: Jonny Westbrooke, clerk and chief executive of the Furniture Makers Company (FMC), and Dean Williams, area fundraiser for Help For Heroes. Jonny highlighted the important and valuable work of the FMC in education, excellence and welfare. Dean’s impassioned presentation highlighted the brilliant work that Help For Heroes does for the armed forces community.

The main attraction for the conference was the four panel discussions which were held throughout the day, around the two sets of awards.

The discussions included most of the key issues furniture and joinery manufacturers are wrangling with today, including: the perpetual search for staff, training issues and opportunities, sustainable manufacturing, sourcing products and services, marketing and more besides. The delivery and moderation of the discussions was smooth and engaging with numerous questions from the floor providing an interesting dynamic.

The awards were held in two separate periods: furniture manufacturer and joinery manufacturer of the year preceded by six young furniture and joinery designer-makers of the year being awarded in the first tranche. This was followed later in the day machinery and materials winners unveiled which led to the much-anticipated outstanding contribution award, won this year by Ercol’s Edward Tadros.

Throughout the day networking opportunities provided an inspiring amalgam of people and business from across the industry, comprising experienced and novice joinery, furniture, KBB, upholstery and bed manufacturers mixing with education providers, components and materials suppliers, events people, association representatives, leading software protagonists, all sorts of technical service providers, outsourcing specialists and more – a tremendous cross-section representing our great industry.

As the conference drew to a close, event director John Legg had this to say: “I am delighted with what the team has achieved at our first conference – the early feedback we’ve

been receiving seems to confirm that we have created and delivered a required and potentially important event for our industry, bringing together all sides of the industry, to learn from experts and each other, to celebrate and to work together. It’s a tremendously positive experience. But I have to say at this juncture that none of this would have happened without the dedication of Lisa Williams, Catherine Earle, my wife Tracy, our families, friends and close colleagues from across the industry.”

So with a successful first event, when are we likely to see details of the next conference?

“With feedback coming through strongly we are analysing and discussing that with our partners and stakeholders to see what form the 2023 event is likely to take. But rest-assured, we are anaylsing the feebdack from all parties and we're looking forward to develop The Furniture & Joinery Conference concept moving forwards,,” concludes John.

www.fjconference.com

The Furniture & Joinery Conference Awards' Winners detailed overleaf >>

Above: A well-attended reception was held on the eve of the conference providing a really positive get-together experience for the delegates

Left and below: the panel discussions were well recieved by the delegates

The award winners are …

From left: Outstanding Contribution Award, Edward Tadros, Ercol, with Malcolm Cuthbertson, Michael Weinig (UK) Ltd, Managing Director

From left: Young Designer Jack Talbot with Ben Muirhead, Blum UK, National Territory Manager

From left: Machinery Supplier of the Year, Phil Pitchford, Homag UK, CNC Product Manager, with Nicola West, Managing Director, Montgomery Exhibitions Ltd

From left : Joinery Manufacturer of the Year AJB Group, Amarjit Binji CEO, with Neil Newbrook, Mirka UK, Business Sector Manager Wood

From left: Young Designer Christoph Kurzmann with Gabriele de Col, SCM UK, Managing Director

The January edition of Furniture & Joinery Production will feature a Conference & Awards Special Supplement

From left: Furniture Manufacturer of the Year, DP Furniture, James Callan, Key Account Manager, with Phil Pitchford, Homag UK, CNC Product Manager

From left: Young Designer Josey Garbutt with Florian Wonisch, CAD+T Solutions, Sales Manager International

From left: Materials Supplier of the Year, Häfele UK, Andrew Toseland, Academy Manager, with Paul Wilsher, Biesse UK, UK Commercial Director

From left: Colin Patterson, Hettich UK, Marketing & Technical Services Manager with Young Designer Aidan Inglis Wuid

From left: Young Designer Daniel Alexander with Phil Beddoe, Titus Tool Company Ltd, General Manager UK & North Europe

From left: Young Designer Krav Metcalfe with Kyle Brown, A L Dalton Ltd, Sales Manager

Panelco Innovation Insight

In partnership with Alvic, Egger and Unilin

Furniture and joinery designers, manufacturers and others from across the industry made a beeline to the first of a series of Innovation Insights events put on by Panelco at their showroom facility in Hadleigh Park, Stoke-on-Trent. John Legg paid them a visit to discover and get handson with products from three of its leading suppliers: Alvic, Egger and Unilin, and to meet Julie Dean, Group Marketing Manager, and discuss how Panelco is set for the future.

Panelco is one of the UK’s main decorative sheet material distributors specialising in melamine, worktops, edging, furniture panels, MDF, plywood, veneers and OSB along with a manufacturing facility. The company’s ethos is ex-stock, next day delivery with high levels of service and depth of stock. Panelco’s target audiences are furniture manufacturers (KBB especially), retail design and shop fitters, exhibition planners and house builders

Located on the enormous Hadleigh Timber Group site, Panelco’s beautifully-designed, dedicated showroom spaces were very professionally presented to the visitors from across the UK and Ireland – and being ‘at home’, the full Panelco team was available to its customers and interested parties from the industry who took their time to attend.

Discussions and presentations were on going throughout both days with good numbers eager to discover as the doors open, and with much to discover and discuss with the Alvic, Egger and Unlin experts on hand, both days were well attended from start to finish. The atmosphere on the day I visited was one of professional discussions taking place on all quarters – each of Paneclo’s partners had brought something fresh to show the visitors and this clearly paid off with attendees clearly delighted with what they were seeing and learning about.

According to the Panelco marketing team, who had clearly put a lot of hard work into the event, they were “overwhelmed with the support shown across both days reporting that it was a huge success!”

Having thoroughly enjoyed my time at this well-organised event, I can only see Panelco’s at-home events going from strength to strength.

Part of Panelco's impressive showrooms

Products galore from Egger

Egger presented its latest introductions and product development at Panelco’s recent Innovation Insight event.

For over 30 years, Egger has supplied Panelco with market leading wood-based products. On 4-5th October, Egger took over Panelco’s Design Forum to share its latest product innovations and designs.

Panelco is a key distributor of Egger products, supplying melamine faced chipboard, laminate, worktops, and edging nationwide. Well known for high quality, trendsetting décors, Egger joined Panelco’s other product partners to share its collections with the distributor’s customers.

Egger’s Design Manager, Aimee Fletcher, hosted interactive presentations in the Design Forum throughout the two-day event to give visitors an insight into Egger’s new introductions. Highlights included an introduction to the new PerfectSense TM9 Texture, which offers a smooth, matt surface on a chipboard core, an extension of the already popular Texture Meets Colour range, and new uni colour and woodgrain décors from recent Eggerzum trend updates.

Worktops were also on display, with a variety of brochures, swatches, and presentation tools available to help promote the range to end consumers. Its unrivalled range of countertop reproductions offer cost effective, time saving, and often more sustainable alternatives to a solid surface worktop.

Sustainability was at the top of the agenda during the event, an area where Egger really stood out from the crowd. The family-owned company is built on the solid foundation of ‘More From Wood’ and that is exactly what they do to produce their wood-based decorative solutions. Dedicated teams sustainably source the round wood, sawmill by-products, and recycled material to produce the carbon negative chipboard manufactured by Egger in Hexham, Northumberland.

Ryan Sheahan, National Sales Manager at Egger UK, said, “Panelco is a key distribution partner for Egger and we were delighted to be invited along to this Innovation Insights day.

Over the last 30 years, Panelco has played a vital part in the development of our distribution network and product offering, always making sure they give their customers the very best service.”

“Panelco is always an early adopter of our new decor and product introductions, and we really appreciate their support. Whether it be a small range of new décors or an entire decorative collection refresh, the team at Panelco can see the opportunities for their customers, and that is just one of the many reasons we have maintained a strong partnership.”

“Panelco’s design facilities provided the perfect platform to showcase our products. It is an impressive space, with large format samples, interactive presentation areas, and trend information, in a relaxed and stylish environment.”

“During the event, Aimee and the team demonstrated that there is plenty to look forward

to from Egger, and we can’t wait to start sharing our new products with Panelco’s customers”

It is safe to say Egger transformed Panelco’s Design Studio into a product innovation hub, packed full of information and exciting new products. It shared decor samples, literature about its key product lines and digital solutions. And, let’s not forget the rare opportunity to win a magnum of Egger beer!

Egger UK National Sales Manager, Ryan Sheahan.

Alvic showcases fresh new designs

Panelco is Alvic’s exclusive national distributor and it has been a strong and growing relationship over the last decade.

Alvic has a dedicated team here in the UK with KB Components managing the day-to-day Alvic UK business and supporting its customers, either on a direct basis or through Panelco.

“At Panelco’s Innovation Days we were showcasing our latest innovative collection of designs which were launched at Sicam earlier this year,” KB Components sales director, Colin Singleton.

“In total there are 56 new designs across five new prints many on show for the first time. There is nothing unlike it out there, whilst still being right on trend of what people are looking for –even before they know it!”

Alvic were very busy during both days with their display attracting attention:: “The reaction was exactly as we had hoped … basically that Alvic had done it again!" said Colin.

"We have taken a range of innovative designs, applied our technological know-how to the finishes and presented a range that can add

value to those who use it. We create value for all our customers where the customers are not asking about price but about how much they want it.

Asking about Alvic’s take on Panelco’s Innovation Insight Events, Colin said: “The best thing about these open days is seeing the love that customers have for the Alvic product, that those who have used it and understand it – and who always come back to Alvic! They can’t wait to show us photos of what they have done with our products and are hungry for more.”

Alvic displayed over 50 designs at Panelco's recent Innovation Insight Event –many of which were on show for the first time

Master Oak MFC uses 100% recovered wood

On show at Panelco’s October Innovation Insights event, Unilin Panels led with its impressive Master Oak, a decorative surface that genuinely looks and feels just like oak. Through technological leaps in the way it makes decorative panels, Unilin has added greater definition, detail and textures that go deeper than ever before to make Master Oak a true interpretation of nature.

At the heart of this innovation lies Unilin Timber Touch Technology. Regular HPL and melaminefaced panels only have around three or four depth levels which limits how much texture can be applied to the surface.

The new press plate behind Unilin Timber Touch Technology allows for 64 different depth levels for 20 times more texture than regular surfaces. Giving Master Oak its impressive feel, so that it has the touch of real oak – from rough to smooth and everywhere in-between – the technology is also responsible for its uniquely matt finish with almost absent shine levels for a natural ‘unfinished’ effect.

Yet it’s not just the surface of Master Oak that is extraordinary, as Jan Coppin, Unilin Global

Sales Manager, explains: “Our digital printing technology is unique in the industry. A patented coating applied to the digital paper ensures that Master Oak has more colour-play and depth, as well as better sharpness and contrast. The end result is a decorative surface that looks exactly like oak. This print technology also allows for the largest pattern in the industry. Master Oak has an extra-large pattern of 5.8m2, which means an authentic look and fewer repeats.”

As well as the durability and value advantages of using decorative surfaces over genuine materials, Master Oak is also a sustainable alternative. Jan continues: “Unilin Panels uses 100% recovered wood for Master Oak melaminefaced products. Recovered wood is rescued from incineration – a mix of wood waste from sawmills or wood-processing and from post-consumer wood such as old furniture. Master Oak chipboard panels use 90% post-consumer wood.”

Master Oak compromises nothing for its authentic look. It remains just as easy to look after and just as durable as any other Unilin HPL or melamine surface.

As Barry Quinn, Unilin UK sales manager

explains: “Compared to real oak, Master Oak is three times as scratch-resistant, more colour-fast and more stain proof. It can be used on everything from desktops to shelves, doors, hotel furniture, storage, cupboards, partitions and more. Thanks to its excellent performance characteristics, the finish is also easy to clean and needs no specialist or ongoing maintenance.

Looking towards global trends and exploring how natural wood finishes are used in commercial interiors, Unilin has put together a range of authentic oak looks that are versatile and usable in real world applications. Master Oak Elegant black and Master Oak Everest white are exclusively available in coloured-in core HPL. This special construction ensures that the edges are the same colour as the Master Oak finish. Ideal for furniture and cabinetry construction, coloured-in core leaves a smart edge.

“Master Oak is suited to virtually all interior uses. So, everywhere from retail, cafés and bars, hotel and offices to schools and hospitals can enjoy the comforting and relaxing look of natural oak,” concluded Barry.

Q&A

with Julie Dean

Group Marketing Manager

Panelco has always prided themselves on stock, service, quality and innovation. We ensure we offer a high depth and variety of stock lines forming long-standing close relationships with all our major brand partners.

Service is key we take our relationships with our customers very seriously and ensure we form bonds to help and enhance their own business models. Quality is a must in our industry and ensuring we only purchase the top product lines and include rigorous quality checks to all products that leave the site. In addition to our own in house manufactured furniture panel range we ensure the product is good value and high quality.

Innovation has been the centre of our passion – for sometime our ‘naturally passionate’ logo depicts this “we always strive to innovate never to imitate and our ongoing commitment to new designs and ranges only confirms this.

Q.

Insights event.

Egger – our partnership with them is unrivalled we support each other and all of their product developments we are in full support of, they make it very easy to market and sell their products seamless in fact.

Unilin – whilst a more recent addition to our decorative portfolio this brand has shown us new textures and new generations of melamine that have wowed our customers, bringing new innovation to our customers is just what we do.

ALVIC – one thing that is certain is this brand focus is truly unique and diverse, finishes and designs that you just do not see anywhere else, if you want something different then this is the one for you.

Q. Describe the past 24 months from a commercial point of view? What’s the long-term outlook (beyond the current cost-of-living crisis) for the business?

“Commercially Panelco have concentrated on close customer relations since the flexibility of now being able to hold face to face meetings we have taken full advantage of getting our customers to Panelco whether it be for one of our open Innovation style events or one to one design and product meetings.

“Long term we are concentrating on ensuring we have the correct stock profile and depth of range, we will continue to introduce new lines/ranges as we feel that Innovation is still key to our growth.”

Q. What makes Panelco so effective at what it does?

Outline the product partners you are presenting at this Innovation

"I am the Group Marketing Manager and develop all product ranges and promotions via our design showrooms alongside social media and email campaigns, promoting the brand with product launches and promotional marketing assets."

Julie Dean, Group Marketing Manager

“We have certainly seen an increase in customers wanting to now see new designs and products they are more comfortable we believe in looking at new products and promoting these to their own customer base even though the current market climate is uncertain where cost of living is concerned.

“We have struggled with some supply issues over the last year but we believe this has not impacted on our service levels given to our customer base due to our rigid internal stock process.”

“Since we started the process of creating design showrooms back in 2020 we have seen huge success in our events and open days. Customers want to see new ranges, designs but they also want to see us. This way we tie in our design focus with a Panelco focus.

“As we have two design rooms, we have the best of both worlds, our large open space which is unrivalled with excellent natural light showing off the products.

“We are still seeing trends in home development not just the obvious kitchen upgrade, but home offices and open plan designs are becoming more prevalent. Softer warm tones are creeping through, natural greens, soft reds and earthy tones, whilst pastel muted fun colours are centre stage in designs.

“Customers are also putting the joy back into their home and working lives. Our increased edging profile has offered growth for many different customer sectors, whether it be specialised fabrication or fit outs, our larger variety of thicknesses and widths across an increased range has bridged the gap for customers wanted everything from one place and has given them the ability to solve niche problem areas.

Q.

“Service and stock is still at the forefront of our customer’s requirements, ensuring they can receive consistent supply and that the ranges are longstanding is very key. This is standard protocol for Panelco which is why we have such fantastic relationships with all of our customers.”

8. How does Panelco help their customers?

“We have now become very accessible to our customers, to have facilities where you can see all products in one place and have the support and knowledge of the full Panelco team is a perfect solution for many of our customers. Seeing our showroom, customers are creating smaller versions for themselves, some also bring their teams here which is helping them to make decisions easily – which is a huge gain – and its amazing to see the hive of activity… we have created an extension of our brand.

“Importantly, we have extended our business hours from 7.30am-5.30pm and this helps to support our customers to be here when they need us.

“Our promotional activity and communication is clear and obvious to everyone and I believe we are providing increased and consistent relevant information, keeping our customers and suppliers informed of our activity, news and developments, this has proven invaluable for all as they receive instant and quick details without having to ask, allowing customers to keep up to date of anything new and important.

“Our showroom space is a constant hive of activity with all our major brands on show – not just one, we never focus on one brand – our customers are what’s important and we want to help them see everything we have to offer in one place at one time to give them optimum choice and variety.

“Our smaller more intimate Design Forum is the thinking space; here you can have private meetings, yet still have access to all the decorative samples along with display areas where we can present directly to you, alternatively, many of our customers take over these rooms and use our space for their own internal design meetings where choosing colours is simple … we arrange to have everything at hand ready for you.

“We really have everything you need here, the feedback has been phenomenal, customers and suppliers are always positive and we are so proud to see how much our hard work has not gone unnoticed. Everyone wants to know about our next event, Innovation Insights is becoming part of our brand.

“We plan to make this a regular blog almost with our subscribers in a digital format where we can concentrate on specific brands/ranges and themes to ensure we are providing specific information in a design style layout.”

Q. What are Panelco’s plans for 2023 and beyond – what are you looking forward to?

“We have already a further Innovation Insight Event planned in January where we will be displaying the new global design collection launch from Kronospan the first to do so; Saviola will be presenting new trends and décors with their view on the trends for 2023, and a real focus on circular economy and 100% recycled product.

“In addition to this we have plans for a further event later in the year; we have suppliers asking to be involved, everyone wants a part to play and no one wants to be left behind! We will be developing certain product ranges with new additions and already have plans for this –innovation is always key and we will continue to strive for development next year.” wwww.panelco.com

Q. What are the biggest influences (positive and negative) on your business at the moment?

Q. What trends are creating opportunities for Panelco’s growth?

What issues are providing the biggest challenges for your customers –and what can be done with regard to these difficulties?

“We have already a further Innovation Insight Event planned in January where we will be displaying the new global design collection launch from Kronospan and Saviola will be presenting all the latest new trends”

Julie Dean, Group Marketing Manager

Q. Panelco is organising innovation events – what does this mean for Panelco and its customers?

Installations

A north-west joinery company has purchased a fully automated wood combustion heater from Wood Waste Technology for its new factory.

Ace Joinery Services, based near Kendal, already had a hand-fed heater from Wood Waste Technology, so had already experienced the benefits of biomass technology with its existing WT15 in its old factory.

Part of the LNT Group, Ace Joinery Services manufactures furniture for care homes, such as door sets, reception counters, fire screens and staircases.

When the company moved from its 10,000ft2 unit to a brand new 35,000ft2 building earlier this year, the business wanted to install a full extraction system.

The directors at Ace Joinery commissioned a leading extraction company to install the new system, and the team at the extraction company then recommended Wood Waste Technology for the heating system.

The fully automated WT25A was delivered and commissioned in July this year, along with a Gross GAZ82 shredder.

The automatic units are a state of the art breakthrough in wood combustion technology, as all the extracted waste is transported to a storage silo, and then fed directly into the combustion zone via a temperature controlled screw feed system.

Wood Waste Technology’s research and development team spent years developing the WT25A. It uses specially built cyclones, augers and hot gas fans that have been designed to outlive similar parts used on other units in today’s marketplace, saving companies money on maintenance in the future and providing a great solution for businesses in terms of noise output, safety features, silo discharge mechanisms and power

consumption.

Tony Butterfield, development director at Ace Joinery explains: “We wanted the new building to have an all-singing-and-dancing extraction system, to help us turn the waste wood generated from our manufacturing processes into heat in order to keep the factory warm in the colder months. We’re delighted with the system that has been installed. Our sawdust waste is taken to the filter plant by the extraction fan, and we put the waste wood offcuts through the new shredder we purchased, so the shredded waste lands into the central filter plant, allowing all the waste wood to go into the silo automatically as fuel for the heater.

We can light the machine on a Monday morning, and it continues to work automatically until it turns itself off on the following Sunday. Then on a Monday morning, the team cleans it out and lights it up again so it’s ready for another week. We use the thermostat to set the temperature we want the heater to run at, and then, once the temperature starts to drop, the heater automatically feeds in more of the waste wood from the silo as fuel to keep the heat at the constant required level.

“We’ve been very impressed with how easy the system is to use, as well as the amount of in-built safety features, such as, if the temperature falls below

the required temperature for a sustained period of time because the silo is empty, the heater will automatically shut down. And we were delighted that Wood Waste Technology was the heating company recommended by our extraction suppliers. With already owning one of their heaters, we know the high quality of the products that they manufacture here in the UK, and also how helpful the team are to deal with as they provide excellent customer service.”

Kurt Cockroft, managing director at Wood Waste Technology says: “We work closely with many dustextraction companies to offer businesses a complete ‘turnkey’ project at a competitive price. It’s a great system for businesses that generate between 7-11 tonnes of waste wood each week. We often end up supplying a shredder as it makes sense to incorporate it into the system, allowing a business to dispose of the off-cuts along with the extracted waste. We’re delighted that the team at Ace Joinery Services is happy with the system installed.”

Wood Waste Technology’s years of expertise in wood waste solutions have helped many companies reduce their waste disposal and heating costs. As well as offering site survey, design, manufacture, installation and on-going maintenance for new units, the company also services all types of wood waste heaters and supplies genuine spares up to 60% cheaper than other suppliers.

In addition, Wood Waste Technology is the UK official distributor for Gross Apparatebau GmbH, a German manufacturer of dependable, precision engineered shredders and briquetters, available in various size and specifications to suit all business applications.

01785 250400

www.woodwastetechnology.com www.grossuk.co.uk

HOMAG CENTATEQ CNC boosts production at Blackdown Shepherd Huts

Founder Will Vickery and his team at Blackdown Shepherd Huts have been designing and building iconic luxury shepherd huts since 2011. The Ilminster based company supplies leading hotels such as The Fish, Another Place in the Lakes and Lympstone Manor. It also has many private customers, including Dragon’s Den star Theo Paphitis.

“The quality and attention to detail really sets our shepherd huts apart,” claims Blackdown’s design engineer, Ross Colenso. He continues, “We get inspiration from the original shepherd’s hut concept and create bespoke designs for our trade and private clients.

“Our craftsmen take the best of the old and combine it with the experience of the new to create a unique space. It could be a living or working space, a kitchen, bedroom or even a sauna, whatever the customers’ heart’s desire.”

The challenges of expansion “As a company, we are known for high quality shepherd huts and making all our joinery inhouse. This means we can customise to our client’s requirements and maintain the finish we are known for.

“As the business grew, we found ourselves needing repeat pieces more often, in addition to the specialist joinery skills for the more complicated bespoke items. For us, therefore, the obvious choice to increase throughput was to use our joinery skills to craft the specialist pieces and to look at investing in CNC technology for the repeat items.

“It has always been our dream to invest in a CNC machining centre as part of our growth plans. So, with order books full, we decided the time was right to address this and purchase a five-axis CNC. Our managing director, Will Vickery, carried out the initial research and settled on HOMAG as the best company to approach, given the heritage and reputation of the brand.

“At this point, I was assigned responsibility for the selection process which meant liaising closely with HOMAG UK’s CNC product manager, Phil

“Seeing the five-axis HOMAG CENTATEQ P-310 in action and talking with the operators was extremely helpful. In fact, it influenced the specification of the model we eventually opted for. There was a great deal of productive ‘back and forth’ between Phil and I to nail down the right specification for our needs.

Pitchford. Phil arranged for us to visit Ahmarra Door Solutions, a Hampshire based company who were already operating a couple of HOMAG CENTATEQ five-axis CNCs.

HOMAG CENTATEQ P-310 CNC

Inpired by the original shepherd’s hut concept, Blackdown creates bespoke designs for its trade and private clients Image © Ben Carpenter Photography

“Phil’s knowledge of CNCs combined with his understanding of our production processes meant that together we created a solution that would serve our needs both now and in the future.”

A well organised installation with first-class training

“The installation procedure for the CENTATEQ P-310 was very well organised by HOMAG. They took all the weight off our shoulders, leaving us to get on with our day jobs. Before the machine was delivered they carried out a site survey. This highlighted the need for a new concrete slab to be laid to give the machine a solid, level foundation; this we were able to arrange prior to the CENTATEQ being delivered.

“Once on site, the HOMAG engineers worked tirelessly to install the machine. In total they were with us for around eight working days; the first three days were spent installing the CNC

and getting it operational.

“The engineers then concentrated on training our team on site and I have to say they did an excellent job. They took time to ensure our guys understood each and every aspect of the machine so that when they finished the training we were able to start producing on the CNC straightaway.

“We also had training on HOMAG’s woodWOP software; this was done online with Ryan Beard and that was great too, he is a really good trainer.”

Increased throughput with no quality loss

“The five-axis HOMAG CENTATEQ P-310 has delivered significant time savings to the business as well as giving us the consistency of quality that we were looking to achieve. From the outset, it has created time for us as a business, allowing us to harvest efficiencies and use our existing skills to help us grow the

company further.

“Another advantage of the CENTATEQ is its robust build quality which is exceptional. Despite it being a cutting-edge CNC, it is totally reliable and as a consequence, we have little or no downtime.

“That’s one of the great benefits of dealing with HOMAG, we hardly ever need to talk to them. I mean that in a very positive way – when you partner with HOMAG you have the peace of mind that not only does the company have a nationwide network of service engineers, but also there are engineers at the Castle Donington head office who can remotein online and fix issues quickly,” concludes Colenso.

For a demonstration or further information on HOMAG woodworking machinery or software, contact Adele Hunt at HOMAG UK on 01332 856424 or email: info-uk@homag.com www.homag.com

‘The five-axis HOMAG CENTATEQ P-310 has delivered significant time savings to the business as well as giving us the consistency of quality that we were looking to achieve. From the outset, it has created time for us as a business, allowing us to harvest efficiencies and use our existing skills to help us grow the company further’

Blackdown Shepherd Huts MD Will Vickery

Blackdown Shepherd Huts MD Will Vickery demonstrating the HOMAG CENTATEQ P-310 to a Blackdown apprentice

Image © Matt Sweeting Photography

So pleased with the Hoffmann MS35-SF

… he bought two

Door & Joinery Solutions was established in 2003 manufacturing fire doors and undertaking other joinery work from a small workshop in Sileby, Leicestershire. From humble beginnings, with a skilled workforce and management who understand the market, DJS went from strength to strength. In 2019 they took the decision to expand, adding a second production unit in a new built factory in Burton on Trent, Staffordshire.

High quality fire doors require top quality finish – especially the vision panel frames. Looking for machinery to achieve this finish, MD Adrian Goldsbury visited the W18 exhibition in Birmingham and was impressed with the machinery offered by Hoffmann Machine Co Ltd.

He placed an order for a Hoffmann MS35-SF combination machine which mitre cuts the profile and routers a dovetail slot in one machine cycle. Assembly of the vision panel cassette is

completed by inserting Hoffmann Dovetail keys into the dovetail slots which draw each joint securely together.

The Hoffmann MS35-SF was delivered and installed at Door & Joinery Solutions’ factory in Sileby in January 2019. After much positive feedback from the workshop staff, regarding quality, accuracy and speed, Adrian immediately decided to purchase a second machine for the new factory in Burton-on-Trent.

Branch manager, Mitch Johnson commented: “We currently use the Hoffmann MS35-SF to produce glazing bead cassettes for our fire doors and glazed screens. Using the Hoffmann jointing system not only improves the process by simplifying it, but it has also increased the quality of the finished joint and the speed at which it is produced. Because the joints are so accurate and secure, there is less filling required on the joints before spraying and the cassettes can be lacquered before fitting into the door. Production of the vision panel has increased by roughly 20% since having the Hoffmann machinery installed.”

DJS is a long-standing member of the British Woodworking Federation and the Certifire Scheme. They provide high quality joinery products made with care by their skilled craftsman. Their state-of-the-art factories in Leicestershire and Staffordshire are equipped with advanced CNC technology and in-house finishing which enables them to complete within tight schedules to customers’ specific requirements.

Hoffmann Dovetail Keys are all accredited with FD30/FD60 ratings. 01524 841500 info@hoffmann-uk.com www.hoffmann-uk.com

‘After much positive feedback from the workshop staff, regarding quality, accuracy and speed, Adrian immediately decided to purchase a second machine for the new factory in Burton-on-Trent’

Making space work better

Demand for warehouse space continues to outstrip supply which is driving up rents, according to industrial and logistics property experts Colliers. The situation is particularly acute in certain hotspots such as London, the home counties and locations in the midlands near major motorway networks, and this is having an effect on manufacturers who may be looking for additional storage capacity.

“Improving not moving” could therefore be the answer to warehouse woes – assuming you know where to start with what can be a daunting task. This is all in a day’s work for materials handling specialist Combilift, which has over two decades of experience in helping companies of all sizes and from varied industries maximise the capacity, safety and efficiency of their warehouse and storage facilities. A team of 10 design engineers work on this very popular, free of charge service, and provide diagrams showing how warehouse space can be configured according to the capabilities of Combilift’s products – which can in some cases enable a doubling of available space.

Combilift developed the world’s first IC powered three-wheel, all-wheel drive, multidirectional forklift in 1998 and has since

grown to become the largest worldwide supplier of customised and specialist handling solutions, exporting to 85 countries. But as CEO and Cofounder Martin McVicar points out: “We have always seen Combilift as much more than a designer and manufacturer of forklifts and other handling solutions. Space is one of the most valuable assets our customers possess, and if our trucks can make it work better for them in terms of storage density then everyone benefits. The ongoing demand for warehouse space coupled with ever rising business costs means that space optimisation is now more important than ever. Additional benefits of course also include avoiding the operational headache for management and the workforce of relocating to new premises, the lack of bureaucracy associated with new builds or extensions and

‘The warehouse is the same size as it was when we got our first Combilift, but over the last few years we have quadrupled in growth. This is testimony to how Combilift’s original layouts future-proofed us’

Brendan Farrell, Joint CEO, Farrell Furniture

the expense of leasing extra offsite storage.”

One company that let Combilift do the hard work for them was Farrell Furniture, which designs and manufactures quality contract office and residential furniture from its base in Ardee, Co. Louth, Ireland, and prides itself on its highly customised products built to individual requirements. Just a few years after Combilift was established, Farrell’s Joint CEO Brendan Farrell started to investigate how they could improve storage and access to various products in the 150 x 60ft warehouse. “We were using a 3t conventional counterbalance truck which wasn’t overly efficient and when I got talking to Combilift they took a wholly different approach from other companies that want to sell you something, I’d call it more solution based. We gave them the plans of the warehouse, the dimensions of the sheet materials, the sizes of the crates of veneer and aluminium that we use in production. They came back with detailed plans that showed us how using one of their trucks could make a massive difference to the management of our space. So, before we had even decided to go with their products, they

>>

had proved to us that we could generate over 30% more valuable storage in our warehouse –which was a pretty persuasive argument and a refreshing attitude as to how to get customers on side!”

Reconfiguring Farrell’s warehouse layout also enabled efficient and easy access to stock, which had been a bit of a slow process with the old system. Brendan reckons they now stock over 50 different colours and finishes compared to around just four or five 20 years ago, so as a rule he aims for a quick turnaround. As a major supplier of furniture for student accommodation there is also the need to be very flexible as 75% of annual company turnover is generated in just five or six months. “Ideally a truck comes in, its load is taken to the warehouse and it’s cut next day. The less time we have the product in store the better value it represents. Our premises are around 100,000ft², with as little as possible - just 15,000ft² - being given over to storage. The warehouse is the same size as it was when we got our first Combilift, but over the last few years

we have quadrupled in growth. This is testimony to how Combilift’s original layouts future-proofed us. Due to the lift height of 6m of our C4000 model we have been able to go up not out. The truck’s ability to travel sideways as well as block stack, plus its inherent stability means that even our largest loads – 3.6 x 2m for example - can be very safely moved around and easily accommodated in the space available.

“For any company experiencing growth or increased volumes of stock, I’d recommend talking to Combilift first before they even think of moving or building new facilities – they could

potentially save themselves a lot of money and hassle,” said Brendan. “Getting help from the experts to improve the performance of our warehouse was an absolute eye opener. There’s a bit of a communality between us and Combilift too. Alongside our ‘making furniture work better’ slogan we have another one - ‘making spaces work better’ – and that’s definitely what Combilift have done for us. And we like to think employees in the offices in Monaghan appreciate the quality of the desks we provided them too!

www.combilift.com www.farrell-furniture.com

Lucabella Furniture invests in complete HOMAG solution

Based in Waltham Abbey, Lucabella Manufacturing is a division of New River Holdings Ltd. Lucabella was set up to manufacture quality bathroom furniture and trades under the Lucabella Furniture brand name.

“Previously the sister company, Robert Lee Ltd, had always bought finished bathroom furniture products from Europe and the Far East,” explains Will Burn, Lucabella’s managing director. He continues, “The last few years, however, have seen significant pressures on the supply chain, particularly regarding the cost of transporting finished furniture items to the UK. Brexit, the pandemic and now the energy crisis have meant transportation costs have gone through the roof.

“Given these difficulties, we started to look at the viability of manufacturing the furniture here in the UK. At the same time, the ‘Made in Britain’ campaign was providing considerable encouragement for companies to produce in this country. As a consequence, we did preliminary ball-park calculations and concluded that we could manufacture competitively here provided we had the right machinery.”

Finding the best machinery supplier

“In a prior position, I had purchased equipment from HOMAG UK and so they were the first company we considered. As part of our due diligence, however, we included a couple of Italian machinery suppliers on our shortlist.

“From the outset, one point we were clear on was that whichever brand we chose, we would purchase all of the machines from them; we wouldn’t have a mix of machinery suppliers. There are several reasons for this: first, we wanted to keep things straightforward so dealing with just one supplier made sense; secondly, we wanted to have software that was common to each machine to simplify the learning process for our operators and thirdly,

we felt we would get a better deal overall.

“One of the advantages of HOMAG was the ease with which we could collect all the qualitative and quantitative information for each machine. This was particularly important for us as we needed everything including the minimum and maximum speeds of the machine, the recycle times between operations and also to a lesser degree, the kW (kilowatt) output data. This information enabled us to accurately calculate the production cost, capabilities and the throughputs of each machine.

“After careful consideration the decision was made to partner with HOMAG UK. Ian Woodall, the area sales manager for HOMAG, was a key factor in this decision. From the outset he

“We tried different combinations of tooling and drill sets, different panels and edging; everything was done to make certain that when we started production there would be no surprises and no glitches”

Will Burn, Lucabella managing director

demonstrated his knowledge and understanding of our business and what we were looking to achieve with the setup of the new furniture workshop.

“Whilst we were clear we wanted a beam saw, edge bander and vertical drilling CNC, Ian was able to suggest specific options, such as the airTec system on the EDGETEQ S-240 edge bander. In fact, all his recommendations proved to be exactly what we needed. The machines we ordered, a SAWTEQ B-130 beam saw, a DRILLTEQ V-200 vertical CNC and the EDGETEQ S-240 edge bander, have made a real difference to our manufacturing capabilities and capacity.”

A true partnership for the long term “The relationship with HOMAG has grown stronger as time passes. Both companies have learnt from the partnership. HOMAG has an excellent checklist for the installation process of new machinery. As a completely new operation,

however, we were able to add additional items that have strengthened that checklist.

“Because of the importance of ensuring we would be producing the furniture in the most cost effective way, we allocated a six week period to comprehensively test each machine. We tried different combinations of tooling and drill sets, different panels and edging; everything was done to make certain that when we started production there would be no surprises and no glitches.

“This foundation work has paid dividends. We are now fully operational with each machine running efficiently and quickly. The accuracy of the processing means we are able to construct high quality furniture at competitive rates. Long term, this will enable us to attract a lot more business from the UK market which is definitely one of the key goals we want to achieve,” concludes Burn.

For a demonstration or further information, contact Adele Hunt at HOMAG UK on 01332 856424 or email: info-uk@homag.com www.homag.com

“Whilst we were clear we wanted a beam saw, edge bander and vertical drilling CNC, Ian was able to suggest specific options, such as the airTec system on the EDGETEQ S-240 edge bander. In fact, all his recommendations proved to be exactly what we needed”

Will Burn, Lucabella managing director

EDGETEQ S-240

New EOS & RFID solutions from CAD+T

Following a busy year of European exhibitions, customer meetings and in-house events, CAD/CAM and ERP specialist, CAD+T has presented its latest range of customisable software solutions for the interior design and manufacturing industry

The Austrian developer, who offers custom solutions for all business sizes from small, bespoke craftsman all the way through to large scale manufacturing companies who have switched to industry 4.0 – has showcased its new EOS product family for license and data management, online shop and e-commerce solutions, as well as CAD+T configurator professional. The intelligent configurator, which can also be installed in combination with an e-commerce interface - automatically creates engineering drawings, parts lists, price calculations and exports data based on pre-defined parameters.

The launch of the Austrian software specialist’s brand new contactless parts tracking software and hardware solution has also gained significant interest. Using RFID technology, it detects the presence of either individual components or complete units during the manufacturing, assembly and logistics stage required to fulfil an order, whilst also identifying plan deviations and measuring processes of individual production for error-free parts tracking and connected production systems.

Martina Schwarz, CEO of CAD+T adds: “We’ve had a brilliant response to our latest releases and it’s our software’s flexibility that continues to get noticed. A big benefit of CAD+T’s solution is its modular construction. We are not selling a one-off all-encompassing product. Instead, our software is fully customised so our customers get a product that is specific to their requirements. One company may only need a singular small design element and a cutting list; others might need a complete solution with RFID parts tracking and invoice control. What we supply depends on the modules required to achieve the desired results. That’s what gives our software the edge.” www.cadt-solutions.com

“We’ve had a brilliant response to our latest releases and it’s our software’s flexibility that continues to get noticed”

New software for SCM CNC machining centres

There are many new features related to SCM software and digital services, with particular reference to CNC machining centres, and they are part of a truly integrated ecosystem – the “Digital Integrated Woodworking Process”.

This is a collection of digital and integrated technologies – i.e. software and digital services – that interact to define what products are to be manufactured, as well as how and when they are to be manufactured.

Within this framework, SCM software and digital services can support customers at every stage of their process in creating furniture. The company’s innovations for 2022 concern all these stages.

Preparation – Maestro CNC

In the office, before the production, the design and programming system, Maestro CNC presents new updates and features. Maestro CNC is the CAD-CAM software for the design of the workpiece and it ensures that all the machining operations are quickly and easily programmed thanks to smart functions – app and macros libraries – built to program with just a mouse click. Another click and CNC programs are automatically generated.

Maestro CNC offers large graphic previews of the workpiece with the machine operations, the machine and of the tools together with immediate functions which are able to the most comfortable use and best result.

Also in evidence Maestro proview, the 3D Simulator software that allows users the access to a three dimensional model of their machine in their office and to overview the operations that will be carried out during the production in advance on their PC.

Planning and optimisation

Once all production data have been defined, it’s time to optimize, schedule and plan the jobs and the production. Production scheduling and planning can be handled with dedicated software, the so-called MES (Manufacturing Execution System). On the other hand, optimization has to do with incrementing processes such as cutting, drilling or routing.

• Maestro easyFLOW is the newborn plug&play MES software powered by SCM that ensures well-executed production plans, complete visibility and optimization of production and processes across the enterprise. Maestro easyFLOW is extremely simple to use and able to support even small businesses with programming and production flow management

as well as 4.0 interconnection.

• Maestro Power TMS is the new software of the new Accord 500/600 CNC machining centres for solid wood machining. It further optimises and simplifies tool management. Thanks to this program that maximises the ability of the storage and optimises programming, there is no need for the operator to waste time and energy in looking for the most suitable tool: the software will identify and indicate the tool’s exact position in the storage thus minimising machining times.

Production:

Maestro Active CNC

Smart manufacturing employs different technologies to make machines more and more intelligent, smart and interactive. In this concept, a smart factory has machines provided with HMI software facilitating the user experience and interaction with the machine.

Maestro active is the unified operator interface software for all SCM technologies, including CNC machining centres. A single operator can easily and safely manage multiple machines at a time, thanks to the consistency maintained between all interfaces: regardless of the machine, Maestro active maintains the same look&feel, thus ensuring the same approach to interaction.

The new interface has been specifically designed and optimised for immediate use via touch screen. Graphics have been redesigned for simple and comfortable navigation, with tabletlike icons on touch screen controller.

Productivity has been improved thanks to integrated help and recovery procedures that reduce the possibility of error from the operator’s side.

Monitoring and servicing: Maestro connect

Once the production has been started and for the whole life cycle of the machine, Maestro Connect Digital Service platform ensures machine status monitoring, maintenance optimization, issue management, spare parts suggestions, smart learning as well as augmented reality service support with Smartech.

The Maestro Connect IoT platform is linked to the new ‘My SCM’ portal. This is a new service where customers and partners can open tickets for technical assistance and track the status of their requests. By tracking all support requests, SCM Service can manage the cases in an easier and more effective way, cutting off waiting times and providing faster solutions. 0115 977 0044 scmuk@scmgroup.com www.scmgroup.com

DMC HIGH PERFORMANCE SANDERS

DMC HIGH PERFORMANCE SANDERS

DMC SD MEANS “PERFECT FINISH”

DMC SD MEANS “PERFECT FINISH”

DMC SD is the new range of SCM high performance wide belt sanders, which offers the UK market the most advanced technological solutions in calibration and sanding. Available in various configurations, from the simplest to the most innovative, combining versatility and flexibility to suit any type of application.

DMC SD is the new range of SCM high performance wide belt sanders, which offers the UK market the most advanced technological solutions in calibration and sanding. Available in various configurations, from the simplest to the most innovative, combining versatility and flexibility to suit any type of application.

Excellent finishes are obtained both on solid wood components and on panels in MDF or laminate, even if they are veneered or painted.

Excellent finishes are obtained both on solid wood components and on panels in MDF or laminate, even if they are veneered or painted.

DMC SD ARE 100% MADE IN ITALY

DMC SD ARE 100% MADE IN ITALY

SCM UK Tel. +44 (0)115 9770044 scmuk@scmgroup.com www.scmwood.com

SCM UK Tel. +44 (0)115 9770044 scmuk@scmgroup.com

Weinig Connect: a hybrid event series for the industry

Weinig UK’s in-house event series, Weinig Connect, was launched in 2021 to offer the industry a reactive event that reflects current market conditions and trends that are specific to joiners and manufacturers working with panels and solid wood. Now in its third year, the leading woodworking machinery manufacturer has announced its 2023 Connect calendar, which continues to be moulded by the very latest subjects to influence the sector.

“Weinig UK’s hybrid in-house event programme has become an integral part of our business and a highly informative way for small to medium sized craftsman and large-scale manufacturers to find solutions to their production needs,” says Malcolm Cuthbertson, Managing Director of Michael Weinig (UK) Ltd.

Weinig UK’s Connect 2023 programme kicks off in February with Edgebanding Technology in February

“The great thing about a truly hybrid event like Weinig Connect is that our industry defines the subjects we run. We tailor each event to meet the needs of our customers and as a result, if we see a shift in the market or a specific trend emerging in the UK, we adapt our events in order to deliver a meaningful experience that offers real value to our visitors. Our 2023 events programme is no different, as we continue to help our customers embrace change and stay ahead.”

Resuming in February 2023 with Edgebanding Technology, Weinig Connect will continue to

focus on both solid wood or panel processing applications – showcasing a wide range of machines from Weinig and Holz-Her that won’t be exhibited anywhere else in the UK in 2023. Visitors to Weinig’s state-of-the-art showroom in Abingdon, Oxon, will also get an exclusive opportunity to grow their knowledge and learn more about the very latest technology to enter the market, whilst also taking part in one-to-one machinery demonstrations with Weinig UK’s machinery experts. Exclusive show offers will also be available.

Edgebanding Technology (7-9th Feb 2023) Window Manufacturing (18-20th Apr 2023)

Fire

Malcolm Cuthbertson, Managing Director of Michael Weinig (UK) Ltd

Comec Group – CNC manufacturing solutions – not just CNC machines

The Comec Group, based in the Udine region of Northern Italy, have over 50 years of experience in the design and manufacture of high quality woodworking machinery.

In the early days the company employed just five people and concentrated on building special mechanical drilling machines, shapers and clamps that where mainly sold to local chair manufacturers. Fast forward to 2022 and Comec now employ 100 people with worldwide exports accounting for over 90% of their production. In addition production of their range of specialist CNC machining centres has significantly jumped in recent years to 50%. The three model lines consist of the Frontal Series, MD Series and Driver

Unlike many woodworking machinery manufacturers, Comec have the philosophy of designing machines to suit customers individual production requirements, rather than having a one size fits all approach. As a result they have been able to implement some unique features in to their machines such as automatic hopper feed loading systems, piece return systems and multiple CNC machining heads.The Frontal CN series of machines consists of a vertical automatic hopper feed loader, with a step-by-step through feed system which delivers the component to different machining stations which can include saw units, horizontal/vertical drilling, routing and

end/face milling. This particular model of machine can be used for producing general furniture components, rails, tenoning/slotting window and door parts and also for machining drawer fronts. The MD series of CNC machining centres are available in three different versions, MD Classic, MD Top and MD Jamb.

All of these can be configured with a number

of different machining heads, including vertical and/or horizontal milling heads, and NC drilling groups which can be specified to work on all the faces/ends of a furniture rail. In addition a C axis can be added, meaning it is possible to cut components to size with either straight or angled cutting, plus making a dowelled or mortised joint at the same time.

The MD is ideal for machining a wide range of solid wood, plastic or composite components that need drilling, shaping and cutting for finished items such as garden seating, garden structures, benches and chairs from reclaimed plastics, bed frames and much more. The tandem loading option also makes it an extremely productive machine.

The five-axis Driver series is the latest machine in the Comec range and is capable of machining complex shaped components, particularly solid wood furniture parts. The machine can be configured with with two crossed router heads giving four useable spindles, tandem loading operation and an optional vertical automatic vertical loading system for volume production.

Clamping can either be pneumatic or vacuum depending on the type and shape of the part to be produced.

To find out more about the Comec CNC range, contact JJ Smith. 0151 548 9000 sales@jjsmith.co.uk www.jjsmith.co.uk

It’s here. The third generation ‘plug and play’ Cube 3 offers bigger time savings, even simpler operation and more flexibility than ever before thanks to performance-enhancing features that can be retrofitted to the compact planer if/when your production requires. From automated

to return conveyors for safe one-man operation, your Cube 3 can be tailored to suit your production needs now and in the future, whilst always guaranteeing perfectly right-angled workpieces.

Cube 3 is the best Cube ever. It o ers significantly expanded standard scope as the automated stacker or the return be conveniently retrofi tted at any time. years. Come what may.

Titus T-Type hinges combine ease of use with versatility

Cabinet hardware expert Titus has launched its versatile new-generation T-type hinges that reliably deliver the soft closing action preferred by end users. The new hinges require only a shallow hinge cup, which makes them suitable for use with door thicknesses ranging from 15 to 26 mm, and they have passed FIRA tests for BS 6222-2-2009, Test Level H.

The T-type hinges feature the renowned Titus ‘Confident Close’, the consumer-preferred reliable and consistent soft-close damping characterised by late-start deceleration and quiet landing in the last stage of closing as the door leans against the cabinet side. The proprietary Titus multi-purpose integrated damping technology is positioned transversal in the hinge cup, ensuring life-long damping with no bounceback and superior performance.

In addition, the hinges are exceptionally tolerant of misalignment and drilling variations. Their unique 3Way tool-less snap-on mounting plate, which offers intuitive hinge-to-plate mounting in three directions, greatly simplifies door installation, especially with tall doors that need four or even five hinges. The unique design of the mounting plate reinforces stability and rigidity while maintaining smooth hinge operation.

The hinges feature the renowned ‘Titus Damper Inside’ technology, which ensures reliable and consistent life-long damping without rebounce. The dampers are single-direction hydraulic types that are fully sealed to eliminate the possibility of oil leakage. The damping is easy to adjust, which maintains consistent performance on doors with a wide range of different dimensions and weights.

Titus T-type hinges can be supplied with crossmounting plates or with linear mounting plates that simplify both hinge alignment and hingeto-plate attachment. The new hinges are fully compatible with Glissando TL and the TitusTUS Push Latch. uk.titusplus.com

Award-winning OVVO connectors range continues to expand

OVVO is continuing to develop its impressive range of wood joining connectors leading the way in furniture ‘tools free’ assembly components, making life easier for consumers and end-users, and delivering a more profitable and efficient solution for manufacturers.

OVVO products are a range of cleverly engineered, award-winning, invisible connectors that make joining wood simple. The connectors are installed during the manufacturing process so the end-user can simply click together cabinets, shop fit-out components, door frame assemblies or furniture without the need for tools, screws, or glues. The result is an accessible, sustainable product that saves time, money and effort for consumers and manufacturers alike. Manufacturers can also benefit from significantly reduced shipping costs, as items can be shipped flat-packed.

The latest addition to the OVVO product family is the new Drilling Housing (DH1) which is specifically designed to work in standard drill patterns. The DH1 works along with the RD12 (End Boring) or the RN12 (Face Boring) to form a permanent joint in 15mm panels and above.

These new connectors make it even easier for manufacturers to incorporate OVVO into their standard processes. No additional equipment or capital needed to deliver tools free assembly products to the end customer.

This new invisible Drilling Housing is designed for connecting cabinet parts and all types of furniture using standard drilled holes on BOTH sides of the joint, thereby simplifying the panel processing operations while continuing to provide all of the benefits of OVVOs’ proven tools-free assembly methodology.

Established in Ireland in 2014, the OVVO brand has gone from strength to strength, picking up numerous highly regarded industry awards along the way. Most recently awarded a High Product Quality award at Interzum 2019 for the innovative V-1230 Connection system, the relentless quest to make life easier for people ensures that simplicity is at the heart of every new product: with each new product developed, the OVVO range has become more accessible to manufacturers, with the ability to be integrated into existing production processes, and suitable for a wide range of production capabilities.

All OVVO connectors are designed for highvolume, automatic insertion, and recently announced partnerships with leading software providers Cabinet Vision, TopSolid, iFurn, Swood and Cabinet Sense ensure that manufacturers can easily incorporate OVVO into their existing processes, and also into new product design and development.

All OVVO connectors can be installed into a variety of materials ranging from high-quality hardwoods to low-grade particle board, and our recyclable plastic means any waste is put back into the production of our product. OVVO works best in boards >12mm thickness and is available in a range of sizes to perfectly match your requirements. All connector sizes are available in both permanent and releasable options, extending the range of materials and opportunities to inspire creative design and innovative development.

Consumer demands are shifting more and more towards convenience and sustainability. OVVO helps you meet those demands and give your products a competitive edge. The OVVO team is on hand to support your switchover to OVVO and help you take the next step of innovation.

Furniture Assembly made simple – no need for tools, glue or screws. Simply push, click and connect.

www.ovvotech.com

Make the most of every inch while increasing storage capacity with Blum kitchen drawer boxes and inserts

When it comes to carefully planned storage, kitchens are where it matters most. With everything from crockery, cookware and cutlery to utensils, gadgets, food and all those bits and bobs such as scissors, batteries, chargers and pens, there’s a lot to fit in.

That’s where kitchen drawers can help. While cupboards and shelves are commonly used to create storage both above and below the worksurface, it’s the drawers that offer extra space with the option to organise thanks to dedicated fittings and inserts. As the leading name in precision engineered fittings, drawer runners, boxes, inserts, pull-outs and lift systems,

Blum knows all about making the most of every inch.

“Drawers are definitely the way to go with kitchen storage,” says Amanda Hughes, Blum Expert for Ergonomics at Blum UK. “They may be more of an investment piece than cupboards and shelves but they fit more in. This allows users to do away with wall units altogether if they wish –especially if they want to make a small kitchen feel larger – without worrying about the cost, as the total price tends to be about the same. Drawers provide more usable storage space and they are much more future-proof, as they are easier to access for all ages and abilities.”

Blum Drawers (left) versus Standard Cabinets and Wall Units (right) Blum

Blum LEGRABOX and TANDEMBOX

There are so many advantages to planning a kitchen with drawers rather than cupboards and shelves. Doing away with wall units altogether prevents the space from feeling cramped and closed in.

It’s a great way of making a small kitchen instantly feel lighter, brighter and larger plus there’s the bonus of being able to find everything quicker and easier.

No more hunting around the back of dark cupboards for that elusive colander. With drawers, nothing is lost at the back and everything is instantly accessible, saving time and energy.

Drawers also fit a lot more in and the bigger, the better. Extra wide 1200mm drawers for instance provide 15% more storage space than two standard 600mm drawers. Weight is also nothing to worry about, especially with Blum drawer boxes.

Depending on the width and runner system, LEGRABOX can hold 70kg and TANDEMBOX, 60kg. Use all around the kitchen, including the island.

Blum AMBIA-LINE for LEGRABOX

For anyone looking to be more organised in their kitchen, Blum’s AMBIA-LINE inner dividing box system for LEGRABOX is a quick and efficient way of keeping loose bits and pieces in their place. Style-wise it’s sleek and streamlined with an on-trend black finish and slim frames that can be slotted wherever needed. Its fuss-free

design allows users to hold the frames in place with magnets while anti-slip feet keep contents securely in place. The ‘before’ and ‘after’ images below show how easy it is to clear the clutter and ensure the kitchen drawer is a joy rather than a dread.

Drawers can also be used to make the undersink space much more usable, too. Perfect for recycling bins, cleaning products, bin bags,

dustpan and brush and all the paraphernalia that kitchens need to keep them clean and working efficiently.

Blum storage solutions can be found in all good kitchens, living spaces, bedrooms, bathrooms, hallways and home offices. Contact Blum to find your nearest retailer.

0800 917 5550 www.blum.com

‘As the leading name in precision engineered fittings, drawer runners, boxes, inserts, pull-outs and lift systems, Blum knows all about making the most of every inch’

Island Unit with two 1400mm LEGRABOX Units

Blum AMBIA-LINE before and after

Join the cordless revolution

Join the cordless revolution

with Lamello’s brand new battery powered Classic X and Zeta P2 biscuit joiners. The Zeta P2 cordless and Classic X cordless offer furniture manufacturers a fast, effective and flexible way to joining panels and solid wood and the best bit – no cords.

Putting speed and ease-of-use at the forefront of every application, both models offer full mobility in the workshop or on-site thanks to a powerful 18V LiHd 4.0 Ah battery pack. Cooled by a patented aircooled system, it’s been designed to offer longer service life and quick charging time.

Both ready-to-use cordless models also offer a quick and easy solution for undertaking overhead work due to their lightweight, cordless design and, with no additional attachments, it eliminates any potential trip hazards.

Shaye Chatfield, Lamello Area Sales Manager for the UK and

Ireland says: “The Zeta P2 cordless and Classic X cordless offer users even more flexibility thanks to their battery drive and compact design. Performance hasn’t been impacted by the design change either.

“In fact, the Zeta P2 cordless can easily perform 60 grooves into a Beech panel when using a 4.0Ah battery or 115 if you upgrade to a 5.5Ah battery pack and it takes as little as 80 minutes to fully charge.

Plus, when purchasing a cordless product from Lamello, the customer gains access to an open battery pack system that can be used on multiple tools in one workshop.” www.lamello.co.uk

Stick with Screwshop for great prices & service

Dust extraction & wood waste managment

The best way to save energy is to not use it

Energy consumption is a big expense for any factory owner – now more than ever. The perfect dust extraction solution uses just the capacity that’s needed in a specific moment, ensuring the lowest possible energy use. With a Modesta filter, this scenario is closer than you think.

In many factories, the biggest source of energy consumption is the dust extraction system. Most filter systems are suitable for the maximum volume required by the factory’s machinery, but are not designed to use energy efficiently when the machines are not running at maximum capacity. Switching from a basic ‘on or off’ extraction system to a modular solution has a quicker return-on-investment than one might think.

Energy-efficiency, usability, safety

A modular system has many financial and technical advantages. For instance, better pressure at modern CNC machines, longer bag life, and having all controls and energy saving equipment in the same easy-to-use control panel as the filter. A smart filter system will help you reduce energy bills dramatically and contribute to your net-zero energy management strategy. Air to cloth ratios are low, ensuring the lowest operational costs possible. Furthermore, an energy-efficient system is more likely to qualify for

grants. Although an initial investment is required, energy-saving technology results in lower total costs of ownership.

At Modesta, safety is a matter of the utmost concern. All Modesta systems have been designed to withstand explosion pressures of wood dust. Explosion burst panels are mounted clear of the filter bags and on the raw air side. Optionally these can point upward to allow for a clear explosion zone. ATEX safety equipment like the rotary valve are certified. This means that in an emergency, the rest of the production facility is safe.

“Switching to a modular filter solution has a quicker return on investment than one might think”

Wyboud and Marianne Kloppenburg (brother and sister): third generation to lead family

business Modesta

Overcoming challenges

Admittedly, installing and putting to use a new dust extraction system has a big impact on a factory’s infrastructure. Replacing or adding capacity can be challenging. But it can and should be painless. At Modesta, working around existing ducting infrastructure to install multiple new main duct runs to machines and avoiding downtime are standard practice. Modesta has plenty of experience with negative pressure builtin cascading fans. The Dutch clean air specialist has been building these energy-saving systems since the late 90s and were the first to introduce a chain filter with this technology. Modesta’s team will gladly advise you on the different options available and tailor the solution to your specific business.

CF50 filter

This new model has been developed especially for medium-sized businesses. The system utilizes multiple smaller fan sets (up to 7.5kW) installed on the clean side of the system. This negative pressure filter is cleaned offline, for instance during breaks, with a shaker frame system. The square hopper and double Redler chain conveyor have been proven to be efficient since the 60s.

The beauty of this system is that it has all the ‘cleverness’ of the bigger, higher-pressure systems while keeping the investment lower. The system operates with one control panel monitoring pressure. With the right ducting layout and installation of automatic or manual dampers/blast gates, the system saves energy

effortlessly. When a machine is turned on, the damper will open and the pressure in the system will drop. The filter reacts accordingly and simply switches on an extra fan. This works the other way around too. Not running your edge bander? The damper will close and fans will turn off, lowering the energy bill.

The CF50 is mostly suited for business requiring around 20,000 – 50,000m3/h. It only has one integrated control panel so there’s no need for complicated third-party control systems. Return air systems allow for the filtered air to be blown back into the building, making sure warm air is used to heat the factory.

CF80 filter

For higher pressure requirements with operating pressures between 4000 and 5000 Pascals, the CF80 is the solution. Equipped with compressed air cleaning and fan options up to 37kW, these beasts will really blow you away while keeping an eye on your energy usage and wallet. Specifically designed for longer duct runs and CNC machines with higher pressure and speed requirements, these systems will achieve what is necessary without breaking the bank on energy costs.

About Modesta

Modesta is a Dutch family business founded in 1949 and has been serving some of the UK’s biggest interior businesses for years. Run by brother and sister Wyboud and Marianne Kloppenburg, the company has grown into a fullservice business for the wood dust extraction industry. Working together with family-owned Sheffield and Huddersfield-based partner Extraction Solutions, Modesta provides the best and most energy-efficient extraction possible in the UK. www.modestafilters.com

“A smart filter system will help you reduce energy bills dramatically and contribute to your net-zero energy management strategy”

Multiple duct runs designed for optimum energy efficiency

Modesta’s CF 80 Chain Filter

Modesta’s CF 50 Chain Filter

When Thwaite Holme, manufacturer and installer of quality fitted kitchens and bedrooms, expanded their premises, they contacted the dust and fume extraction company, Extractly Ltd, for help. Extractly used Nordfab ducting throughout the new building and enabled the factory to be reorganised to optimise workflow, giving Thwaite Holme a 35% energy consumption reduction.

CHALLENGE : reorganising the ductwork arrangement to create an optimised workflow for about 40 machines.

Located in Dalston, UK, Thwaite Holme specialise in high-end, luxury kitchen and bedroom furniture; designing and manufacturing quality, bespoke fitted furniture to suit individual tastes and style. Working in traditional hardwoods such as oak, walnut, maple, and ash, the craftmanship and attention to detail is obvious in every piece of furniture.

Details of this nature are not produced on high-speed CNC machines, but crafted on a vast range of individual machines, in fact more than 40 different machines. With all these machines,

With new ducting throughout, the reorganised factory gave Thwaite Holme a 35% energy consumption reduction

How a luxury kitchen manufacturer managed to lower their electricity consumption, saving them 66,000kWh per year

Thwaite Holme realised they were outgrowing their premises and a new extension were in the planning, giving them more than double the current space.

Now was the chance to reorganise the factory layout and make changes to their extraction system to optimise workflow.

SOLUTION: conducting an energy-saving survey predicting a 35% energy consumption reduction.

When Extractly were contacted they quickly realised, after been shown the newly extended factory, that the task was going to involve much more than an update of the ductwork arrangement.

After a brief inspection of the factory, Extractly carried out a comprehensive evaluation of the extraction requirements, including a full energysaving survey.

With around 40 machines requiring extraction, and yet only a small number of them ever in use at any given time, the potential savings were substantial. The laws of physics, ‘rule of thumb’, is that electricity consumption is halved if fan speed is reduced by just 20% and, with the energy survey having determined that a 35% reduction could be achieved, the predicted savings were substantial.

RESULT : 66,000 kWh in yearly savings

For almost 50 years, Nordfab has been used around the world for dust collection in woodworking facilities, from one-person shops in home garages to large manufacturing plants, just like Thwaite Holme.

Nordfab is proud to have partners such as Extractly Ltd, who are extremely knowledgeable in LEV, can provide smart ductwork design, and supply and install products. With proven methods and well design products, Extracly managed to let Thwaine Holme reduce their energy consumption with 66,000kWh a year, saving them thousands of pounds every year on electricity costs by using: smart technology, good factory floor design; efficient duct design system using Nordfab Quick-Fit ductwork throughout the factory, connecting equipment to the main ductwork via four separate branches.

A 37kW direct drive fan provides the capacity to extract in excess of 20,000m3 of air per hour, delivering sawdust, shavings and wood chips to be filtered through the externally-sited filter unit. With the current economic uncertainty in the energy supply market, this yearly savings was a welcoming news for the Thwaine Holme’s owners. 01132 739 400

sales@nordfab.co.uk www.nordfab.co.uk

NORDFAB DUCTING IN WOOD SHOPS AND MILLS: A PROVEN APPLICATION

There is no secret that wood shops, small or large, generate lots of sawdust, shavings, and wood chips that would need extraction in order to create clean air for the workers.

Because Nordfab’s Quick-Fit duct is wellconstructed, modular, easy to put together or take apart, and because it is re-usable, it has become a standard ducting in the woodworking industry and for applications just like this with Thwaine Holme. Some of the reasons for why the dust and fume extraction company, Extracly, chose Nordfab Quick-Fit ducting for Thwaine Holme include:

• Quick-Fit ducting is very easy to install, the components are assembled with a so called QuickFit clip.

• Quick-Fit duct can easily be disassembled for relocation when woodworking machines are moved or changed, or when new machines installed in the shop. Thanks to its sturdy construction, Quick-Fit ducting can be re-used again and again.

• Quick-Fit ducting can easily be moved from one building to another.

• Leakage is virtually non-existent, resulting in a highly efficient system where the suction is provided to the machines, not leakage in the ductwork.

To help minimise dust exposure to operators, Elcon have developed and patented an awardwinning dust collection system, LIMPIO.

As standard Elcon panel saws have an effective extraction point from the enclosed saw head. The majority of the blade sits within the saw guard during cutting providing adequate dust removal for most operations. When cutting fibrous or cementitious boards such as MDF, Gypsum or GRP on a regular basis, additional extraction methods should be considered to minimise operators exposure to potentially harmful dust.

For maximum extraction efficiency the LIMPIO system includes a rear dust capture tray. With its own secondary extraction point that travels directly behind the saw head whether cutting vertically or horizontally. The point of cut is almost totally enclosed, sandwiched, with the machine extracting dust from both sides of the cut. Dust emission values are reduced to less than 0.5mg/m3

The LIMPIO system is available on the majority of the Elcon range. Machines cater for all standard sheet material sizes as well custom built frames for bespoke applications. 0115 986 5201 info@daltonswadkin.com

Superior dust extraction with Elcon wall saws

Use less energy, pay less

Chris Franklin, managing director at Ranheat Engineering, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of industrial wood-waste burning equipment. Continues his series of articles exclusively for Furniture and Joinery production. This month he looks at running costs for wood burning equipment – in particular collecting the wood-waste – as costeffectively as possible.

Energy costs have being thrust to the forefront of design, so how can we reduce running costs within the wood-working industry? In simple terms, use less energy and pay less.

In most modern woodworking factories the largest single electric motor is the dust extraction main extract fan. This draws the wood-waste to a central filter and separates the air from the wood-waste. This fan or in some cases fan sets can be 60-100kW.

The traditional way was then to blow from the filter with a transfer fan to a silo, or a boxcart. Often this fan was 14-18 kW and ran the entire time the factory operated. That’s a lot of electrical consumption!

Transfer fans are sized to cope with the large volume of wood-waste that occurs when the filter system cleans. Some filters have continuous cleaning, cleaning a portion of the dust extraction filters on a rotor system. Less well-designed extraction systems do not have this feature.

Cleaning occurs when the main extract fan switches off at the end of a work period. At this time any fine waste held in suspension drops and could overload a less powerful transfer fan.

So the transfer fan overloads if not big enough. 95% of it’s running time per day the fan is too big and wasting electricity.

So, what are the alternatives? One answer is to mount the filter unit directly on the storage silo as shown in the photograph above. The extracted wood-waste falls directly into the storage silo. No expensive to run transfer fan. So how is this achieved? Simple the silo must be strong enough and designed to withstand the weight and the pressure. Ranheat do not make dust extraction systems, but they make silos strong enough to have most makes of dust extraction filter, mounted directly onto the roof of the silo. Not only is this energy saving but also space saving.

So, what if my filter system is too big to fit on the silo?

Consider using a drag-link conveyor. Typically, a drag-link conveyor uses 2.2 -3kW as opposed to 15-18kW.

Using your own wood-waste to heat your factory has never made more sense but in the design of the system it has never been more important to reduce the cost of getting the wood fuel to the combustion equipment.

Ranheat design, manufacture and instal a wide range of industrial silo’s and non- pneumatic transfer systems as low running cost options. 01604 750005 sales@ranheat.com www.ranheat.com

Savings on energy costs has always been at the forefront now with higher and higher energy costs it’s an essential design consideration.

Ranheat silo loaded with a drag-link conveyor

WORLD’S FASTEST DUCTINGNOW EVEN FASTER!

For more than 40 years, Nordfab ducting has been used around the world for dust collection in woodshops, from one-person shops to large manufacturing plants. Because Nordfab’s Quick-Fit® duct is wellconstructed, modular, and easy to put together or take apart, and because it is re-usable, it has become a standard for ducting in the woodworking industry. The new 2-meter length duct makes it more efficient to install ducting, using less joins. In other words, the world’s fastest ducting just became even faster!

Easy & Fast to install

Re-Useable

Fits most applications

Because our ducting systems clip together, no rivets screws, or welding are needed. This cuts installation and downtime by more than 45% compared to flanged ductwork installation. The world’s

Quick-Fit ducting is easy to uninstall and relocate as you move machinery or have other changes in work areas, providing one of the lowest life cycle cost of any ducting product.

Quick-Fit ducting components are adaptable to existing ductwork and Quick-Fit has been used in a wide variety of applications, wherever dust collection or fine particulate transfer is required.

Fast Friendly Reliable

Energy from waste wood

Holzbau Rohrmoser relies on UNTHA shredding technology to heat its business premises as well as the adjacent residential building

The Rohrmoser carpentry and timber construction business based in Flachau/ Salzburg appreciates the quality of the UNTHA LR700 shredder. The waste wood from the company’s production as well as building sites is processed by the compact shredder into highgrade fuel for a wood-chip heating system. The business and the residential building that joins it cover their energy needs for the winter with the material produced in-house.

Wood is a precious resource and a fuel source produced in Austria, making it crisisproof and renewable. This not only means that value creation stays in the region, but also constitutes a possibility for woodworking and timber-processing businesses to use their waste wood efficiently – as is the case for Holzbau Rohrmoser in Flachau.

“By utilising and shredding the waste wood from our production and building sites as well as from disposable pallets, we are able to dispose of waste wood quickly and use 100% of it as an energy source,” says proprietor and master carpenter Johann Rohrmoser. The business was founded in 1992, employs six people and does general carpentry work, builds wooden houses, car ports, roof structures, balconies and “anything else that comes along,” as Johann Rohrmoser puts it.

LR700: robust, compact, crucial Rohrmoser first began to use an LR700 unit from UNTHA shredding technology for the shredding of waste wood around Christmas 2016. Johann sees the benefits of the unit in the cutting system with a swivelling pusher and the low maintenance requirements. Waste wood from joinery constructions, splinters from circular saw operations and waste wood from the construction sites are all fed into the shredder and are mixed with wood shavings,

resulting in a particularly productive heating material. The chips are extracted into the chip silo straight after the shredding process, where they are stored until the winter, when they are fed into the wood chip heating plant via a discharge system. “The wood chips see us through the winter,” says Johann, who uses the heating plant not just for his business, but also for his home that adjoins it.

The LR700 shredder is filled twice a day and runs for an hour each time. In the three and a half years since the unit was first put into operation, it has completed approximately 250 operating hours. It is the second UNTHA unit in operation at Rohrmoser, where a smaller, twoshaft shredder provided a valuable service over many years. Johann is more than happy with the purchase he made in 2016. He sums up the main features of the unit: “It is robust, compact, and crucial to us in our daily workflows.”

Flexible LR series

With the LR series, UNTHA offers a family of machines that ensure compact shredding for carpentry workshops, cabinetmakers, joiners, sawmills and timber industry businesses of all sizes. These shredders with tried-and-tested single-shaft technology come with rated capacities from 11 to 60kW and fulfil the needs of smaller as well as larger players. Overall, the LR series stands out for its efficient cutting system, longevity and reliability.

All models of the LR series have a high level of efficiency and economy and are maintenance-friendly. For users, this translates

into homogeneous wood chips ranging from 12 to 80mm, at a low cost and with little effort in terms of operation. The final product is suitable for wood-chip heating plants and for briquetting, which offers yet another layer of energy efficiency for users who are able to recycle their own residual wood. Thanks to UNTHA shredding technology, users of the LR series are able to make an important contribution to the sensible use of precious raw materials that nature provides.

Reliable shredding technology that goes back more than 50 years!

UNTHA shredding technology develops and manufactures customised, reliable shredding systems that are used in a wide range of applications, from material recycling to processing of residual and waste wood and the reprocessing of waste to produce alternative fuels. In this way, the company makes an important contribution towards the conservation of resources and the sustainable processing and reduction of waste.

The company was founded in 1970 and is headquartered in Kuchl near Salzburg. UNTHA has more than 250 highly qualified employees and a worldwide sales network that spans 40 countries on all continents, placing it among the world’s leading manufacturers in this growing, future-orientated industry.

01937 586340 uk@imaschelling.com www.imaschelling.com

Dust – it’s a dirty subject but, if not controlled effectively, wood dust has the potential to cause serious health problems for workers exposed to the hazard, and it’s something we all have a responsibility to deal with in this industry.

The specific health hazards associated with wood dust are well-documented and regularly reported through the pages of our industry’s media, and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations require employers to ensure that the exposure of employees to substances that are hazardous to health is either prevented or, where this is not reasonably practicable, adequately controlled. However, despite all the publicity and the seriousness of potential problems, the Health and Safety Executive continue to report a high incidence of dust exposure regulations being breached by woodworking businesses.

Regulations stipulate Workplace Exposure Limits (WEL) for wood dust based on the average amount of airborne dust present during a nominal 8-hour shift. Since 2020, the maximum WEL for softwood dust has been set at 5 milligrams

per cubic metre and, where hardwood dust is prevalent, or a mixture of both softwood and hardwood dust exists, the current limit is 3 milligrams per cubic metre; expected to be reduced to 2 milligrams in 2023.

Since wood dust acts as a respiratory sensitiser, it’s essential that employees’ exposure to dust is not just maintained below the relevant WEL, but that any exposure to wood dust is minimised as far as is reasonably practicable – a respiratory sensitiser is a substance which, when inhaled, can trigger an irreversible allergic reaction in the respiratory system and, once such a reaction has occurred, even the slightest repeat exposure to the substance may produce symptoms.

In a woodworking factory it’s the fine particles of wood dust that are most likely to cause lung damage but, when fine wood dust is airborne, it’s practically invisible. Just to put the exposure limits into perspective, one teaspoon (5ml) of dry

LEV… extractly how it should be

‘In a woodworking factory it’s the fine particles of wood dust that are most likely to cause lung damage but, when fine wood dust is airborne, it’s practically invisible’

Testing LEV efficiency at source

Internal inspection of customer’s filter unit

sawdust typically weighs in at around 1 gram, or 1000 milligrams; which means that 5 milligrams of sawdust per cubic metre equates to around one fiftieth of a teaspoon (0.1ml).

When measured in those terms, it’s not hard to appreciate why such a small amount of dust is difficult to see when it’s floating around in a million cubic centimetres of air, and just how effective dust extraction needs to be to control the hazard.

In order to capture the harmful dust at source, and remove it before it can spread, adequate dust extraction, or Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV), must be provided wherever woodworking machines are in operation and, crucially, it must be maintained in tip-top condition. There’s a legal

requirement for LEV systems to be examined and tested, by a competent person, at least every 14 months and, especially for complex systems, more frequent checks are strongly recommended. A reputable dust extraction provider will advise on LEV Testing requirements for an individual system based on how complicated the system is, how likely it is to fail, and the consequences if it does.

Extractly Ltd has a highly-dedicated and experienced in-house service team to support its customers in the woodworking industry. The team’s knowledge and skills have been honed and developed through years of experience with countless LEV system configurations and extraction equipment from a myriad of manufacturers. Whether your dust extraction was installed by Extractly or another provider, the service delivered will be customised to meet your specific needs; ensuring maximum uptime and optimum performance from your system, and safeguarding the health of your workforce. Extractly have the capability to meet all your

LEV requirements: whether it’s for regular testing and maintenance, updating an existing system to provide additional extraction capacity for new machine installations, to design, install and commission a new and efficient dust extraction system, or simply to reconfigure ductwork to accommodate a machine replacement or relocation.

In addition, as the sole UK Distributor of Ecogate energy-saving extraction equipment, Extractly is uniquely-placed to provide a one-stopshop solution, covering all your dust extraction requirements. Ecogate technology is highly effective when it comes to maintaining optimum airflow in an extraction system and, with fan speed automatically and continuously adjusted to exactly match extraction demand throughout the working day, it is guaranteed to significantly reduce your system’s power consumption and running costs.

01924 520462 info@extractly.co.uk www.extractly.co.uk

‘When measured in those terms, it’s not hard to appreciate why such a small amount of dust is difficult to see when it’s floating around in a million cubic centimetres of air, and just how effective dust extraction needs to be to control the hazard’

Checking fan belt condition and tension

Ecogate system maintenance

Dust exposure: We need to stop ignoring this silent workplace killer

The woodworking industry has always been a dangerous place to work. Most people attribute that to the number of accidents and the nature of the equipment that we work with. After all, the industry is second only to farming in terms of accident rates.

Historically, emphasis has always been put on addressing the most obvious dangers in woodworking, but did you know that there’s another extremely dangerous aspect of woodworking that often goes unnoticed? In fact, it can actually lead to occupational asthma, lung disease, and even cancer.

Each year, around 12,000 people die from work-related lung diseases linked to past exposure to hazardous substances at work. That includes dust exposure.

But the problem isn’t being resolved. In fact, it’s getting worse.

Back in February 2022, HSE (Health and Safety Executive) released a report that showed over 50% of the 200 woodworking businesses they visited in the last two quarters were breaching

dust exposure regulations.

We know that dust exposure doesn’t sound too threatening on the surface, but there is a major lack of understanding when it comes to dust extraction and how to make it efficient and safe.

We need to make a change

Alex Dalton, director at Daltons Wadkin, explains how his personal experience in the industry led him to believe that businesses weren’t taking dust exposure seriously.

He said: “We’ve suspected for a long time that the LEV (Local Exhaust Ventilation) side of workshops could be improved generally throughout the UK. From my own experience as a salesperson in the early part of my career, going into different businesses to talk about different machine solutions, it would not be uncommon to walk in and see piles of wood chippings and high dust accumulations on work surfaces and window sills

“Without making any excuses, it’s the way

the industry has been for a long time. It’s very traditional - the methods followed now were also followed years ago. There’s been a real lack of progression given the modern data and findings we now have access to,” says Alex.

What does dust exposure actually do?

Wood-dust inhalation is included in the figure of 12,000 people dying yearly from work-related lung diseases. It’s not uncommon for inhalation to cause occupational asthma and in the case of hardwoods, sinonasal cancer.

It’s clear that these deaths are absolutely preventable, but it will take businesses putting in the effort to ensure that any exposure is effectively controlled.

Why has dust exposure become such a prominent issue?

Employers working with woodworking equipment know that they have to have their LEV systems checked every 14 months, but with deaths and safety breaches becoming

more common, it has led the industry to wonder whether regulations are truly being followed.

These machines are often in large workshops, and they may just be sitting in a corner of the room. Even if they’re tucked away, it doesn’t stop how quickly they can distribute dust around the whole working area. Even if you are working in another area of the workshop, you are still exposed to that dust regularly.

Alex explained in more detail how uncared-for machines can cause issues: “A lot of systems are designed and installed to service a certain number of machines but over time workshops evolve, equipment is added dust extraction systems modified in-house along the way. When that happens you can lose efficiency very quickly and expose workers to excessive amounts of dust in the workplace. It’s a slippery slope.”

“Depending on the type of material that is being cut and the type of machine being used, it can be extremely obvious that large volumes of dust are being created, but in other situations, it isn’t quite so obvious. Regardless, it is still there, still airborne, still present and workers are breathing it in all day,” says Alex.

It’s a law that all woodworking machinery should be LEV tested at least every 14 months, but Daltons Wadkin recommends that LEV systems should be tested every year.

“We have a growing number of service engineers who are trained LEV testing engineers with all the equipment and qualifications that are required,” says Alex.

“Our P601 qualified engineers come out for routine LEV testing for our customers when required and that can be incorporated into general machine maintenance plans too, so we know that all of our customers get the most efficient and safe service possible.

“We also offer a range of dust extraction solutions. To serve individual machines we offer Ivision units; special high-pressure systems from an Italian-based manufacturer that specialises in dealing with all different types of airborne contaminants or material wastage generated from cutting - not just woodworking dust, but also plastics, composites and metal. They offer a wide range of solutions to work with machines that we sell.

“Beyond that, we will always encourage customers to opt for a fully integrated LEV system. These are stand-alone, purpose-designed, extraction systems with externally located collection bins complete with purpose-built ducting and manifolds to suit each machine. Flow rate gauges can also be installed at each machine to give operators a quick visual indication of whether the system is working optimally.

It’s time to solve the problem

“The solutions are clear, but if the whole industry doesn’t make active improvements to deal with dust exposure and extraction, then the problem will only get worse,” says Alex.

“Looking after the health and well-being of our employees is extremely important to us, and we want to help other businesses in every way we can to make sure we stop dust exposure from being a premature cause of health issues.”

To find out more about how Daltons Wadkin can help with dust exposure contact Alex and the team on 0115 986 5201, email info@daltonswadkin.com or visit www. daltonswadkin.com

How can you protect yourself and your employees?

Surfacing & decorative panels

IDS’s growing decorative panel portfolio reflects market demand

Specialist surface materials distributor

IDS is responding to the needs of furniture manufacturers, designers and fabricators with continued investment across its decorative panel business.

Under new ownership, the company has reinforced its commitment to its panel division by increasing its warehouse capacity, adding to its team, extending its delivery fleet, and crucially, expanding its vast depth and breadth of decorative panel products in line with market demand.

Ranging from raw boards, MFC, MF MDF, CDF, matching edging tape and more, IDS offers a huge variety of materials from the industry’s leading manufacturers including

Swiss Krono One World, Fundermax Premium Star, Finsa Superpan, and Fibralux coloured through MR MDF, which are all available from stock.

New products

New to the range is the Fundermax Premium Star range of super matt and high gloss lacquered decorative panels, combining sophisticated technology with superior visual effects. Suitable for a wide range of applications, including furniture, kitchen fronts and partitions, the collection offers a choice of five popular decors, available for tailored nationwide delivery. Seven further decors and additional thicknesses are also available on extended lead times. The range spans whites, neutrals, greys and black, with the multi-layer lacquer ensuring long-lasting colour.

Meanwhile, the new Fibralux coloured through MR MDF panels offer a hard, fine and smoothly

sanded surface suitable for interior decoration, industrial processing and furniture production. The moisture-repellent panels can be lacquered or finished with paper, foil, melamine, veneer or high pressure laminate.

Longstanding partnership IDS also continues to invest in its 30-year partnership with Swiss Krono as the exclusive UK stockist of the One World Collection.

With new racking in place at its Ely and Blackburn branches, IDS has been able to extend

the range of ex-stock items available for tailored delivery and any order quantity across the UK, and these include 16 trend-led decors in 25mm thickness selected from One World. The range is geared towards the evolving needs of the office furniture sector and gives customers the option of low volume orders on design-led decors serviced next day if required, including the exclusively stocked 134 decor One World range in 18mm thickness.

Swiss Krono panels offers best-in-class environmental credentials which meet the growing requirement for responsible sourcing. The FSC® and PEFC™ certified panels feature a 100% virgin wood core and are rated E D2020 as standard for low formaldehyde emissions.

Dave Huggins, business development director at IDS comments: “The new Fundermax Premium Star and Fibralux ranges complement the existing panel portfolio and bring popular products into the IDS offer. At the same time, we’re very proud of our longstanding partnership with Swiss Krono for their genuine Swiss-made products which offer unrivalled environmental credentials. We’re committed to bringing new products into the range to meet the changing needs of customers, and this only affirms our position as number one for One World in the UK.”

0845 023 0376

solutions@idsurfaces.co.uk www.idsurfaces.co.uk

IDS is now the exclusive UK stockist for Fundermax Premium Star decorative panel. Pictured is the City Grey décor in a super matt finish

IDS has invested in extra racking at its Ely and Blackburn branches to extend the range of ex-stock items available

Silent solid colours

Egger UK’s Design Manager, Aimee Fletcher, welcomes the arrival of pastel tones, as consumers look for a fresh, more flexible approach to design.

“Over the last 12 months, there has been a dramatic shift in design trends for interior spaces. Designs now need to offer flexibility, as consumers look to create modular living environments. Paint colours from the likes of Farrow & Ball, Lick, and Coat have paved the way for pastel tones and, as a result, people are looking to source furniture that blend into tonal layers.

Trend evolution is moving at a much faster pace than ever before. For example, the deep, dark blue and rich, dark green decors that took the market by storm in 2020/21 are evolving towards pastel tones, with mid-tone decor variants stepping forward.

Decors are now paired in a ‘mix and match’ fashion due to the rapid pace trends are developing at. Furniture designs need to easily transition into future trends, and pastel tones meet this requirement. It is not just in furniture and interior design where these shades are taking centre stage, but also in the fashion, automotive and technology industries.

Pastel tones have taken on the challenge of replacing cool grey as the base colour, and they are succeeding so far! Instead of one dominant colour leading the way, we are now seeing multiple colour trends running alongside each other. There is no doubt grey still has its place, but it’s a much warmer look post COVID-19, as designers choose softer, more comfortable shades to create sanctuaries in home and work spaces.

A huge benefit of pastel shades is their black undertone. This is crucial to the success of the trend, as they work well with the popular ceramic and brassware accessories that are so popular at the moment.

To meet the demand for these warm, understated tones, we are introducing a selection of Silent Solid Colours, fully aligned with the shift towards pastel shades.

Red tones are getting a lot of interest from the UK market as they offer warmth. Two new introductions include U335 ST9 Rusty Red, which meets the demand for a soft clay shade, and U211 ST9 Almond Beige, which offers a pink tint that combines well with all types of woodgrains and stone materials.

Stone coloured uni colour, U767 ST9 Cubanit Grey is an existing décor, but works very effectively with matt black and the tones of

many woodgrains, including Grey Lorenzo Oak and Beige Grey Vicenza Oak.

Beige is back with warm grey tones instead of the harsh yellow tones previously seen. Like the stone uni colours, U115 Carat Beige, it combines well with black accents to create a warm, light and modern interior.

The addition of U502 ST9 Misty Blue supports those making the transition from darker blue shades. This mid-tone, dusky decor is more flexible, allowing customers to be creative and bring in additional light.

The colour of the moment is U604 ST9 Reed Green. It pairs beautifully with our natural woodgrains, in both modern and traditional interiors. Amplified by the focus on sustainability and positive mental health, the uptake of greens and lighter woodgrains has been phenomenal. People are bringing the outdoors in and creating relaxing home and work environments that connect them to nature.

Looking forward, I expect the demand for pastel tones to continue. Grey will always be a big player, but in combination with colour and warmer tones, things are slowly changing.” www.egger.com

‘There is no doubt grey still has its place, but it’s a much warmer look post COVID-19, as designers choose softer, more comfortable shades to create sanctuaries in home and work spaces’

Egger

UK Design Manager, Aimee Fletcher

STRONG AND BEAUTIFUL SURFACES

Whether you are a designer or a producer of interior furniture and fittings, floorings, outdoor facades, windows or doors, we have the right finish for you. At Sherwin-Williams we have a coating solution to meet virtually every need. As the leading provider of customized finishing solutions we can offer you the latest industry innovations at the highest quality to add value to your process and your everyday life. If you require a finishing solution, and you want the optimal one for your operations then look no further.

Sherwin-Williams UK Coatings Ltd | wood.sherwin.com | A1 Business Park - Knottingley | West Yorkshire | WF11 0BU | England Phone +44 (0) 1977 67 33 63 | ukinfo@sherwin.com

Renolit 3D Thermolaminates Trend Collection 2022 – Autumn/Winter

Renolit has presentsed its 3D Thermolaminates Autumn/Winter Trend Collection 2022 containing eight new décors, which deliver to the market products which are high performing, realistic in appearance and that align perfectly with current trends. New introductions are announced twice yearly in seasonal Renolit trend collections to bring the most sought-after designs and colours to the forefront. All products are available from stock and ready to order.

Premier Matt Solid Colours

Three new colours are added to the range of colours available in the increasingly popular Premier Matt finish. The Premier Matt surface is produced using an innovative Physical Surface Treatment (PST) technology to create a superior frictionless matt appearance that is also an extremely tough and functional finish. Premier

Rose White Premier Matt

Santori White Premier Matt

Matt benefits from several superior properties including anti-fingerprint, scratch and stain resistance, easy cleaning and thermal healing properties.

Santori White Premier Matt is a fresh and versatile with a pristine, clean colour which takes its influence from idyllic Greek Islands. Santori White is the perfect shade to go with rich blue shades such as Wave Blue which are a popular trend with interior design.

Rose White Premier Matt is a blush pastel shade of pale pink. It incorporates white which is sparingly tinted with red to create a sot warm colour. Pastel colours are a growing trend in interior design and are often used to soften a traditional room setting and create a tranquil space.

Fir Green Premier Matt is a rich dark green colour. Green is the colour of the moment, and the dark sophisticated tone of this version is likely to keep it popular for a long time in future. The bold colour and yellow undertones of Fir Green recall the depths and essence of a forest making it ideal to create stylish drama in a striking interior setting.

Black Paintflow Premier Paintflow

Willow Green Suedette Matt

Willow Green Suedette Matt is a subtle pastel shade of green-grey with cool undertones that creates the perfect foundations for a natural interior style. The Suedette Matt emboss gives texture and character making it a perfect neutral alternative for interior settings.

Paintflow Premier Solid Colours

The Paintflow surface has a distinct woodgrain engraving and superior matt finish that replicates the look of paint flowing into the wood’s grain. Two new colours are introduced with this textured surface.

Monument Grey Paintflow is a mid-tone grey shade with a distinctly blue undertone. Black Paintflow Premier is a strong robust shade of black guaranteed to bring drama and strong impact.

‘The Suedette Matt emboss gives texture and character to Willow Green making it a perfect neutral alternative for interior settings’

Comfort Oak Natural Premier

A natural colour with moderate colouring, its cathedrals and knots are clearly recognisable and appear comfortably through the elegant linear design.

Noce Lucca Natural Classic

Walnut in a modern way, its natural dark colour has a play of colours between caramel, grey & lilac. Strong light dark contrasts, and small knots give an elegant but lively appearance.

Linol Anthracite Classic

The Tessuto emboss together with the printed textile Linol décor create a texture of coarse linen, in a combination that creates cosiness and a relaxed homeliness. 01670 718222 www.renolit.com/interiorsurfaces

Monument Grey Premier Paintflow

Willow Green Suedette Matt

Noce Lucca Natural Premier

Linol Antracite Classic

Comfort Oak Natural Premier

HPP turns to in-house production to embellish stock door range

A kitchen door collection currently being imported from Europe has been extended by a new range manufactured in-house by Hill’s Panel Products (HPP), the Oldham-based board, doors and fittings distributors and suppliers.

The doors are part of HPP’s Avanti off-theshelf collection. Named Juno, they are a range of so-called skinny shakers – a modern twist on the traditional Shaker-style door but with thinner stiles – that will sit alongside the existing Avanti range.

Dan Mounsey, HPP’s Marketing and Business Development Director, says: “We’ve had Brexit, the pandemic and now the state of the economy, which makes the exchange rate between sterling and the Euro unfavourable. Add in logistics, the cost of fuel, lead times, and the availability of materials – bringing in doors from the continent ticks a lot of the wrong boxes.

Juno in Super Matt Indigo Blue

Juno

Super Matt

SUPER

SUPER

“Taking into the account those pressures; we’ve decided to manufacture in-house.”

Based on HPP’s Mercia door in the Aspire made-to-measure range, Juno features a 60mm slim profile and are available in a choice of four super matt décors; dust grey, black, indigo blue and highland green – all on-trend colours and all available for next-day delivery nationwide.

Each range is available in approximately 60 SKUs, including doors, drawer fronts, end panels, cornices, plinths and filler panels in a wide variety of sizes, and all available to order online.

Dan adds: “Because we’re manufacturing inhouse, there is also a made-to-measure option as well, which will make this range unique. “So, for example, customers could order 90% of what they need off the shelf and then have the rest made-to-measure. Overall, it creates great versatility.”

As with the other doors in the Avanti range, Juno comes undrilled as standard, but a bespoke hinge hole drilling service is available with a one-day lead time.

HPP first introduced its Avanti stock door

collection to great customer acclaim in 2011 and has seen it evolve over the years to keep pace with changing trends and fashions.

The current range consists of:

• Alto – another modern interpretation of the classic Shaker-style door

• Legno – which comes with an integrated J-Pull handle and horizontal grained door style

• Opus – available in matt white or a range of high gloss finishes with an integrated J-Pull handle

Quadro – a classic Shaker-style door with grained painted effect décors

HPP Sales Manager Chris Essex says: “This will

continue the growth for the Avanti range, which has been a great success since we launched it in 2011. It makes a significant contribution to the business and always has done.

“Juno is going to do really well because it is very much on trend with the demand for matt colours and the slim shaker-style. In a stock door range, you want to have something for everyone, but that can’t always be so, which is why we have the made-to-measure facility, but this new door is taking the range where it needs to go to keep the Avanti success on track.” 0161 628 1147 www.hpponline.co.uk

‘Juno is going to do really well because it is very much on trend with the demand for matt colours and the slim shaker-style’

HPP Sales Manager Chris

Essex

Juno in Super Matt Black

Juno in Super Matt Highland Green

Lamination systems by Barberan

In the 1970s, after the great success obtained with the varnishing machinery, Barberán also began to manufacture panel laminating machines. In this type of machinery, the gluing and roller pressing is important in order to produce a smooth and high quality surface.

BSA has not only been dedicated to manufacturing standard laminating lines. The company has been able to make fully customized lamination projects a reality, working with engineers from various countries to achieve unique, specific lines to mass-produce new trend products, becoming, over time, a true tailor for engineers or businessmen with ideas.

BSA manufactures various series of laminators for different needs; large, medium, small, or occasional productions on demand. These series range from a standard panel width of 1400mm to 2300mm and are suitable for the application of water-based glues (PVAc), urea formalin (UF) and hot melts such as EVA, polyolefin (APAO) or PUR.

They can laminate paper foil and thermoplastics such as PVC, PP, PET, etc., low pressure laminate (CPL) and fleece backed wooden veneer or even cork from the roll.

RFU series

The RFU series are lamination lines for large productions with heavy large panels. These series are manufactured for panels up to a width of 2300mm, although even wider panels can be made on request.

The construction system of these roller machines or lines is characterized by its great robustness and all of BSA’s experience in installing them in factories around the world.

They are suitable for gluing with PVAc or urea formaldehyde (UF) glues applied to the panel or to the paper or thermoplastic foil, such as PVC, PET, PP, etc., low pressure laminate (CPL) or fleece backed wooden veneer. There are different models to laminate one or both sides of the panel.

The RFU lines are equipped with a brushing machine at the infeed, infrared preheating screens, panel glue spreader, foil unwinders, which can optionally include an automatic splicing system, foil gluing heads, IR screens to evaporate the water content of PVAc glue, pressing calender by one, two, three or four pressing rollers with hydraulic pressure up to 30Kgcm – optionally up to 100Kg/cm – and outfeed table equipped with a rotary cutting device for separating the panels once they are laminated.

ECOLINE series

The ECOLINE series are economic lamination lines for medium / large productions with panels limited in size to 1600 wide. The construction system of this series is characterized by its reliability thanks again to BSA’s experience in manufacturing and installing this type of lines throughout the world.

Like the RFU series, the ECOLINE series is suitable for gluing with PVAc or urea formaldehyde glues applied to the panel or to the paper or thermoplastic foil like PVC, PET, PP or other plastic based materials, low pressure laminate (CPL) or metal sheet, fleece backed wooden veneer in rolls.

There are different models to laminate one or both sides of the panel. The ECOLINE lines

are equipped with a brush cleaner at the infeed, panel preheating, panel glue spreader, foil unwinders, which can optionally include an automatic splicing system, foil gluing heads, IR screens for PVAc glue wáter evaporation, pressing calender by one, two, three or four pressing rollers with hydraulic pressure up to 30Kg/cm – optionally up to 100Kg/cm – and output table with a rotary cutting device for separating panels once laminated.

ECOLINE-Hotmelt series

The ECOLINE-Hotmelt series are economic lamination lines for medium / large productions with panels limited in size to 1600mm wide. The construction system of this series is characterized by its reliability thanks to BSA’s experience in the manufacturing and commissioning of this type of lines throughout the world.

The ECOLINE-Hotmelt series is designed for gluing with EVA or polyolefin (APAO) hot melt glues that require an application temperature of 180-200ºC to laminate paper foil, low pressure laminate (CPL) or fleece backed wooden veneer from the roll or reactive polyurethane hotmelt glues (PUR) with an application temperature of 70-85ºC applied to the panel by roller or foil using a slot nozzle glue head to laminate PVC, PET, PP or other plastic materials, paper or supported wooden veneer from the roll.

There are different models to laminate one or both sides of the panel. The ECOLINE-Hotmelt lines are equipped with a brush cleaner at the infeed, panel preheating, a roller glue spreader for the panel or slot nozzle head and a separate melting unit to apply the glue on the foil, foil

>>

Fantasy

Whatever your design ideas, you’ll find inspiration to complement and elevate them in the dp-fantasy collection from Decorative Panels Lamination.

A range of finishes that nature cannot provide, fantasy represents the best in material technology from the printing industry with levels of design realism like never before.

unwinders, which can optionally include an automatic splicing system, IR screens, hot pressing calender for EVA or polyolefin glue (APAO) or cold pressing for PUR glue by means of one, two, three or four pressing rollers with hydraulic pressure up to 30Kg/cm – optionally up to 100Kg/cm – and outfeed table with rotary cutting device for the separation of panels once laminated.

COMPACT LINE series

The COMPACT LINE series are compact laminators for small/medium production with panels up to 1600mm wide and EVA, polyolefin and PUR hotmelt glues according to production needs.

They basically consist of a bed with glue application rollers onto the panel or the foil. In this series, its small dimensions stand out, which make its placement, relocation, and reinstallation simple since all the elements are located within the same bedframe. Despite this, a brush cleaner and IR screens for panel cleaning and preheating are recommended.

COMPACT LINE laminators can be configured to glue PUR hotmelt glue using a silicone applicator roller and a heated steel dosing

roller to apply the glue at a temperature of 70-85ºC, which is suitable for the lamination of thermoplastic foils such as PVC, PET, PP, etc. as well as paper foil. For gluing with EVA or polyolefin (APAO) hotmelt adhesives at a temperature of 180-200ºC or also PUR at 7085ºC, it is necessary to equip the machine with steel dosing and applicator rollers, both heated. Apart from the before mentioned features, the COMPACT LINE HG model includes a smoothing roller, which leaves the glued surface perfectly smooth and uniform to be able to laminate high gloss, transparent or low grammage foils.

The COMPACT LINE FOIL model applies the glue to the foil with a roller. Due to the fact that the glue does not come into contact with the panel, it cannot contaminate the glue tank, with the consequent full use of the adhesive. In addition, it includes a rotary cutting device for the continuous separation of panels, which allows the installation of a bedframe at the outfeed with molding tools to postform the remaining foil at the sides.

KL series

The KL series are economic lamination lines for small productions with light panels up to 1500

mm wide. The construction system of this series is characterized by its lightness and reliability.

Models are available to apply PVAc or PVAc and urea formaldehyde glue on the foil, panel or both for the lamination of thermoplastic foils such as PVC, PET, PP, etc. as well as paper foil. The KL-F model applies PVAc glue to the paper foil.

The KL-P model applies PVAc glue to the panel. The KL-FP model can apply PVAc glue to the panel and/or the foil and hardener to the panel and urea formaldehyde (UF) glue to the foil. The KL-HH model can apply PVAc glue to the panel and hardener and urea formaldehyde (UF) glue also to the panel since it includes two glue spreaders in line.

EN Series

One of the best-selling machines worldwide is our EN glue spreader series. The gluing machine models depend on the glue you want to use.

The EN-PUR model only applies PUR hotmelt glue using a heated metal dosing roller and a single-sided (EN-PUR-2) or double-sided (ENPUR-4) silicone applicator roller, while the EN-H model It can apply both PUR and EVA hotmelt adhesives by means of a heated metallic dosing and applicator roller on one side (EN-H-2) or on both sides (EN-H-4). There is also the GS model designed exclusively to apply PVAc glue on one side (GS-2) or two sides (GS-4).

Gluing lines

To compose a gluing line, it is essential to have a glue spreader EN, an indexing table or a foil unwinder (or even both) and a pressing calender. If possible, also a brush cleaner, an infeed table with IR screens, a panel separation cutting module (foil lamination) and an outfeed table basically. www.barberan.com

Beauty must be protected

Beauty must be protected

Sayerlack. Coatings which protect the most precious houses. And all the others.

Sayerlack. Coatings which protect the most precious houses. And all the others.

From rigorously tested coatings and finishing systems to products tailored to the specific requirements of the customer. Always with the same quality, always with the same care. Sayerlack offers coating professionals a wide range of protective and decorative finishes, long-lasting, of the highest quality and with low environmental impact. The most innovative solutions for the enhancement beauty and protection of all surfaces inside and outside the home.

From rigorously tested coatings and finishing systems to products tailored to the specific requirements of the customer. Always with the same quality, always with the same care. Sayerlack offers coating professionals a wide range of protective and decorative finishes, long-lasting, of the highest quality and with low environmental impact. The most innovative solutions for the enhancement beauty and protection of all surfaces inside and outside the home.

www.sayerlack.com

www.sayerlack.com

Sherwin-Williams UK Coatings Ltd. - A1 Business Park- Knottingley - West Yorkshire - WF11 OBU- England

Sherwin-Williams UK Coatings Ltd. - A1 Business Park- Knottingley - West Yorkshire - WF11 OBU- England

Festool’s new CSC SYS 50 cordless table saw

Extremely compact and versatile, Festool’s new CSC SYS 50 cordless table saw is challenging industry standards. Imoressively compact, it fits perfectly into a Systainer, meaning the CSC SYS 50 delivers the same cutting precision remotely as a mains-powered panel saw does in a workshop. It performs very well in every discipline, with parallel cuts up to 280mm, a cross cut width of up to 450mm and angled cuts of -2° to 47°.

Precise cuts at the press of a button, compact dimensions and a state-of-the-art operating concept are the key ingredients that stand out on the new CSC SYS 50 cordless table saw. These features make it an indispensable aid for interior finishing, as well as for carpenters and floor layers.

Its centrally positioned and easy-to-read display allows users to adjust the height and angle with absolute precision and in next to no time. This enables 100% repetition accuracy – cut after cut. You can make even the most demanding cuts with maximum precision with the robust stop system made up of a parallel side fence, angle stop and sliding table.

“The CSC SYS 50 is the world’s first portable table saw with electric height and angle adjustment and a display with menu navigation. This means that the new CSC SYS 50 marks a step towards digitalisation. The CSC SYS 50’s digital functions aren’t merely a gimmick, they offer real added value with respect to precision and enable a cutting quality of unprecedented consistency in a portable saw.

Essentially, the CSC SYS 50 offers all the qualities of a contemporary panel saw but you can also take it with you on location,” explains Wolfgang Reines, Product Manager of the new cordless table saw.

Natural Furniture Linoleum from Ostermann

Anyone who plans to use linoleum in furniture making should know about Ostermann’s diversity and service. The popular material is offered here in a wide range of colours, either in rolls, made to measure, or as ready-toinstall furniture elements.

Linoleum has become an indispensable part of furniture making. This is especially true when it comes to questions of sustainability: linoleum surfaces are made of natural raw materials and produced CO2-neutrally. Furniture makers further appreciate the simple application with white glue. End customers like its matt look and warm, soft feel. Ostermann provides the classic

surface material under the name “Desktop”. There are 22 colours available. In addition, B-grade goods can be purchased as a stabilising layer. If you want to save yourself the trouble of cutting the roll to size, you can use the configuration tool 24/7 and order the product accurate to the millimetre. There are also customised and ready-made furniture elements, such as fronts, with a 2mm thick linoleum overlay on the front and back. Furniture makers will find all information on available surfaces and services under the search item “#linoleum” on the Ostermann website www.ostermann.eu.

If required, ready-made to measure pieces or even already pressed and edged furniture parts are supplied

Desktop, Bulletin Board or Marmoleum?

Classic desktop surfaces in many trend colours are shipped as rolled goods. The minimum purchase quantity is one metre. The same applies to Bulletin Board, a high-quality pinboard linoleum. It is available in 18 colours and ideal for creative wall design. In addition, Ostermann offers with Marmoleum numerous embossed and/or marbled decors as furniture surfaces.

Best performance

Companies that have little space or time for exact cutting can order Desktop and Bulletin Board surfaces ready-made to measure. In the convenient configuration tool, you can enter the exact dimensions and quantities needed. The precisely cut pieces fit exactly and can be pressed immediately after delivery.

No time? No problem!

All other production steps such as pressing and edging can also be delegated to Ostermann if required. In this case, you get ready-to-install furniture elements with a linoleum overlay. Here, too, the order is placed quickly and easily via the configuration tool. As substrate material, you can choose between chipboard and multiplex birch boards. For the design on the edging, there is a range of solutions – from decor-matched ABS to aluminium and multiplex to wood veneer. 01905 793550

s.parsons@ostermann.eu www.ostermann.eu

Precise sawing to go.

The cordless table saw

in Systainer

format.

The new CSC SYS 50 cordless table saw is so compact that it fits into a Systainer. It’s just as versatile in use, as it is tremendously convenient in its size. The unique digital operation produces results with maximum precision, down to accuracies within a tenth of a millimetre. The 18-volt dual battery system in combination with the brushless EC-TEC motor will impress you. Available from February 2023.

Discover our new products: www.festool.co.uk/products/new-products

Ecogate energy-savings calculator

With electricity prices at an alltime high, there will never be a better time to invest in Ecogate’s energy-saving technology… and now you can see the potential savings for your business at the click of a button!

Ecogate has been making headlines in the UK for over 10 years now, and this innovative energy-saving technology has been proven worldwide to significantly reduce energy usage for process industries. In the woodworking industry, cost savings in excess of 50% are easily achievable – that’s half price electricity – and, with a payback on investment being typically less than two years, the savings will just keep on coming.

Ecogate equipment can be fitted into any existing extraction system, and the installation process can be undertaken with only minimal interruption to your production. Ecogate’s automatic

dampers are connected into the ductwork serving each of your machines, and sensors attached to each machine signal the Ecogate “greenBOX” controller to open and close the dampers as machines come on or off-line. Simultaneously, the greenBOX instructs the PowerMASTER variable speed drive unit to adjust fan speed to exactly match the new demand for extraction.

With Ecogate installed, the fan no longer runs continuously, at full speed, for eight hours a day. Since machines constantly stop and start during production, as well as at break times, the extraction only needs to operate at 80% of capacity, on average, but the 20% reduction in fan usage generates a huge 50% reduction in power consumption. 01924 520462 www.ecogate.co.uk www.extractly.co.uk

Ecogate’s greenBOX MASTER Control Unit displays system status and continuously monitors energy savings in real-time.

The new savings calculator can be accessed at www.ecogate.co.uk or simply scan the QR code

SAVE ENERGY REDUCE COSTS

In many manufacturing facilities, extraction fans operate continuously, at full power, throughout the working day.

Even when some machines are not in use, and often during factory breaks, the powerful, energy-consuming fans continue to run at full speed – wasting valuable energy... and money!

With ECOGATE, the extraction system responds in real-time to variations in machine use. When a production machine is switched on, the greenBOX Controller opens a motorised damper to provide extraction for that particular machine.

With ECOGATE technology installed, an extraction fan will consume the minimum power required to provide optimum extraction – reducing electricity bills by 68% on average.

Wadkin Bursgreen Academy have launched new Woodworking Machinery Training Courses

Advanced Machinery Services, the Wadkin Bursgreen Trademark owners, have launched two new training courses: the Chainsaw Training and the Profile Moulder Setting and Operation Training Course to offer better and more specific training courses to the woodworking industry.

The Wadkin Bursgreen woodworking machinery training academy is in Leicestershire but they can deliver training all over the UK and Ireland. You have the ability to have the training in your own workshop or in their academy

showroom in Skeffington (Leicestershire)

Phil, the Wadkin Bursgreen training academy trainer said: “We launched a new course recently; A Chainsaw Training Course and it got a very warm welcome from the Timber industry. Also, we are working on profile and straight knife grinder training courses.

“We deliver top class, customised courses on moulders and grinders because our team has vast experience of working on/for Wadkin machinery and other top manufacturers machines, through my experience and along

Simon delivering Refresher Training at Wadkin Bursgreen Academy

“It is a pleasure to share all my knowledge in woodworking machinery with my attendees, knowledge is only powerful if you pass it on to the next generation.”

with Steve and Simon’s knowledge we have decades of experience on moulders, grinders and tooling.”

The Wadkin Bursgreen Woodworking Machinery Training Courses are 95% of the time at the machine, and 5% in the class, but it depends on site circumstances and noise levels.

AMS believes it is the best method to teach people all about the woodworking machinery and they see that most of the attendees prefer it too.

AMS has improved its website to give a better customer experience, where you can access and order training courses faster and easier.

All of the company’s trainers have more than 20 years’ experience in the woodworking industry and they have a great deal of knowledge and insight in both machines and machining.

Simon, the Wadkin Bursgreen training

academy trainer said: “It is a pleasure to share all my knowledge in woodworking machinery with my attendees, knowledge is only powerful if you pass it on to the next generation.

“For me, it’s very important that the woodworkers pass the training but more important is that they learn and remember what they should and they shouldn’t do when they are in their workshop. Most of our team are wood machinists and

have seen to many

accidents during our careers.

“If you are in the woodworking industry, save this contact because you will need training and refresher courses. You can see the new website on this link below: www.advancedmachinery. co.uk/woodworking-machinery/training.asp. The training courses are available now and you can get more information about them by visiting the website or calling to 0844 844 9949.” www.advancedmachinery.co.uk

we

“We deliver top class, customised courses on moulders and grinders because our team has vast experience of working on/for Wadkin machinery and other top manufacturers machines, through my experience and along with Steve and Simon’s knowledge we have decades of experience on moulders, grinders and tooling.”

Phil delivering a Woodworking Machinery Training Course at Leicester College

International Woodworking Machinery Ltd

Unit 20, Newark Business Park, 3 Brunel Drive, Newark, NG24 2EG

IWM Falach Briquetting Presses Turning Your Biomass Wood Waste into Renewable Energy Briquettes. Turn Your Biomass Wood Waste including MDF Dust into Renewable Energy Wood Briquettes, eliminating landfill costs or even giving them away. IWM have Five Models Falach 30, 35, 50, 70 & 100 to suit your Production Requirements at very competitive prices. Each machine can be Supplied freestanding our Installed under your existing Dust extraction with 5 Bag Carousel Bagging Units. We have many examples installed in UK, Please ask for details of installations near YOU Bring your waste material for Demonstration

FP32:21 HYDRAULIC FRAME PRESS 3.2M X 2.1M HYDRAULIC WINDOW & DOOR PRESS

FP32:21 HYDRAULIC FRAME PRESS 3.2M X 2.1M HYDRAULIC WINDOW & DOOR PRESS

Mobile 07944 108747 • Email ibrown@iwmachines.co.uk www.iwmachines.co.uk • www.soukup.co.uk

TEMAC

THE INTELLIGENT CNC AUTOMATIC SINGLE END TENONER (NO MORE MANUAL PUSH AND PULL)

TEMAC

THE INTELLIGENT CNC AUTOMATIC SINGLE END TENONER (NO MORE MANUAL PUSH AND PULL)

THE VERSA 3 AXIS AUTOMATIC CNC MILLING AND DRILLING MACHINE FOR WINDOW & DOOR COMPONENTS

THE 3 AXIS AND DRILLING WINDOW

CRAFTER UK’S BEST SELLING CNC WINDOW & DOOR MACHINING CENTRE DESIGNED FOR THE PRODUCTION OF UP TO 30/50 “A” RATED UK WINDOWS A DAY

CRAFTER UK’S BEST SELLING CNC DOOR MACHINING CENTRE FOR THE PRODUCTION OF “A” RATED UK WINDOWS A

International Woodworking Machinery Ltd Unit 20, Newark Business Park, 3 Brunel Drive, Newark NG24 2EG Tel 01636918280 / Mobile 07944108747

International Woodworking Machinery Ltd Unit 20, Newark Business Park, 3 Brunel Drive, Newark NG24 2EG Tel 01636918280 / Mobile 07944108747

Email ibrown@iwmachines.co.uk www.iwmachines.co.uk / www.soukup.co.uk

Email ibrown@iwmachines.co.uk www.iwmachines.co.uk / www.soukup.co.uk

CSI-Next Pocket Cutter & Screw Inserter

Henkel Micro Emission PUR adhesives contain less than 0.1% monomeric diisocyanate, which therefore reduces the hazardous isocyanate-containing vapours by up to 90%.

Technomelt Micro Emissions (ME) PUR adhesives have no hazardous labels and do not require a specific professional training for operators which will be required when the legislation changes for standard PUR adhesives.

Technomelt (ME) PUR adhesives offer easy and safe handling in production. Nobody likes warning labels and the fact that we can now eliminate this has huge benefits.

Micro Emission (ME) PUR adhesives – No warning or hazardous labels, it’s time to change!