Comment
Welcome to our July issue! Summer is finally in full swing (or as Summer-like as we’re ever going to get in the UK!) and we hope you have some plans for relaxation or travel in the pipeline. In the meantime, there is still plentiful activity within the industry, and the casual matter of a general election in the coming days ....
There are, albeit to differing degrees, encouraging noises being made with regard to manufacturing within manifestoes across the party spectrum. It remains to be seen whether the support and investment signalled is forthcoming, and whether the victorious party can steer the sector forward in the way it deserves.
As you may have noticed, our July issue comes complete with a supplement focused on sustainability. We’ve compiled a series of articles in consultation with some of the leading trade bodies, consultancies and brands to shed light on what is a vastly important issue within the industry. We plan to build upon our coverage of developments and innovations in sustainable manufacturing across our platforms in the months and years to come, so please do get in touch with any feedback on the kinds of topics you’d like to see featured, or indeed with news of your activities in this arena.
Within the magazine itself, highlights include a compelling look at the operations of Duncan Reeds – the dynamic Billingshurst manufacturer of bespoke laminate products. From catwalks for high-end fashion shows to amazing bars, Duncan Reeds’ capabilities are far-ranging.
Elsewhere, find our comprehensive review of the Materials & Finishes Show starting from page 18, with an overview of the top-notch products and services presented. Our product features this issue span the latest and greatest in surfacing & decorative panels, solid wood processing, as well as saws, blades & cutting technology.
We hope you enjoy the issue!
Gemma Lochhead, editor
T-type hinge
Advanced hinge fitted for a lifetime
EGGER worktops available at HPP.
The EGGER Decorative Collection 24+ worktops range offers an exciting and versatile range of high quality and durable work surfaces. From realistic woodgrains to marbles and slates, there is a finish to suit every interior including kitchens, bathrooms, offices and retail environments.
✓ Extensive range
✓ Durable and impact resistant
✓ Lightfast and heat and stain resistant
✓ Range of worktop fitting accessories available
✓ 10-year guarantee*
39 DÉCORS AVAILABLE * when EGGERSeal and Fitting Guide is used
Order online today at
Tel: 0161 628 1147 | Email: info@hpponline.co.uk
Extensive range of
© Media66 Ltd 2024
ISSN 2396-9024 www.furnitureproduction.net
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
John Legg
Tel: 01424 834973 john@media66.net
EDITOR
Gemma Lochhead gemma@media66.net
ADVERTISING MANAGER
Lisa Williams Tel: 01424 834829 lisa@media66.net
MEDIA SALES EXECUTIVE
Jodie Griffin
Tel: 01424 834567 jodie@media66.net
PRODUCTION
James Ash studio@media66.net
DIGITAL CONTENT
Nyall McCurrach digital@media66.net
COPY ADMINISTRATION & DATA
Steve Merrick production@media66.net
REPRO, PRINT & DISTRIBUTION Stephens & George
ACCOUNTS
Wendy Williams accounts@media66.net
SUBSCRIPTIONS: UK-free with sign up Europe-£85 / RoW-£95 lisa@media66.net
DISCLAIMER: All material submitted for inclusion in Furniture Production is done so entirely at the contributor’s own risk. No responsibility is accepted for the safe-keeping of contributors’ materials. Whilst all attempts are made to ensure accurate reproduction, Furniture Production accepts no responsibility for variations. Artwork undertaken by our studio remains the copyright of Media66 and may not be reproduced or stored without prior permission. Some articles in Furniture Production have been submitted by companies and organisations. Monies may have been accepted in some instances to offset production costs. All rights reserved. In respect of artwork originated free of charge as part of a booking, clients should know that excessive work (more than one set of corrections, known as ‘authors corrections’) is chargeable at £55 per hour. DATA PROTECTION “OPT OUT”
STATEMENT: Readership data held by Media66 may be shared with any member of the Media66 and associated companies for the purposes of customer information, direct marketing or publication. Data may also be made available to external parties on a list rental/lease basis for the purposes of direct marketing. If you do not wish data to be made available to external parties for list rental or lease please write to: Data Protection Co-ordinator, Media 66 Ltd, 36 Stirling Road, Castleham Business Centre East, St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex TN38 9NP.
SUBSCRIPTIONS: Refunds on cancelled subscriptions will only be provided at the publisher’s discretion, unless specifically guaranteed within the terms of the offer.
Hiteco opens new premises in Rimini
On 14th June, Hiteco inaugurated its new premises in Rimini. Hiteco is an SCM Group company, specialising in the development and production of hi-tech mechatronic components for machine tool manufacturers. The new headquarters in Rimini covers an overall area of 9,000 square metres, compared to the previous 3,000 at the plant in Villa Verucchio, of which more than 7,000 is set aside for production. The investment
will allow Hiteco to increase its workforce, as well as improve its production efficiency (100% Made in Italy) and its R&D work. The projects specifically concentrate on the development of new digital services, IoT services and intelligent products complete with AI algorithms, as well as an expansion of the range in the stone, glass and metal machining sectors and Industry 5.0.
“This investment is the crowning achievement of the
continuous progress recorded over the years as well as a new starting point for continuing to increase the innovative level
Bed manufacturer announces Bradford HQ acquisition
Bradford-based Wow Lifestyle, which manufactures beds and mattresses for prominent leisure and hospitality sector clients is relocating its manufacturing base within the city.
The firm, which employs 22 people in Bradford, is relocating from its 20,000 sq ft premises at Wyke Mills and has acquired the historic 36,500 sq ft Stone Hall Mill in the Eccleshill area of the city.
“We are really keen to stay in Bradford after 15 years in the city,” comments Wow Lifestyle managing director, Darren Stega-Jones. “Having our own
larger building means we can put down more permanent roots and will enable us to invest in sustainability and to switch to using renewable energy.
“We have just appointed one
new experienced upholsterer to our team and have plans to create further new jobs in the coming months as we develop and expand our product range.”
www.wowsleep.co.uk/group/
ACID announces new CEO
ACID, a pioneering force in protecting intellectual property (IP) creators for over 25 years, has proudly announced the appointment of Laura Newbold Breen as its new Chief Executive Officer. With a background in IP and a visionary approach to the future, Laura will open a new chapter of growth, development, and innovation for ACID.
“I am confident that Laura will bring a wealth of experience
and a dynamic vision to ACID,” says Dids Macdonald OBE., ACID’s Co-founder. “With her impressive experience in intellectual property, including leadership roles in the famous “Trunki” brand, she is wellequipped to build on ACID’s legacy. Laura’s commitment to advancing IP protection aligns perfectly with ACID’s mission and values. Warmest wishes Laura and many congratulations.” www.acid.uk.com
of our products and services,” comments the director of Hiteco, Massimo Benvenuti. www.hiteco.net
LEADING MANUFACTURER BACKS BFM’S FUTURE OF FURNITURE CAMPAIGN
Fibreline Ltd has backed a British Furniture Manufacturers (BFM) campaign, which shines a spotlight on sustainability and education in the sector. BFM’s Future of Furniture highlights career pathways and opportunities in the furniture sector, and celebrates the strides its members are making in education through its Future of Furniture Awards.
DEANESTOR AWARDED £2M FITOUT CONTRACT FOR LEARNING CAMPUS
Robertson Construction Tayside has awarded a contract worth over £2m to fitout specialists Deanestor, for the new Monifieth Learning Campus in Angus. This brings Deanestor’s FF&E work for Robertson in Scotland to 15 contracts, totalling around £17m. Deanestor will fit out 379 spaces across the threestorey campus and will design and manufacture or procure more than 13,000 items of fitted and loose furniture and equipment for the project.
Over 400 tools added
Delivering a choice of high quality hammers, wrenches, hand saws, circular saws and screwdrivers through to tapes, abrasives and much more!
Import volumes ‘weaker’ but prices show stability
Timber imports saw weaker volumes during Q1 2024 than in Q1 2023, the latest Timber Development UK (TDUK) statistics show, and they also continue a much greater price stability for many timber and panel products in recent months.
Import volumes for Q1 were around 150,000m3 down on the previous year. While January and February’s
DECOREX RETURNS TO OLYMPIA EVENTS
The UK’s highly-anticipated celebration of interior design will return to Olympia Events from 6-9th October for Decorex’s 47th edition. Interior designers, buyers and specifiers will gather to discover the world of interior design through the latest trends, product launches, demonstrations and Talks Programme.
AC FURNITURE LTD REPLACES ROOF
Birmingham-based AC Furniture Limited (Maysons Furniture) is taking a big step on its sustainability journey, replacing the roof of its factory in Sparkbrook with new, insulated roofing that will help the business reduce its energy consumption and free up cash to reinvest for growth. Looking to the future, AC Furniture is hoping to install solar panels on the new factory roof.
SGS OPENS NEW FURNITURE TESTING LABORATORY IN GUADALAJARA, MEXICO
SGS, a world-leading testing, inspection and certification company, has expanded its consumer product testing capabilities in Mexico with the opening of a new furniture testing laboratory in Guadalajara.
data remained at similar levels, volumes fell back in March resulting in a 6.2% reduction. Nearly all product types experienced this fall in volume, with only hardwood plywood finishing higher – up by 1% in Q1 2024 compared with the same period in 2023.
Despite this most recent fall, changes in import volumes have largely stabilised since the multiple economic shocks
caused by Brexit and Covid between 2020 and 2023, and the continuing armed conflict in Europe.
These weaker volumes for the start of the year confirm the general sentiment across the timber trade and wider construction industry, though it should be noted that figures for March 2024 are being compared against March 2023 – the second-best
month for import volumes of 2023 – after which volumes dropped further in eight of the following nine months.
Anecdotal forecast data from the panels sector suggest volumes are expected to improve for the remainder of 2024, which may indicate 2024 ends as a stronger overall year than we saw in 2023.
www.timberdevelopment.uk
HPP launches long service awards and branding refresh
Hill’s Panel Products (HPP) has launched a new era for the firm’s branding and marketing with a big nod to its heritage and the people who have contributed towards it.
The company, which celebrated its 30th anniversary three years ago, has unveiled a branding refresh on the same day as it launched a long service awards programme, which began by honouring a dozen employees all with a minimum of 25 years’ service.
During a lunch reception at HPP’s Oldham base, each long-serving employee was awarded a commemorative certificate and a plaque. They also receive two days’ extra
annual holiday for as long as they are employed at the firm.
Meanwhile, the refreshed branding is part of a renewed marketing strategy devised by HPP’s long-standing marketing partner, Cornerstone Design and Marketing
“HPP didn’t want a total rebrand and were keen to keep certain elements to preserve
the heritage and trust within their existing brand, which has stood the test of time,” says Nicola Adamson, senior designer at Cornerstone. “I’ve kept the core fabric of the name and brand intact due to the significant value and loyalty within it.”
www.hpponline.co.uk
New Makers’ Conference hosts third successful edition
More than 70 furniture designer-makers enjoyed an inspirational day of learning and networking at the 2024 New Makers’ Conference in May, hosted by The Furniture
Makers’ Company and luxury designer and maker, Artichoke.
Now in its third year, the conference provides a unique platform for emerging
designer-makers who are just starting out in their career to connect and network with established makers in the industry.
Renowned figures from the furniture design and making world – among them Donna Bellingham, CEO of Shackletons, and Edward Tadros, former chairman of Ercol – attended the conference as guest speakers, captivating the audience with their wealth of experience and inspiring stories.
www.furnituremakers.org.uk
Images courtesy of Artichoke. Photography by James King
The saw blade with potential ► for homogenous material
► ultra-hard carbide
► over +70% service life
► ultra-hard
► new developed tooth geometry
► over
► new
Vernites eco-friendly wood coatings from Amicus UK
Trade paints and finishes supplier, Amicus UK, exhibited at Materials & Finishes show recently, and on their colourful stand, the London-based distributor was promoting the Vernites brand of high quality, eco-friendly wood finishes.
The bright and busy stand had a number of sample finishes on various products made from a range of materials – all of which appeared to be lustrous and rich, and beautifully laid down in terms of finish quality.
Established in 1965, Vernites has a culture of quality which has evolved from working with top international furniture manufacturers in its native Italy as well as around the world.
Two of the star products at the show were Acquacoat, a water-based thixotropic finish certified for interior applications, and Aquapur Stone 2K, a water-based topcoat, similarly certified for interior applications.
The product integrity is confirmed by its membership of CATAS, an international
testing, certification and research organisation which has certified Vernites products to the UNI EN 71-3 certification for painting wooden toys, and also complying with the 2nd VOC emission class of UNI 11896:2023.
Vernites is undoubtedly a worthy option for manufacturers looking for high quality, eco-friendly interior and exterior finishes.
For technical advice, contact Robert Kurzawa. 0208 838 0382 www.amicusuk.co
Sleepeezee raises £68,400 for The Children’s Hospital Charity
Sleepeezee, a leading provider of premium mattresses, has proudly announced a significant contribution of
£68,400 to The Children’s Hospital Charity, generated from the sales of Jessica mattresses throughout 2023. This donation demonstrates Sleepeezee’s commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of children and families in need.
The Children’s Hospital Charity, dedicated to enhancing the lives of young patients at Sheffield Children’s Hospital, plays a pivotal role in providing critical medical care, support, and resources to children facing health challenges.
Sleepeezee’s generous donation will directly contribute to funding essential programs, medical equipment, and research initiatives, ensuring that every child receives the best possible care and support during their hospital stay.
“As a proud patron of The Children’s Hospital Charity, it was a joy to visit the wards and present the impressive donation,” said former athlete and Sleepeezee brand ambassador, Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill. www.sleepeezee.com
Screwfix awarded “Retailer of the Year” at business awards
Screwfix, the omnichannel trade retailer, has been recognised as “Retailer of the Year” at the UK Green Business Awards, the highly esteemed event that celebrates the many ways in which green economy is at the heart of the country.
The award was presented at a special event held on 12th June at The Brewery in London. Screwfix received the recognition for their efforts to slash environmental impacts and promote greener products and behaviours right across their value chain.
The judges were ‘really impressed’ with the breadth of activities and the depth of Screwfix’s commitment to a decarbonisation strategy that has already seen it roll out over 600 heat pumps at its stores.
They also praised how Screwfix had switched 85% of its delivery fleet to biofuel, drastically increased its recycling rate, and more than halved its direct emissions since 2021. www.Screwfix.com
KAY SCHULTE IS THE NEW CSO
AT WEIMA
The first half of 2024 has been extremely positive for WEIMA. This success was mainly due to the company’s presentations in Orlando (USA) and Munich. In his new role as Sales Director of the WEIMA Group, Kay Schulte was responsible for the leading trade shows NPE and IFAT for the first time. He has been with the shredding specialist from Ilsfeld for almost 20 years and has previously managed markets in South America and Central Europe.
THE
FURNITURE MAKERS’ COMPANY TO HOST NATIONAL CHARITY GOLF DAY
The National Charity Golf Day is a brilliant way to support the charity, enabling it to do even more to support those in need in our industry, educate young talent and inspire excellence. The day includes a Stableford full handicap competition, which is open to both ladies and gentlemen, breakfast on arrival, a delicious twocourse lunch, prize giving and raffle.
Koch and Rotte enter into collaboration
Woodworking machinery manufacturer, Koch, and plant engineering company, Rotte, are now collaborating to combine their range of products for the furniture and kitchen industry.
The common goal of the collaboration is to be able to act as a full-service provider in the field of automated drilling and dowel insertion technology for customers in the kitchen and furniture industry.
In joint consultations with the customers, the specific requirements are recorded and developed into bespoke system concepts. The installation, commissioning
and servicing of the systems is also carried out jointly by both partners. However, the KOCH Group will remain the main contact for project
communication to ensure that project handling remains as simple as possible for customers.
“We hope that the
Woods Packaging recognised by Big Furniture Awards
Woods Packaging has been named the “Best Supplier for Packaging Materials (wrapping)” for the second year running at the Big Furniture Awards.
“To retain this award and to be recognised for it is testament to the hard work that the entire team put in behind the scenes at Wood’s Packaging Ltd,” says. “The result is even sweeter knowing it’s been voted for by our customers. We want to thank
them for their support and for taking the time to vote for us.
“With over 30 years of trading, we’ve built a varied customer base. It’s the job of a very dedicated trio, Angela, Jane & Richard, to keep in regular contact with everyone and each customer has their own point of contact. We welcome ideas and are open to suggestions from our customers which then enables the product development team at Wood’s to continually
cooperation with Rotte will enable us to provide our customers with the most comprehensive and customised package possible,” says Christian Koch, Managing Director of the KOCH Group.
“Our machine technology is designed to meet individual customer needs, Rotte can also adapt to the different requirements and thus offer an optimal solution concept.
“In addition, the close proximity of the two companies makes project collaboration much easier, both for us and our customers.”
www.kochtechnology.de
www.ulrich-rotte.de
review the packaging range we offer. An example of this is the recent suggestion of printing the size on our mattress and sofa bags. Such a small change has such a positive impact for so many.
“We are extremely honoured to be named alongside so many big names in the furniture industry and congratulate the winners in all categories.”
www.woods-packaging.co.uk
CNC MACHINING
We have the capacity to produce large quantities of perfectly bonded sheets daily. One of the largest bespoke through feed post forming lines in the U.K.
With state of the art technology we can produce multiple pieces at a time, shaping, drilling and edgebanding. PU EDGE SPRAYING
Using the very latest CNC Beam Saws and Magicut software guarantees consistency and precision. Four
One of the few UK specialists offering this service in-house from start to finish which enables us to meet the tightest of deadlines.
Winners of first interzum forum italy awards announced
interzum forum italy, the new biennial event located in Bergamo’s trade fair centre, has announced the winners of the first edition of the interzum forum italy award 2024. The winners were announced and celebrated at a gala evening in the beautiful Hotel San Marco in the centre of Bergamo.
The jury included Jessica Alexander, Former Executive Director at National Bed Federation; Segzin Aksu, Designer; Mario Bisson, Associate Professor POLI. design; Franco Bulian, Director of Catas; Sasha Peters, Innovation consultant and materials expert and Dick Spierenburg, Designer.
The winners were as follows:
FUNCTION & COMPONENTS
Category: Innovation
Company: MarcaClac di Cattaneo Sergio
Winning product: MarcaClac Sistema®
MarcaClac Sistema® by MarcaClac di Cattaneo Sergio is a patented technology for creating custom-made furniture and furnishing elements with a self-supporting, flexible and functional construction method.
Joint winning product: Company: Scilm Spa
Winning product: Prima Base Prima Base by Scilm Spa is a furniture base that allows great freedom in the creation of the bases of kitchen furniture in which equipment or appliances are installed which increasingly require special applications and processes for housing.
CATEGORY: ESG & Sustainability
Company: SITITALY SAS DI DAVIDE ROSSETTO
Winning product: Micol Lounge R1
Micol Lounge R1 is a padded system with a single-material polyurethane structure, both rigid and flexible, designed for complete disassembly of the products both for correct disposal and reuse and for easy repairability and replacement of parts ensuring extreme durability.
MATERIALS & NATURE
Category: Innovation Company: ICRO COATINGS
S.p.A.
Winning product: g_ink g_ink by ICRO COATINGS
S.p.A. con Socio Unico is a water-based stain for wood and metal surfaces based on ‘Upgraded Recycled Graphite’, a secondary raw material obtained by recovering industrial graphite from HiTech companies.
Category: ESG & Sustainability
Company: Bonomi Pattini
Giuseppe e Figli SpA
Winning product: UPB Boards Made of Resysta® UPB Boards Made of Resysta® by Bonomi Pattini Giuseppe e Figli SpA is a panel made with 100% recycled and recyclable rice husk.
TEXTILE & MACHINERY
Category: Innovation Company: Morgan Tecnica SPA
Winning product: REX REX by Morgan Tecnica SPA is a cutting machine that
guarantees energy savings of 50% compared to traditional cutting machines of the same range.
Category: ESG & Sustainability
Company: SIMALFA®
Winning product: SIMALFA® 365 Debonding Adhesive SIMALFA® 365 Debonding Adhesive by SIMALFA® is a water-based adhesive that facilitates the complete separation of the foam layers, allowing their reintroduction into the production of raw material.
www.interzum-forum.com
Thomas Rosolia, Managing Director of Koelnmesse Italy, and Matthias Pollmann, Vice President of Trade Fair Management at Koelnmesse
Beyond the machine: Xylexpo with SCM
Behind every SCM machine or system for wood machining lies the know-how of a team of experts focusing constantly on the industry’s future to provide products and services that satisfy clients’ real needs. This is the philosophy behind the Italian group’s research and development work and is the same message that has accompanied SCM’s participation at Xylexpo 2024.
Visitors to the group’s stand were able to discover a wide range of technological and digital innovations in a fully multi-media fashion. SCM “broke with tradition” by turning up at a trade fair for the first time ever with no machines: a choice in line with the group’s focus on sustainability.
“The numerous innovations presented at Xylexpo demonstrate SCM’s ability to develop a longstanding, continuous and shared relationship with clients, and to support their needs not only throughout the entire life cycle of a machine, but for the whole duration of its entrepreneurial activity,” says Pietro Gheller, SCM Wood Division’s Director. “This is possible not only thanks to technology – which is still the core of the group’s experience – but by offering an ecosystem of software, services, skills and experience with a very high added value.”
In line with this vision, SCM has presented a vast
programme of innovations strongly centred around new market demands in terms of digitalisation and sustainability, and on new Industry 5.0 scenarios. The stand had a series of corners around its perimeter complete with screens providing a detailed description of the width and depth of the range of technological solutions which SCM is capable of offering.
Also on show at the stand was an area for clients’ finished products to get handson experience of the result achieved, from a quality and finishing point of view, thanks to the group’s machines and systems.
Focus has shifted away from the client’s product and towards their needs in terms of support, control advice and productivity: the new WIN MES software has been presented on this occasion to deal with the factory’s IT flow.
Lastly, at the heart of the stand, visitors to Xylexpo were able to explore SCM’s new, fully operational Digital Control Room which digitally interprets the group’s values: the relationship with the client (“you will never work alone”) via the proactive service enabled by the Maestro connect IoT system and sustainability. Sustainability towards the environment via new energy monitoring functions, sustainability of operations via the predictive maintenance and business sustainability guaranteed by the increase in productivity and the Service Bundle packages. Lastly, but equally important, the concept of sustainability towards
people which takes the form of sharing technical knowledge and continuous training.
Some of the other new entries at Xylexpo included the new software Maestro Lab (CNC machining centre and drilling machines) for CAD/CAM programming both from the office and from the machine; Maestro active beam&wall (CNC machining centres for timber construction); the optimiser for Maestro optiwise and Maestro stackwise panel saws for stacking pieces during the bespoke cutting process, as well as Maestro edgestore manager to centrally manage the edges.
www.scmgroup.com
“The numerous innovations presented at Xylexpo demonstrate SCM’s ability to develop a longstanding, continuous and shared relationship with clients”
Inaugural Materials & Finishes Show a hit
The inaugural iteration of the highly anticipated Materials & Finishes Show certainly did not disappoint. The UK’s furniture and joinery industries were reunited in Birmingham for a rejuvenated and dynamic event, welcoming an impressive 6000+ visitors to the NEC’s halls.
“We’re absolutely delighted with the success of Materials & Finishes Show 2024,” says Event director, David Todd. “We set out to deliver an engaging event, with a broad line-up of brands showcasing thousands of the latest products and innovations for the UK’s furniture manufacturing and joinery industries –and Materials & Finishes Show did just that!
“The feedback we have received from the industry has been hugely positive. The new features that we developed, including the Live Demo Zone, CPD-certified learning programme and networking bar, were all really well received by exhibitors and visitors alike.”
The show represented the first opportunity for the UK’s woodworking sector to truly come together en masse, and to experience the latest innovations, network and do business under one roof, since the final W event in 2018.
Visitors had a choice of over 160 brands on the show floor, with running machinery
displayed alongside the latest materials, components, software, tools, fixtures, finishing products and innovations for the woodworking sector.
More than 45% of the exhibitors were overseas brands who recognised the opportunity to have a presence at the UK’s trade show for the furniture manufacturing and joinery industries.
New features, such as the Live Demo Zone and CPD-certified learning programme, proved a big draw for visitors. They were able to participate in over 40 hours of live demonstrations from brands including AMS, Leitz Tooling, The Joinery Network, Lamello, GreCon, Trend Tool Technology and Rubio Monocoat. These brands received high levels of interest throughout the show, with four machines sold by the end of the first day of the event.
For example, Owen Dare, joinery consultant for The Joinery Network, delivered a live demonstration of the end-to-end production of a timber window frame utilising an AMS-distributed Wadkin Bursgreen woodworking machine and Lignum tooling supplied by Leitz Tooling.
“Our demo was designed to help joiners become more efficient so that they can make more profit with a very low investment model to grow their business portfolio,” Owen comments. “Materials & Finishes Show provided an ideal platform for joiners to see the latest products and innovations, as well as stay abreast of the latest legislation and regulations for the industry.”
The presence of Materials & Finishes Show brand ambassadors – which included self-confessed carpentry, joinery and building fanatic, Robin Clevett, media personality and carpenter, Tibby Singh and fellow online content creators; Peter Millard, Alastair Johnson (Freebird Interiors), Derek Barrett Design and the Welsh Woodworker – increased
“We
set out to deliver an engaging event, with a broad line-up of brands showcasing thousands of the latest products and innovations for the UK’s furniture manufacturing and joinery industries – and Materials & Finishes Show did just that!”
the event’s campaign reach by over one million and certainly added a new dimension to the show.
“What a great show this has been!” affirmed Peter Millard, Materials & Finishes Show ambassador, and owner of 10 Minute Workshop. “We had a fabulous demo area set aside for us where I worked alongside my fellow content creators. We had some fantastic questions from the audience, and I was able to demo
my latest 10 Minute Workshop multi jig as well as talk about all of the great technology, such as CNCs, which help smaller makers / installers like myself to work more efficiently.”
All in all, the industry responded very positively to the new format of the exhibition, engaging productively with its many features and networking opportunities. The Furniture & Joinery Production team certainly look forward to seeing the show grow and evolve, and await the show’s return from May 1719th, 2026.
“I’d like to extend my gratitude to our stakeholders, including our exhibitors, visitors, media partners, content creators, speakers and the trade associations who threw their support behind Materials & Finishes Show 2024,” concludes David Todd.
“We’ve set extremely solid foundations in place to build on and deliver an even more successful event when Materials & Finishes Show returns for its next instalment in 2026. We’re increasing the footprint of the show by 60% for 2026 and have already secured a high percentage of re-bookings which we’ll be announcing over the coming weeks!”
www.materialsandfinishesshow.com
AMS – leading the way in woodworking machinery parts and tooling
In the intricate and fast-paced world of joinery and carpentry, every component, no matter how small, plays a crucial role in ensuring smooth operations.
Advanced Machinery Services (AMS) stands at the forefront of this vital industry as a premier supplier of spare parts and tooling for woodworking machinery.
AMS’ comprehensive online store, advancedmachinery.co.uk, offers an extensive range of parts and tooling for everything from classic panel saws and wall saws to robust heavy-duty machines like multi-rip saws, planer moulders, thicknessers, and CNC machines.
Customers can effortlessly order parts online or through the phone, with the convenience of either collecting them from AMS’s facilities free of charge or opting for quick 24-48-hour delivery if the items are in stock.
AMS’s journey into the spare parts sector is deeply rooted in a rich legacy. The company began its venture into selling spare parts after acquiring the intellectual property rights to Wadkin’s renowned woodworking machinery. As one of the directors of AMS explains, “Many of our employees and both of our directors are former Wadkin professionals. We have a big knowledge of these machines –from the parts they need to how they are repaired, serviced, and rebuilt.”
This deep expertise ensures that AMS provides precisely what its customers need, backed by decades of hands-on experience.
Today, it is not just about Wadkin. Now, the company can supply parts for machinery from Bridgeport, Wadkin Bursgreen, Stenner, Brookman, Leadermac, Robinson, Weinig, Striebig, Rojek, Sedgwick, Holzher, Elcon, Startrite, Axminster, Robland, Felder, Hammer, and many more.
This extensive offering means that AMS is capable of supporting almost any woodworking machine, ensuring that workshops around the world can remain operational without delays.
“We understand the importance of keeping our clients’ machinery up and running without interruption,” comments Ian, from the parts department. “That’s why our spare parts department works relentlessly to ensure that orders are processed quickly and accurately.
“From the moment we receive a request, we identify the required part, prepare the parcel, and send it as soon as possible. If a part is no longer available on the market, we even have the capability to manufacture it for our customers.”
This dedication to service and customer support is what sets AMS apart in the industry.
AMS’s reach extends far beyond the UK and Ireland. The company proudly ships parts and tooling worldwide, making its top-quality products and services accessible to woodworkers everywhere.
Besides spare parts, AMS offers an extensive range of tooling solutions, including circular saw blades, planer blades, cutter heads, Stark tooling, and essential workshop equipment like coolants, grease, roll tables, and power feeds.
AMS invites woodworking professionals to explore its new website – www. advancedmachinery.co.uk – where they can browse the extensive e-shop.
0116 259 8900
www.advancedmachinery.co.uk
“Its
extensive offering means that AMS is capable of supporting almost any woodworking machine, ensuring that workshops around the world can remain operational without delays”
Whether
Combilift – masters in optimisation
With the price of land getting more and more expensive by the minute, making the most of your existing warehousing facilities is crucial and is also the most cost-effective solution when companies are considering growing their business.
Marking 25 years in business in 2023, Irish material handling specialist, Combilift, has the expertise to assist your business in maximising the capacity, safety, and efficiency of your warehouse and storage facilities.
“We have always seen Combilift as much more than a designer and manufacturer of forklifts and other handling solutions,” comments CEO and Co-founder, Martin McVicar. “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 expense of leasing extra offsite storage.”
Combilift has a team of very experienced design engineers who can provide your company with a free-of-charge warehouse design and layout service. This service demonstrates how warehouse space can be configured according to the capabilities of Combilift’s products, which in some cases can double available space.
By narrowing your aisles and making use of your vertical (and free!) airspace, companies can increase up to 50% of their storage capacity and avoid the excessively expensive costs of building a new facility.
Farrell Furniture, the Irish-based designer and manufacturer of quality contract office and residential furniture, has always trusted Combilift for its material handling needs with a partnership of many years.
By utilising Combilift’s C-Series equipment, the company has significantly increased its storage capacity by optimising its facilities and efficiently accessing stock. The sideways movement capability of the C-Series allows for
“The truck’s ability to travel sideways as well as block stack, plus its inherent stability means that even our largest loads can be very safely moved around and easily accommodated in the space available”
navigation through narrow aisles and doorways, enabling customers to maximise racking. Additionally, its powerful and precise lifting technology allows it to utilise vertical space effectively, enabling expansion without increasing the size of the warehouse.
“Our premises are around 100,000 ft², with as little as possible – just 15,000 ft² – being given over to storage,” explains CEO, Brendan Farrell. “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.”
Contact Combilift to find out how it can help your company make the most of your existing space.
www.combilift.com
UNLOCK EVERY INCH OF YOUR STORAGE SPACE!
ENHANCE THE SAFETY, STORAGE AND EFFICIENCY OF YOUR LOGISTICS WITH COMBILIFT
For 25 years, Combilift has been revolutionising the way companies handle and store goods. We help companies of all sizes and from every industry to maximise the capacity, safety and efficiency of their warehouse and storage facilities.
Our pioneering product range of multidirectional, articulated and pedestrian forklifts, straddle carriers and container loaders allows you to manoeuvre long loads safely, reduce aisle widths and increase the amount of space available for storage.
CONTACT US TODAY
To find out how Combilift can help you unlock every inch of your storage space.
ITA TOOLS – a modern approach to tool production
ITA TOOLS is a Polish company specialising in the production of professional tools for processing wood, wood-based materials, plastics and nonferrous materials. It is a manufacturer of PCD Router Bits, PCD Cutter Heads, PCD Saw Blades and Scorings, Solid Carbide Router Bits for woodworking, furniture production and processing composite materials, aluminum, and plastics.
ITA TOOLS ’ innovative ethos and philosophy of operation set it apart. Following its motto “Everyday better”, the company keeps changing the image of the Polish industrial sector on the international market. ITA TOOLS focuses on development and does its best every day to provide its clients with products of the highest quality.
Thanks to its modern production facilities, implementing innovative technical solutions and a wide range of off-the-shelf products, ITA TOOLS
has been winning customer confidence globally. Bold ambitions for the future and a comprehensive understanding the latest technologies have become the company’s driving force. Due to a dynamically changing market, it’s continually expanding its offering and searching for solutions that meet the demands of its partners even more effectively.
Automation and robotisation for customer satisfaction
Next to the specialist service centre, ITA TOOLS is also one of the leading producers of carbide and diamond tools in Poland and abroad. It uses modern machines with innovative systems and automatic loading by robots. This allows the company to increase its production capacity, maintain high stock levels and serial production. It also uses an advanced programme for production planning and monitoring.
“Following its motto “Everyday better”, the company keeps changing the image of the Polish industrial sector on the international market”
With an additional warehouse of raw materials, the company can secure product availability and fixed prices.
ITA TOOLS is also a pioneer in diamond tool sharpening technology using the laser ablation, and is proud to claim that it is “the only company in Poland to offer this service to its customers”. Laser ablation sharpening is a guarantee of a precise blade finish. Thanks to this technology, ITA TOOLS provides tools with an increased service life, which ensures a better-quality finish on the materials being processed.
In keeping with the motto #everydaybetter
Another key attribute of ITA TOOLS is its qualified specialists who, every day, support its clients with their knowledge and experience. For a few years, the company has been focusing on integral development of foreign markets, cooperating with companies in more than 40 countries all across the world.
ITA TOOLS is an active participant of international trade fair events, promoting a modern image of the Polish industry. The multilingual team and regular qualifications-enhancing training sessions facilitate its cooperation with clients from all over the world.
www.ita.tools
Innovative Belt Sanding
Long-life and antistatic: the new Mirka Ultimax® Black takes belt sanding to the next level. With a strong backing paper and a special silicon carbide grain, it performs exceptionally well for the life of the belt. For further information or to arrange a consultation, please contact Customer Services on 01908 866100.
to the finish.
Powell CNC (Maxicam) shows complete panel furniture production cell
Powell CNC (Maxicam) exhibited at the Materials & Finishes Show, enjoying being part of the revitalised and rebranded event after a long period away. With new ranges on show, displayed as a full panel furniture production cell, it proved the perfect opportunity to showcase these and get to meet and speak with customers directly.
“Our stand was one of the busiest at the event, and with our machines integrated as one production cell, it caught the attention of visitors,” said director, Lucilia Powell. “We exhibited our EK nesting automatic tool-change CNC router, a sixsided drilling machine and a high speed edgebander – all seamlessly integrated
with the parametric cabinet software.
“Our aim was to showcase a complete panel furniture production cell from parametric cabinet design software, through to nesting CNC router, edgebanding and six-sided drilling to show small- to medium- sized woodworking shops that a complete automated set-up was affordable and with high quality,” pointed out Lucilia.
“Feedback is always important and this event has been extremely positive, particularly with our semi-automated system. Our new EK router has received a lot of praise with additions such as the dust-free processing, sweeper and speed capabilities.
“Visitors were also impressed with the edge quality and speed of our automatic edgebander and commented on the speed and ease of use when drilling panels on our six-sided drilling machine. Overall visitors were amazed at the price of machines with this much capability, the
“Our
new EK router has received a lot of praise with the additions such as the dust-free processing, sweeper and speed capabilities.“
build quality and ease of use.
In terms of the company’s perspective of the first edition of MAFS, Lucilia said: “The show has provided us with a platform to showcase our products in an efficient and positive way. We had a few sales and a large number of positive leads over the four days. The show gave us the chance to spend time with customers, getting to know exactly what they do, and how we can help them moving forward.”
At the moment, Maxicam/Powell CNC is in the process of designing and working on new technology. “We have very exciting new developments for the woodworking industry. There are a few projects in the pipeline in which we will install fullyautomated solutions, such as the ones showcased in the show,” said Lucilia. www.powellcnc.com
High speed automatic edgebander
The parametric cabinet making software being explained
Nesting CNC router
Nesting machine being demonstrated
Six-sided drilling machine being demonstrated
NEST
Precision CNC routers for woodworking. Our routers provide accuracy and efficiency combined with ease of operation
EDGE
Fully automatic edgebanders for the perfect edge. High speed, accurate, reliable and exceptional edge quality.
DRILL
Rapid processing of all six sides of the panel. Integrate seamlessly in your production work flow and automate drilling operations
Kingfisher Packaging revolutionising industry efficiency
Kingfisher Packaging was delighted to showcase its innovative technology at the Materials and Finishes Show. Representing the packaging and protection stage of the material journey, it is dedicated to delivering efficiency to its customers through expert packaging solutions for a range of products, from furniture and kitchen cabinets through to panels, flooring, doors and windows.
Industry-leading businesses generally utilise the latest materials and software for their manufacturing or supplying stages, yet often their overall efficiency is held back by overlooking labour-intensive, time-consuming and inconsistent packaging processes. In this competitive market, efficient packaging is a crucial factor in cost management, sustainability, and customer satisfaction.
Supplying quality products and a free consultancy programme, Kingfisher Packaging’s goal is to help businesses solve their packaging challenges and increase the performance of product protection, saving them time and money, and reducing damages in transit.
The show was a brilliant opportunity to demonstrate how the company could increase the efficiency of the entire packaging procedure, with live displays of its cutting-edge wrapping machines and systems. These seamlessly integrate into
your operations, offering a plug-and-play solution that enhances efficiency and productivity from day one, often providing a return on investment after less than a year.
“It was an exciting and engaging time at the show discussing business’ unique packaging needs,” comments George Martin, Director at Kingfisher Packaging. “We spoke to a large array of manufacturers and suppliers who were interested in saving up to 75% on their packaging costs by decreasing the time, labour and excess materials currently being allocated to their packaging processes.”
“No matter the scale of your business or the type of products you produce, Kingfisher Packaging can identify the most efficient way of meeting your packaging needs”
No matter the scale of your business or the type of products you produce, Kingfisher Packaging can identify the most efficient way of meeting your packaging needs – supplying machines from stock or even designing bespoke systems.
To see for yourself how your packaging can be improved, simply send your product to Kingfisher Packaging’s showroom and you will be shown the proposed new process.
01823 653400
sales@kingfisherpackaging.com www.kingfisherpackaging.com
Demonstrating the decreased costs and labour time by using an Omegatech® Wrapping Machine
Kingfisher Packaging - Materials and Finishes Show 2024
Omegatech® SA500R Wrapping Machine
Omegatech® SA900R Wrapping Machine
Turanlar and Global Vacuum Presses – high quality, innovative and affordable machines
At the recent Materials & Finishes Show, Machinery Services UK (MSUK) showed and demonstrated a range of machines from its two main suppliers, Turanlar and Global Vacuum Presses. At the show, we met with MSUK sales director, Adam Hinchliffe, who gave Furniture & Joinery Production a run down on what particularly interested visitors.
“One of the key attractions at the show,” said Adam, “has been the Duo Cross-Flow vacuum membrane press from Global Vacuum Presses. The distinction of this machine that’s really important, especially when it comes to thermoforming with solid surface, is the patented cross-flow airflow system which evenly distributes the heat across the oven from side to side, a significant advantage for this machine.”
The Duo Cross-Flow machine is a powerful press that’s a robust and ergonomically-designed solution for preheating, thermoforming and woodworking applications.
The other products that attracted attention from visitors was Global’s Thermofoil vacuum press designed for 3D foil laminating for the production of cabinet doors, decorative panels and furniture components.
“Our Thermofoil press had lots of interest throughout the show with
visitors looking for a machine that can manufacture almost any type of foil wrapping on a five-to-ten-minute cycle,” explained Adam.
“It’s straightforward to use and maintain and it’s ideally suited to smaller manufacturers looking to produce thermofoil products, such as kitchen cabinet doors, panels and other furniture parts.
“The press is distinguished by its quartz heating elements, which ensure a fast response and high efficiency, resulting in time and energy savings. The three independently controllable heating zones ensure uniform heating and control, especially for vacuum forming of advanced shapes and materials. In addition, the powerful oil-lubricated vacuum pump delivers top quality performance for highly detailed 3D foil lamination processes.”
Adam then introduced Turanlar - an established company that MSUK has been working with for over 20 years now.
“We initially became involved with Turanlar because of their postforming machinery expertise, but since 2015
we’ve started to introduce more of their machines, such as edgebanders and beam saws to the UK market. Again, these continue to prove popular with our UK customers.
“Turanlar’s edgebanding machines are great machines, strong and wellspecified. The one we have on show is the T-EB 601N edgebanding machine, designed for medium and high-capacity production. Its our most popular edgebander because of it’s exceptionally high standard specification with the standard features you’d expect but quite a few that you wouldn’t, especially on machine priced as competitively as this one.”
Adam concludes: “the market is very competitive at the moment, and it’s good to bring alternative options for visitors, to get hands-on with the machines at a show like this, and to extend the Turanlar and Global brands to UK customers. We believe these machines speak for themselves in terms of innovation, manufacturing capability, engineering quality incredible value for money.”
www.msukltd.co.uk
“The market is very competitive at the moment, and it’s good to bring alternative options for visitors, to get handson with the machines at a show like this, and to extend the Turanlar and Global brands to UK customers”
Machine Services UK sales director, Adam Hinchliffe pointing out the strengths of Global Vacuum Presses innovative Duo Cross-Flow vacuum membrane press machine
Adam showing off the Global Vacuum Presses Thermofoil machine
Adam points out that Turanlar’s heavy-duty edgebander has numerous advanced options as standard
Extractly & Ecogate do the double at MAFS
Dust and fume extraction specialists, Extractly Ltd, along with the awardwinning ‘extraction-on-demand’ Ecogate® system, were highly visible to potential customers who attended the inaugural Materials and Finishes Show, and gave visitors a double opportunity to meet the team and see the products in action.
As well as displaying equipment and meeting visitors on its own stand, Extractly also supplied, installed and maintained the dust extraction system for the show’s Demo Zone. The centrepiece of the demonstration area was a modular filter unit, powered by an 18.5kW fan, to provide a total extraction capacity of 10,500m3/hour. With Nordfab QF ductwork neatly connecting everything together, including a non-return valve, all dust and woodwaste was safely removed from the working machinery. Perhaps not quite as noticeable to most visitors watching the machine demonstrations, but making a big impact all the same, was the energy-saving Ecogate® technology that Extractly had included in the system. Although Ecogate® was first introduced to the UK market 14 years ago, at the W10 exhibition, and despite the countless successful installations featured in the
woodworking press since then, this is the first time an audience has had the opportunity to see it operating in public, under realistic working conditions.
“With MAFS providing what was, as near as practicably possible, a real working environment for the live demonstrations, it was the perfect opportunity for us to showcase Ecogate’s capabilities and versatility to a much wider audience,” says Ian Rayner, UK Sales Manager for Extractly & Ecogate.
Technical Director, William Keyon, was in complete agreement: “The setup at MAFS allowed us to demonstrate to everyone involved in the woodworking industry that Ecogate® technology can cut your electricity bills by at least 50% ... whether you’ve got just a handful of machines, or a large factory with dozens of machines, the same formula for achieving significant savings can be applied across the board.”
The Demo Zone at MAFS had just four operational machines but, as in the majority of manufacturing facilities, they were rarely all in operation at the same time. However, the total extraction
capacity had to match the requirement of all the working machines combined, so the system was designed to extract up to 10,500 m3/hour if required. In reality, since an Ecogate® greenBOX Nxt Controller was managing the system’s operation, although extraction was fully operational throughout the demonstrations, fan speed was continually varied, in real-time, to exactly match the extraction demand.
Without Ecogate® technology optimising extraction, the fan would have been running at full power during each demonstration period, consuming around 17kW for every hour of operation, and Ian Rayner was keen to emphasise the fact that: “With Ecogate® installed, the reduction in energy usage for the working demonstrations effectively reduced the show’s carbon footprint and, an additional bonus appreciated by neighbouring exhibitors as well as the audience, the lower fan speeds meant less noise!”
01924 520462
info@extractly.co.uk www.extractly.co.uk
“With MAFS providing what was, as near as practicably possible, a real working environment for the live demonstrations, it was the perfect opportunity for us to showcase Ecogate’s capabilities and versatility to a much wider audience”
Manufacturer and supplier of ABS / PVC & Veneer Edgebanding material
We have an extensive range with over 3000 decors matching all main board suppliers as well as door manufacturers and paint colours.
Slitting Edgeband to any size is available on site as well as pre-glueing to order.
We carry both 1mm and 2mm off the shelf and can deliver the next day across the UK and Ireland.
Our website hosts its own decor finder which is a fantastic tool that lets you find an edge to board match within seconds.
We offer a wide range of veneer edging from local and foreign tree species, as well as fine-line veneers of various thicknesses and widths – fleece-backed, sanded and upon request, brushed and lacquered. We offer only the highest quality veneer supplied in rolls.
CAMCO Edging can meet requirements of large and small manufacturers
A house full of ideas
As a partner to the trade, Ostermann proudly presented its products at the Materials & Finishes Show. At the large stand, eight Ostermann employees presented the company’s service, diversity and speed in person.
Due to the new exhibition concept in Birmingham, the Ostermann stand was much larger this time than in previous years. It was a good thing, too, because as a partner to the trade, the company not only wanted to present as many new products and services as possible to trade fair visitors, but also give them numerous ideas for future projects. In addition, the range had been greatly expanded once again with the addition of fittings.
For the visitors to maintain an overview despite the diversity, the Ostermann experts had come up with a very special
“The trade fair in Birmingham was a good opportunity for Ostermann to present its perfectly matching edgings to the board suppliers’ current collections”
concept this time: a tour through different living spaces, past many pieces of furniture that each revealed individual solutions. There was also a new, large edging wall with the latest innovations.
Many new collections = many new edgings
The trade fair in Birmingham was a good opportunity for Ostermann to present its perfectly matching edgings to the board suppliers’ current collections. First and foremost, the edgings for the new Egger Decorative Collection 24+. Then there were new edgings for the Polyrey, Formica, Abet Laminati and Resopal collections on display. The main trend among the new collections are extremely matt surface finishes, both on decor and plain boards. With their new Perfect Matt finish, Ostermann offers the equivalent for the edging.
New edging materials and ideas
Besides linoleum edgings, Ostermann’s new PP edgings were on show for the first time. In addition, visitors could find out more about the new customised decor edgings. With these, customers can design a decor themselves and receive their created edging in the required dimension.
Through the hallway and into the kitchen
The diversity in the Ostermann range offers a solution for almost every application in private and commercial furniture construction: surfaces, furniture fronts, drawers, lights ... Walking through different rooms, said diversity could be discovered on selected furniture. Even a flight of stairs including staircase lighting and cabinet solutions underneath the stairs had been built for the exhibition. The kitchen was a definite highlight, with edgings to surfaces from the new collections, but also numerous applications with the new Hettich fittings.
New: drawers & hinges from Hettich
Since the end of 2023, Ostermann UK has also been supplying Hettich’s innovative drawer systems and hinges, and can now support its customers even better in the construction of their furniture. A new catalogue was sent out in January. At the Materials & Finishes Show, trade fair visitors could personally take a look at selected products on classic applications in the kitchen and, of course, receive advice from the trade fair team on request.
sales.uk@ostermann.eu www.ostermann.eu
The Ostermann team was highly satisfied with the outcome of the trade fair and is already looking forward to the next one.
Separating fabric from plastic
Time and again, users have approached MARTIN with the question of whether it is possible to separate fabric laminations from thin to very thin carrier plastics. After intensive development work, MARTIN has succeeded in offering a reliable solution for this. The manufacturer’s T45 thickness planer is therefore able to perfectly remove fabric laminations from carrier material with residual thicknesses of just 1.5mm.
“Where market competitors give up at residual material thicknesses of three millimetres,” explains Michael Mühldorfer, Head of Marketing at MARTIN, “we are just getting started.”
Mühldorfer emphasises that MARTIN is “probably the only manufacturer in the world to offer the option of planing wood
“The manufacturer’s T45 thickness planer is able to perfectly remove fabric laminations from carrier material with residual thicknesses of just 1.5mm”
and plastics down to a residual thickness of 1.5mm”. The heavy and solidly built thicknessing machine achieves these impressively low planing thicknesses thanks to special adaptations to the already very effective pressure and guide devices. The combination of a thin planing option, vacuum table, specially ground knives and a cutterhead with a specially adapted cutting angle ensures excellent process reliability.
In addition to fabric laminations, coextruded layers can also be separated
from carrier materials. Even glass fibre or aramid fabric layers are removed easily and reliably.
This makes the machine interesting for all users who previously had to separate or even dispose of expensive carrier plastics at great technical expense.
“Our aim was and is to always offer our customers that decisive little edge and thus help them to optimise work processes and reduce manufacturing costs,” says Mühldorfer. www.martin.info/en/
From a single mould - the current generation of our spindle moulders. Rely on the outstanding performance of the T12 and T27 spindle moulders in your daily work and experience how you are noticeably supported by powerful control technology.
MARTIN spindle moulders have numerous useful and patented options that perfect your machine and raise your machining capabilities to a new level. In this way, you can ensure impressive results in your workshop.
England and Wales
MWM Mark eld Woodworking Machinery Ltd. – www.mwmachinery.co.uk
Scotland AWMS Engineering Ltd. – www.awmsltd.co.uk
WS Woodmachinery – www.wswoodmachinery.co.uk
Northern Ireland
Electro Tech Machinery Ltd. – www.electrotechmachinery.com
Republic of Ireland HIGH-TECH MACHINERY Ltd. – www.high-tech.ie
Leitz makes a strong showing at the Materials & Finishes Show 2024
Leitz Tooling actively participated in the recent Materials & Finishes Show 2024, held at the NEC, Birmingham. The company’s primary focus at the show was on presenting its latest innovative tooling solutions for the furniture & joinery markets, alongside a heavy focus on its Lignum window and door tooling system with The Joinery Network.
Tooling from Leitz was also featured on Vertongen & Martin machinery on their respective stands. In addition to exhibiting at the show, Leitz was heavily involved with the new demonstration zone, the seminar theatre and, in 2026, will be the official partner to the Materials & Finishes Show.
Leitz unveils innovative new tooling solutions for joinery and edgebanding
The Leitz Tooling stand was very busy over the four show days, with a lot of interest in the new HeliCut Monoblock system – a versatile tool designed for drilling and milling within one tooling solution. Taking the concept of shrink fit collets chucks one step further, this unique tool boasts a monolithic design, making the tool very stable and dampening vibrations for lower noise and longer tool life.
Equipped with four sided turnblade knives for fast knife changes and reduced downtime, the HeliCut Monoblock can be used for various applications such as drilling holes, pockets, tenons and rebates in perfect quality. Eliminating downtime from tool changes between applications and increasing productivity.
Suitable for all types of joinery machines, this tool comes in many variations for mounting on machines; such as HSK variants or a S30 shank.
For edgebanding operations, Leitz Tooling showcased the award-winning FlexTrim profile cutter for Homag edgebanders. Machinists in furniture production today work with a mix of different types of edgebanding materials and thicknesses. With batch sizes becoming ever smaller, this mix of materials and profiles can only be mastered economically with fast profile changes in edge refinishing.
Leitz FlexTrim profile cutters allow simple profile changes via the machine control due to the multi-profile technology. This saves time and increases finish quality. With the FlexTrim3, the higher productivity through less adjustment effort is supported by a possible combination of tools running with and against the feed.
Leitz
Tooling, AMS & The Joinery Network make a splash in the demonstration zone
The Joinery Network’s Owen Dare demonstrated machining a timber sash window on two Wadkin Bursgreen spindle moulders provided by AMS, twice a day.
With one machine set up for profiling and another for tenoning, each demonstration lasted just over an hour and showcased the efficiency and quality of the Leitz Lignum tooling system, as well as covering the changing legislation in the industry such as PAS24 and changes to relevant building legislation.
“The demonstration zone was probably the biggest success of the show” argues Ben Mitchell, Marketing Manager at Leitz Tooling “It was great to see how much interest there was for our windowmaking demonstration. We had people from all over the industry attend our demonstration, from joiners and students to kitchen manufacturers.”
The demonstration zone was so popular that The Joinery Network, AMS and Leitz ended up running extra slots throughout the week, despite only being scheduled for two demonstrations per day.
Leitz and The Joinery Network deliver seminar on “maximising efficiency & minimising costs in joinery”
Taking a step back from promoting its own products, Leitz tooling accompanied by Owen Dare (The Joinery Network) and Steve Windscott (Nine Zero Joinery) discussed how joiners can reduce costs and increase profitability through a wide range of topics. The panel discussed preventative maintenance, efficient factory set up, impact of tool sharpening and the future of joinery within their talk at the seminar theatre.
01279 454530
contact-uk@leitz.org https://shop.leitz.org
“No matter the scale of your business or the type of products you produce, Kingfisher Packaging can identify the most efficient way of meeting your packaging needs”
Adkwik one of the busiest stands at Materials & Finishes Show
The Materials & Finishes Show proved a very busy few days for the team at Adkwik, a leader in the UK adhesive market. The company was pleased to welcome numerous visitors to it’s stand from a variety of industries, including the furniture, joinery, veneering and laminating sectors.
“The show officially welcomed in the launch of our new and innovative Ubabond U30 Resin Adhesive to both new and existing customers!” Adkwik reported. “It drew the attention of many door and panel manufacturers who are actively looking for ways to speed up production, and make their environments safer
and more cost effective.”
“Our stand was bustling each day with inquisitive visitors, eager to learn how they could bond veneers in less than 30 seconds with just a single component adhesive!
Following the show, Ubabond U30 has been put to the test in their factory with gamechanging results. Production increases by over 40% in
many factories throughout the UK and Ireland have proven Ubabond’s capability to meet the demands of the industry.”
“We would like to thank the organisers and everyone who stopped by to see us. We can’t wait for Materials & Finishes 2026!”
01223 412373 support@ubabond.co.uk www.ubabond.co.uk
Leading in furniture edging & surfaces
SURTECO UK, a subsidiary of the renowned SURTECO Group, is a leading distributor of innovative edgebanding and surface solutions for the UK and Irish markets. Headquartered in Burnley, England, the company offers designers and manufacturers a direct connection to the cutting-edge technology and expertise of the SURTECO Group.
The SURTECO Group is based in Germany, and operates globally in over 90 countries. As a direct source for highgrade edgebanding & surface materials, SURTECO UK provides an unparalleled selection of products and services.
SURTECO, a leading manufacturer of thermoplastic edgings & surface materials for the furniture industry, offers a wide range of edgebanding products, including PVC, ABS, PP, Melamine and acrylic edgings, as well as both paper-based finished foils and plastic films.
At the recent Material & Finishes exhibition, the company presented a complete range of solutions in edgebands of all types. The highlights included the presentation of the ultra-matt edgings – highly acclaimed by industry professionals for their velvety surface and anti-fingerprint properties, digital
printing edgebands featuring innovative and exclusive digital embossing and metamerism optimisation, and edgebands designed for application with fusion technologies.
Furthermore, SURTECO showcased its extensive stock of edgebanding for the leading board manufacturers in the market and the latest innovations in decorations.
“Whether your requirements concern edgebanding, paper or plastic finish foils, decorative papers, impregnated papers, veneer or accessories, we can respond effectively to your needs”
In terms of surface materials, SURTECO showcased an impressive collection of new designs and speciality foils that are available in multiple materials.
The new contemporary Stripes texture from SURTECO was a highlight at the exhibition. Stripes is a new PVC texture which is used on vinyl-wrapped doors and cut and edged panels. A UK stock range of uni-colours is being introduced in Stripes, to match leading MFC colours. Edgeband matches will also enable a perfect cut and edge panel to enable complete design co-ordination.
“SURTECO UK – part of the SURTECO Group, a globally recognised European manufacturer – is your ideal partner, offering you the direct benefits of buying from the source,” says Danny Terry, Managing Director of SURTECO UK.
“Whether your requirements concern edgebanding, paper or plastic finish foils, decorative papers, impregnated papers, veneer or accessories, we can respond effectively to your needs. We are truly committed to quality, sustainability, and customer satisfaction.”
www.surteco.com/uk
Type 3 Button-fix – the easiest way to invisibly and securely attach panels
Button-fix, which has added a coveted King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade to its Queen’s Award for Innovation this year, is well known for developing new products. Its latest fitterfriendly panel fixing – the Type 3 Button-fix – was on show at MAFS 24.
The new Type 3 is probably Button-fix’s simplest solution so far, connecting panels with a simple push-on/pull-off engagement, ideal if the panel is tight into a corner with no clearance on any side.
Like the original Type 1, it attaches panels face-toface and uses the same helpful Marker accessories
to make installation quick and precise. Type 3 is also ideal for acoustic panels such as PET felt. With the correct screws, the Fix moulding can be securely attached to wall or ceiling panels of this popular material, to create an installation that is reconfigurable and easily disassembled at its end-of-life.
From a practical perspective, Button-fix fasteners offer a far better solution compared to adhesive bonding the panels and, from an environmental perspective, make repurposing or recycling the panel easier too.
www.button-fix.com/ products/button-fix-type-3
WASTED
WASTE WOOD IS WOOD
Disposal of timber offcuts, shavings, chips and sawdust can be costly, yet these inevitable by-products of the woodworking industry can become a valuable commodity when converted into briquettes, or used directly as a fuel for heating.
With multiple machine sizes, power specifications and accessory options, the wide range of VOTECS briquetting presses and shredders has the capacity to deliver efficient solutions… whatever your waste reduction needs.
EXTRACTLY has teamed up with VOTECS – specialists in volume reduction technology and precision-engineered shredding and briquetting equipment for the woodworking industry.
FABERTEC makes high-quality leads at MAFS
“We sincerely thank everyone who visited our stand at the Materials & Finishes Show 2024,” says Charles Karol Slowikowski, FABERTEC GROUP UK Founder. “It was a pleasure to showcase FABERTEC products to both clients and colleagues from the manufacturing industry.
“Even though the show was quite small, with only a few exhibiting companies, we recorded 130+ new contacts and leads which may turn into sales or successful cooperation in the near future.
“Our main goal was to meet existing and future FABERTEC customers and to present not only existing and wellestablished machine models, but also those at the prototype and design stage.
“We also wanted to find out if meeting clients in person during an exhibition would prove to be a more effective way of promoting our brand than using traditional online marketing tools.
“It was extremely motivating and joyful to confirm that clients visiting our stand shared our enthusiasm for the quality, usability and affordability of FABERTEC products. From the very beginning, it was obvious that we have been recognised and valued for transparent pricing policy.
“We recorded 130+ new contacts and leads which may turn into sales or successful cooperation in the near future”
All prices clearly displayed on machines, listed in the brochures with all extras –that was a deal breaker loved by all clients, though not always by competition.
“Our exhibition stand (H20) quickly turned into a social place where our founder, Charles, was available to share his wide expertise, knowledge and commitment to all our products. While exchanging jokes and life stories about running a family business, we have established several connections that will probably lead to lifetime friendships.
“We are also seriously considering the option of opening the FABERTEC branch in Ireland in response to the inquiry of 3540% of Irish customers visiting the show.
“We have proudly presented two models of CNC routers – the M1 2030 ATC CNC Centre Router with prices starting from £14,950 nett and the M2 2030 CNC Centre Router with nett price starting
from £24,500. The highlight of the show was our edgebander samples, which captivated many customers and boosted our confidence for launching four different types of edgebanders in September.
“Starting from approx. £12k for a small footprint machine with pre-milling through one with 17m/min with corner rounding and pre-milling to 28m/min with two glue pots EVA/PUR with all the bells and whistles for approx. £35-40k.
“The most interesting one was a finger pull door panel edgebander, which is moulding and thermoforming edging inside, one of the 15 designs of handleless doors.
“Since the end of the exhibition, we went overboard and already managed to add a chamfering option module on the same machine. It will be in the range of approx. £45k nett.
“We are the most affordable CNC suppliers in the UK with full-service support and warranty.
“At this moment, we have no plans to participate in the Materials and Finishes Show in 2026. We need to assess the market, consult our clients and decide if high-cost exhibitions will be still feasible or maybe open house events in our showroom with 20 machines on display will be a better return on investment. Time will tell …”
www.fabertec.co.uk
‘New kids on the block’ draw interest at MAFS
“MAFS 2024 was an excellent opportunity for us to showcase our new range of high density ‘Rezult MDF by London City Merchant’,” says Jon, London City Merchant’s Sales Director.
“Our goal is to serve UK businesses wanting highdensity MDF at a competitive price-point, saving them time and improving their bottomline profitability, owing largely to the fact that our denser
MDF requires less material preparation and finishing (sanding/priming/de-nibbing etc).
“As the ‘new kids on the MDF block’ (in the UK market) we sparked a lot of curiosity, all of which was positive due to our industry-leading density, jumbo sheet sizes and 100% FSC green credentials.
“To be honest, given that MAFS 2024 was the first re-brand show since W18, we
weren’t sure what to expect, or indeed what the footfall would be like. However, we were pleasantly surprised with the quality of prospective clients/ partners stopping by our stand for a chat. “We look forward
to seeing what the follow-ups yield, both in terms of end users of our MDF and referral/ distribution partnerships. See you at MAFS 2026!” www.lcmerchant-distribution. co.uk
Wood Waste Control showcases complete waste extraction and heating range
Leading dust extraction specialist, Wood Waste Control (Engineering) Ltd, showcased its full lineup of bestsellers from its comprehensive waste extraction, processing and heating equipment range at the Materials & Finishes Show.
This included a WFS 2-module silo filter with rotary valve, 2-bin and 3-bin fine dust filters, a hand-fed wood-fired heater and products from its chipper and briquettor ranges. In addition, the company demonstrated aspects of its clip ducting system.
The company’s spray booths and downdraft benches also featured, plus examples from its fan and back pressure valve ranges, as well as a high-pressure hand sanding vacuum unit.
Wood Waste Control is one of the UK’s leading dust extraction and heating equipment specialists for the woodworking industry. Unlike many of its competitors, the family-owned company manufactures its own range of extraction systems and so is able to offer a completely bespoke system for each customer’s individual needs.
Its modular silo and chain filters meet a wide range of extraction requirements and from simple stand-alone bagging units through to complex integrated systems the company provides a comprehensive service. Products include the Whisper range of silenced fans and fine dust filter units.
The company also provides the well-proven Reinbold series of chippers, including
horizontal grinders, and a range of briquetting machines for all applications, as well as its own range of woodwaste conversion machinery.
Wood Waste Control’s range of manual and automatic warm air models are capable of burning a wide range of wood fuels automatically, as well as accepting hand-loaded offcuts.
The company is based in Bourne End near High Wycombe and has hundreds of successful installations across the UK, Europe, Russia and Africa. As one of the country’s leading dust extraction specialists, all Wood Waste Control equipment is built to meet COSHH legislation requirements and can stand alone or be used in conjunction with total-
extraction return air heating systems.
Full details of the company’s high-quality slip or clip ducting, manufactured from galvanised mild steel, are available at www.ductingonline.co.uk.
01628 525290
www.woodwastecontrol.co.uk
Long-standing UK manufacturer of highefficiency dust extraction systems, Air Plants Dust Extraction Ltd, introduce the new Air Smart Energy Saver System.
The Air Smart automated gate system enables a dust extraction system to run optimally and efficiently. This will reduce the electricity consumption of the dust extraction fan(s) significantly, saving money on your energy bill whilst maintaining optimum extraction capacity at all times.
When a piece of factory machinery is turned on, the remote sensor signals the Air Smart control unit and an extraction gate is opened to allow for extraction to that machine. The Air Smart controller determines the correct fan speed, using variable speed technology to ensure it only uses exactly what power is necessary. When the factory machine is turned off, the gate closes and the fan speed is adjusted. This means that you only use power for extraction when it is needed – saving electricity usage and costs!
The Air Smart control system will monitor multiple fans and machinery to control the whole system. Air Smart maintains a minimum airflow in the system at all times so that enough extraction capacity is always available when you need it, on demand.
Get in touch with Air Plants using the details below for a free, no-obligation survey and learn about how much money Air Smart can save your business.
Product Features
• Energy Saving & Environmentally Friendly Reduces the electricity cost of your system and reduces power consumption, only using what is necessary
• Increased Extraction Capacity By better controlling air usage, this can allow for more machines on the system
• Noise Reduction By modulating the main fan with a clever inverter, fan noise is reduced
• Fully Configurable Air Smart is configured based on your production needs to maximise the savings and benefits
How much power can an extraction energy-saving system save my business?
Find out how much you can save with Air Smart. Call 0116 283 3581 to book your free, no-obligation survey.
Realise your brand’s potential at the Furniture Component Expo in 2025
Following a hugely successful inaugural event, The Furniture Component Expo (FCE) will return for its second edition on 19-20th March 2025.
Offering a premier gathering place for the entire furniture manufacturing supply chain, the 2024 expo saw a fantastic response, with many exhibitors already securing their spot for 2025. However, to accommodate the show’s ambitious growth plans, prime exhibition space is still available. This is your chance to position your brand at the centre of the action and connect with a targeted audience of key decision-makers.
Having a presence at the show has multiple benefits:
Focused and industry-specific
Exhibitor feedback highlighted FCE’s laser focus on the furniture manufacturing supply chain. Unlike broader trade shows, FCE delivers a concentrated audience of serious buyers actively seeking the latest components, tools, and machinery. In fact, everything in the furniture supply chain, including logistics, insurance, IT and software, training providers and packaging solutions to name a few.
“Unlike broader trade shows, FCE delivers a concentrated audience of serious buyers actively seeking the latest components, tools, and machinery”
Positive reviews all around
Both exhibitors and visitors raved about the expo’s organisation, attendance, and central location. Comments like “Great event, very worth a visit” and “It was great to have a number of our suppliers in one place” showcase the value FCE provides.
Flexible exhibition options
In order to meet a range of exhibiting needs, exhibitors can choose from either shell scheme options with prebuilt stands, or an open space solution, allowing for complete design freedom. The FCE team will work with you to create the perfect platform to showcase your brand and products.
Connect, collaborate and create
Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the furniture industry’s premier event. FCE 2025 promises a focused audience, high-quality leads, and valuable networking opportunities.
For more information, or to reserve your space today, visit https://fcexpo.co.uk/, or make an enquiry directly through the Exhibitor & Sponsor Enquiry Form – https:// wkf.ms/3vsOeqI to receive a brochure. https://fcexpo.co.uk
“New opportunities, a lot new people & strong possible clients. We loved it!”
2024 Exhibitor
Duncan Reeds: a leading light in lamination for 35 years
Established in 1989, Duncan Reeds is a dynamic manufacturing operation across three sites in the UK supplying laminated products to a diverse customer range across the UK and overseas.
We caught up with the team at their Billingshurst HQ to find out our more.
Located in the West Sussex countryside, Duncan Reeds operates from an unassuming industrial estate on the periphery of the village of Billingshurst. Walk through the doors however and you quickly become aware why and how this business stands apart from others in the business of laminated panel production.
The Billingshurst manufacturer creates a wide range of bespoke and innovative laminate products and services to diverse industries both in the UK and overseas. Key products the company has extensive experience with are wash room and cubicle systems, marine furniture, laboratory furniture, shop furniture, bars and counters.
In terms of cubicle manufacturing, Duncan Reeds has been involved in this space since its conception. All their systems are crafted to the highest technical specification, using top quality products from a broad range of materials.
They supply many of the countries leading shop fitting contractors with a wide range of bespoke shop furniture and fittings from wall linings to slat wall panels, till points to changing cubicles, display shelves and display counters.
Ultimately, Duncan Reeds can and does manufacture almost anything. It’s custom and bespoke solutions range from catwalks for high-end fashion shows to stage flooring for high profile television shows, exhibition stands for global companies, festival VIP areas, gaming machine surrounds, and amazing bars.
Duncan Reeds has pretty much made it all.
Over the years, the company’s client list includes some of the world’s premium brands including Harrods, Manchester Utd, Sainsbury’s, L’Oreal and many more.
Duncan Reeds has rightfully earned a strong reputation for manufacturing and delivering an incredibly broad range
of products to an equally diverse range of customers. One day they will be producing an order for panels drilled with inserts for a furniture job and the next day profiling the edges of a compact laminate for bathrooms as well as creating upscale worktops for incredible credenzas in meeting rooms – these and many other one-off, bespoke solutions are bread and butter to Duncan Reeds.
Garry Atkins, managing director
We spoke with the team at Duncan Reeds to find out about the background of the company and its current standing.
“Duncan Reeds is a family-business and that ethos runs through our operation, it’s what underpins our team approach to what we do. Our people make us who we are – a dedicated team of expert, qualified professionals working across the entire operation, and we know we can guarantee the very best craftsmanship in our manufacturing processes.
From left: director Andy Bilton, MD Garry Atkins, and director Dean Harkess-Cowlyn
Duncan Reeds’ HQ in Billingshurst, West Sussex
“Investing in our manufacturing capability is a vital part of our success – we ensure that we have up-todate, leading edge machinery and IT technologies to service the diverse demands of our clients.
“We never compromise on our code of conduct and operate with a strong set of family values, integrity and ethics; striving for excellence and improvement across every aspect of our business to ensure that customers’ expectations are met. In doing so we have built a reputation, throughout the UK and overseas, as a leading fabricator of bespoke laminated products and services.”
In terms of the company’s history, Duncan Reeds is celebrating 35 years of keeping its customers more than satisfied. Managing director Garry Atkins begins by looks back at the genesis of the business.
“In 1989, me, my father and brotherin-law found ourselves out of work, so we decided to dip back into laminate fabrication work, as between us we had a range of skills and thought it was something we could really commit to. We went out and sourced some second-hand plant and machinery and found a factory in Billingshurst, West Sussex – it wasn’t an ideal one, but it could see us over the line to get started.”
Between the three of them, the fledgling business had a number of industry connections, and this developed into a small but very supportive customer base allowing the business to steadily develop. This being said, Garry pointed out that during the first trading year, Duncan Reeds had two companies that went bust on them. Lessons learnt, they dragged themselves back up and pretty much started again.
Following a challenging first year, the company’s fortunes improved year-on-
year, to such a point where they outgrew their first building. The next was on a nearby trading estate on the outskirts of Billingshurst where they purchased a freehold property.
“At the time we thought the building was massive, too big for us perhaps, so we took on part of the building, then we grew into another part and all of a sudden we’d taken on whole building.
“Looking back, it was quite daunting, we wondered whether we were running
‘Staffing in our industry, and perhaps more so given our semi-rural location in Billingshurst, is a major challenge –but as a family business, we have been blessed to be able to retain many of our staff, some of them have been with us for 20 years or more’
Garry Atkins, MD
before we could walk. But we managed to get good people in as we grew, and that really is the key to good business, your staff working positively with the management. We’ve also got some good sales people too and a great office team to support sales and management”.
After a decade of building the business, Garry and the team felt they needed to spread their wings a little, and the idea of opening a satellite operation in Manchester was born. They were initially concerned about not having a daily handson scenario with their place of work.
Early on it was a little stop-start in terms of sales success and work flow, it didn’t take off as they had expected. Following some re-organisation, and a key appointment in Jason Lawton, things started changing for the better. This soon necessitated a move to a bigger building, again freehold. Not long after, this process was repeated again in Kidderminster.
The headquarters and the two satellite operations provide Duncan Reeds with strong coverage throughout the UK, and in Garry’s words, puts the company in a position ‘where we are in complete control of our own destiny – and that’s what we like.’
During the pandemic, Duncan Reeds was quick to pivot with new products and new materials, perspex screening for the NHS for example. This enabled the company to pretty much carry on with production through Covid with only a brief reliance on furlough, keeping all staff gainfully employed. Garry cites the company’s loyal staff as one of his key motivations.
“Staffing in our industry, and perhaps more so given our semi-rural location in Billingshurst, is a major challenge – but as a family business, we have been blessed to be able to retain many of our staff, some of them have been with us for 20 years or more.
Laying up the boards by hand
Duncan Reeds continues to invest to maintain its manufacturing capabilities
“As a successful business we are constantly looking for new staff to join us, but today it is harder than it’s ever been. We have an ageing staff and management team and it is a real challenge recruiting the next generation.”
Talking about how Duncan Reeds competes in the market today, Garry says: “In terms of our products and how we attack the market, I think we’re aggressive – in a professional manner – and we like to make sure we’re in the melting pot and the discussions for whatever work’s out there, we want to be part of that. With our [sales] guys, we emphasise that we want to be part of that, we want to have a go, to speak to these people. We might not get the job, but we’re in their minds.”
Regarding the company’s wide range of products it has provided over the years, Garry says: “I’m sure that the products we create have helped us grow the business. For us, it’s very important to be critically conscious of what the business is producing. In simple terms, if you produce rubbish you’re not going to be in business for five minutes!
“We’ve maintained high standards from day one, and our manufacturing quality is something we’ve built our reputation on, and it’s recognised throughout the trade.
“The other thing that is crucial to our
long-term success is our service ethos, and by this I mean when we quote a customer a two-week delivery time, that’s a promise we keep. I think the way we perform across the UK and Ireland, is synonymous with good quality products and lead times that we deliver on, that, and our passion for what we do. We also couldn’t do what we do without the support of a group of trusted suppliers, they are part and parcel of our long term success too.”
Looking forward, Garry is clear that Duncan Reeds needs to keep evolving whilst retaining the skills and abilities that have served the business for the last 35 years.
“I want the company to continue to perform with consistently high standards across the business, to grow the business year-on-year and invest in our people and processes every year. Our team will continue to face up to, and overcome, the strains and stresses of a competitive business environment – as a family business we are united in our belief that we will protect and reinforce our status as one of the leading laminate fabricators in the UK, supplying bespoke and innovative products and services to a diverse customer base in the UK and overseas.”
“Before becoming a director at Duncan
Dean Harkess-Cowlyn, director
Reeds, I was an estimator working for a company making bars, worktops and other joinery items, and we began working with Duncan Reeds on the laminate side of things as we didn’t have that capacity. So I worked closely for some time with the estimators at Duncan Reeds and I felt that it was a company that was going places, and I felt I could further my prospects here.
“As soon as I walked in the door, I felt embraced by the attitude of the business, I immediately felt at home, comfortable and part of the family business. Duncan Reeds is a really positive and creative working environment which is a genuinely rewarding place to work.
“The types of customers we have at Duncan Reeds is extremely varied – shop fitters, laboratory companies, offices, the marine environment, cubicles and wash rooms and a multitude of architectural projects – and our products reflect that diverse audience too. The breadth of the materials we use is similarly substantial, and is informed and driven by our customers.
“Our technological capability is among the best in the UK and we pride ourselves on hitting the required timelines we create with our customers.
“Our manufacturing facilities and technical staff can readily cope with our diverse client range with challenging projects, from acrylic solutions during the pandemic, through to Q-Mark certified fire-doors, to cubicles made from solid grade laminate – we have the technology, materials and capability to deliver an
almost endless range of solutions for our clients.”
Duncan Reeds has worked very closely with some of the world’s best suppliers of materials and technology over many years. This in depth knowledge helps the company provide a consultative approach to its client relationships – it’s one of the best-informed teams in the country’s laminate design and fabrication marketplace.
“We have the capacity to output large quantities of bonded sheets on a daily basis. We utilise leading brand laminates – Egger, Polyrey, Formica, Abet Laminati and others – we bond onto many various specialised core materials using high quality PVA glue and Borden UL-39 resin adhesives, in conjunction with automatic glue application to ensure consistently perfect and reliable bonding.
“Regarding CNC machining, with today’s demanding emphasis on curves and shapes we are highly experienced in coping with imaginative multi-axis shape combinations from customers’ creative CAD drawings. We run with Alphacam software which allows us to produce up to four panels at a time ensuring high
volume capacity for what was once a very time-consuming process. Our CNC machines can produce multiple work pieces at a time shaping and edge banding them with reliable consistency.
“In terms of post-forming requirements, we believe we have the largest, bespoke, through-feed post-forming line in the UK and this means that Duncan Reeds can produce custom-made, post-formed panels quickly, efficiently and effectively – and that’s whether it’s 2mm through to 30mm radii or fully bull-nosed, and each post-formed edge is perfectly bonded to the core with high-performance water resistant PVAc adhesive.
“We have for edgebanding lines which can apply a diverse range of lippings to all materials from 10-60 mm thick. From 0.4mm PVC up to 20mm solid hardwood, we are able to produce chamfer- and radius-profile finishes along with traditional hot-melt adhesives. We can also apply lippings with polyurethane which provides a very high-performance fully waterproof bond.
“In addition, we are well versed in applying a PU-sprayed edge, commonly known in the industry as ‘armour edging’,
‘Our manufacturing facilities and technical staff can readily cope with our diverse client range with challenging projects, from acrylic solutions during the pandemic, through to Q-Mark certified fire-doors to cubicles made from solid grade laminate – we have the technology, materials and capability to deliver an almost endless range of solutions for our clients’
Dean Harkess-Colwyn, director
Solid grade laminate has become a successful option for wash room cubicles produced by Duncan Reeds
this is typically specified for use on table tops as an incredibly hard-wearing and hermetically sealed finish. We’re one of the few specialists in the UK that can offer this service in house.
“PU-sprayed edging has become very popular in the educational sector and this finish is ideal for any workplace or space that has to cope with high volume of traffic. The whole process from start to finish is all carried out here in Billingshurst which enables us to totally control the operation and meet the tightest deadlines.
“Looking at our cutting capability, we use modern CNC beam saws to ensure that cutting lists are fully optimised using Magicut software – of course panels are quality-checked on a regular basis to guarantee consistency and precision of cut to ensure high-quality and accurate cutting service.”
Looking to the future Dean is confident he and the team at Duncan Reeds has the competency, attitude and appetite to work with customers whose requirements extend to the technically challenging and unusual: “Just because something is potentially difficult or awkward compared to the norm, I am confident we have the people to push the business forward in any direction we seek to go … and with an investment-friendly management strategy, combined with a flexible and open-minded approach is what, among other things, Duncan Reeds is widely-recognised for.
“In addition, we are a bespoke manufacturer, therefore we are geared up to being a solutions provider, not merely an off-the-shelf product provider, we can turn our hands to almost everything!”
Fellow director Andy Bilton has been with the Duncan Reeds business since its inception in 1989. Because of his broad experience in the business, Andy is involved across the business, with key remits in general running of the factory and heading up the sales team.
“I primarily work with the sales team which comprises our national sales
manager, Mika Sinisalo, along with two full-time estimators. For some of the larger projects, Dean and I will get involved, and we also ensure the estimators take some responsibility to ensure they build on the experience for the future.”
Asked how the Duncan Reeds client base has developed over the years, Andy says: “Basically, we are good at what we do, we have a good name for ourselves across the industry so we have retained many of our clients who remain with us to this day. So whatever we do for our clients – be it cut-and-edge, post-forming, bonding, edging, CNC work or whatever –we do it well, the clients are happy and we become a reliable, long-term supplier.”
The types of jobs the company gets nowadays has of course changed considerably since the 1990s.
“We used to get involved in a lot of shop fitting projects, there was quite a boom when we started out, that has evolved into high-class joinery commercial applications, especially in London, Manchester and other cities where premium projects require highquality fabrication work such as luxury
‘If a given job requires an alternative machining solution, and we can see there would be an on-going need, we will not hesitate to specify a new machine, some software or alternative materials to achieve a controlled and satisfactory outcome for us as a manufacturer, and of course to satisfy the client’s needs.’
Andy Bilton, director
bathrooms, furniture and fittings for break-out areas, meeting rooms and so forth. These tend to be well-specified areas with high-performance materials manufactured to an appropriately high specification.
“To be able to deliver the standards we do, the company has a progressive investment policy to be as flexible and efficient as possible all the time. If a given job requires an alternative machining solution, and we can see there would be an on-going need, we will not hesitate to specify a new machine, some software or alternative materials to achieve a controlled and satisfactory outcome for us as a manufacturer, and of course to satisfy the client’s needs.’
An example of this recent investment is a five-axis CNC machine, of which its customers have been making good use.
“Our ability to cut and shape a panel, put the edgebanding on, clean and polish it so it comes out to the customer all ready to go without using any handwork on it is a significant advantage for all concerned –we are not afraid of investing.”
Andy concludes: “Looking forward, I see the company benefiting from managed evolution and improving quality and capability and bringing down lead times, and continuing to satisfy our clients.”
Duncan Reeds is a thoroughly class act and a classic example of a successful furniture maker in so many ways – a family-oriented business with an earnest and genuinely motivated team, backed by a well-organised manufacturing set-up and a willingness to invest when needed, and importantly, a strong focus on striving for complete client satisfaction, and delivering fantastic products – on time. These foundation blocks see Duncan Reeds continue to prosper – a stellar example of keeping it simple and keeping the customer satisfied. www.duncanreeds.com
Andy Bilton, director
SAM Cases elevates packaging precision with AXYZ CNC routers
Established in 1995, SAM Cases has evolved into a prominent player in the field of flight case manufacturing. Founded by a team of qualified professionals with a deep understanding of packaging and delicate equipment transportation, the company quickly gained recognition for its commitment to quality and innovation.
Specialising in packaging and transporting fragile equipment, the company boasts an impressive client roster including renowned names such as BBC, Dyson, Chelsea Football Club, LG Electronics, Aardman Animation, Procter and Gamble, BT, the MOD, and various other organisations. SAM Cases is committed to delivering cuttingedge solutions that meet the highest standards of protection and security.
“The adoption of AXYZ CNC routers has been a cornerstone in SAM Cases’ journey of excellence, setting them apart as industry leaders and paving the way for future advancements in automation and efficiency”
Throughout its journey, SAM Cases consistently incorporated the latest technology and materials into its products. This dedication to innovation became evident in the range of offerings, from sample and demonstration cases to tough and rugged transit/flight cases. The company embraced waterproof options, integrating renowned case ranges such as Peli, Explorer, Peli Air, Peli Storm, and Peli-Hardigg.
AXYZ machine adoption
Since 2009, SAM Cases has been utilising AXYZ machines, starting with the purchase of their first machine.
Recognising the efficiency and reliability of AXYZ technology, SAM Cases expanded its capacity by adding a second machine within a few short years.
In 2023, the company took another leap forward, investing in two brand new AXYZ Infinite series machines equipped with multiple heads. This strategic move aimed to enhance production capacity, reduce machining time, and leverage the latest advancements in CNC technology.
The INFINITE router is a highly configurable CNC machine that is suitable for one-off, small batch production as well as high volume and high productivity applications, including woodworking, plastic fabrication, engineered plastic machining and so much more. For a wide range of routing operations, one can choose from high-speed spindles ranging from 5HP to 15HP. For knife cutting, choose from a tangential knife, which can be used for creasing and folding applications or an oscillating knife which can be used to process soft goods material.
AXYZ as the preferred supplier
AXYZ became SAM Cases’ preferred machine supplier in 2009 and continues to hold that position. “The decision to choose AXYZ as the preferred machine supplier was not only a strategic one, but the choice was also influenced by recommendations from other manufacturers in the industry,” says Mathew Addy, Technical Director.
SAM Cases serves diverse industries worldwide, producing high-quality packaging with no limitations. They are recognised for offering top-notch foam inserts, a testament to the quality of AXYZ machines. AXYZ machines at SAM Cases handle the production of custom foam inserts and cutting various plastics used in packaging manufacture. They recently created their first 3D foam insert with a rounded bottom pocket for a Rolls Royce project.
Impact on productivity and efficiency
The implementation of AXYZ machines has significantly enhanced productivity and efficiency at SAM Cases. “The inclusion of an oscillating knife on one of the machines has resulted in a cleaner and faster cut with minimal mess, improving lead times for certain projects, enhancing overall operational efficiency,” continues Mathew.
Bringing CNC manufacturing in-house has empowered SAM Cases to control and enhance the quality of their products, establishing them as leaders in the industry. Prior to the adoption of AXYZ machines, the company relied on external manufacturers for foam inserts, limiting their ability to control product quality. Since the integration of AXYZ technology, SAM Cases has achieved unparalleled control over the quality of their products, setting industry benchmarks.
Initial challenges and solutions
The initial challenges faced by SAM Cases during the integration of AXYZ machines revolved around finding adequate space and addressing power and air requirements. AXYZ responded with comprehensive documentation detailing space requirements and power ratings. The successful resolution of these challenges for the first machine paved the way for the seamless integration of the second machine, highlighting the collaborative partnership between AXYZ and SAM Cases.
Cost savings and profitability
While cost savings primarily stem from avoiding markup on outsourced foam inserts, the overall streamlining of operations through AXYZ machines has contributed to enhanced profitability. The CNC technology allows SAM Cases to have greater control over their production processes, resulting in a more costeffective and efficient operation.
“The INFINITE router is a highly configurable CNC machine that is suitable for one-off, small batch production as well as high volume and high productivity applications”
Workforce and skill requirements
Employees at SAM Cases welcomed the introduction of automation in their workflow. The presence of AXYZ CNC machines has not only increased efficiency but also allowed employees to focus on more intricate manual tasks, fostering job satisfaction and a positive work environment.
While there is a learning curve for programming, SAM Cases has grown its workforce to meet the increased demand since the initial machine purchase. The user-friendly nature of the AXYZ control system makes it accessible to all staff members.
Maintenance and smooth operation
Ensuring the maintenance and smooth operation of AXYZ machines is crucial for SAM Cases. Recognising the impact of downtime on their workshop schedule, the company emphasises the importance of AXYZ service contracts, ensuring that the machines are consistently maintained at peak performance levels.
Future plans for automation
Looking ahead, SAM Cases envisions further integration of automation into their processes. Plans include the acquisition of another machine, housed in a separate facility, to process rigid plastics and wood. This strategic move aims to enhance yet another aspect of SAM Cases’ production capabilities, showcasing their
commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.
In conclusion, SAM Cases’ partnership with AXYZ has been pivotal in elevating their precision and efficiency, establishing them as a leader in the competitive world of flight case manufacturing. The commitment to quality and continuous improvement is evident in their successful integration of AXYZ CNC routers into their operations. The symbiotic relationship between SAM Cases and AXYZ has not only withstood the test of time but has propelled the company to new heights in packaging precision. The adoption of AXYZ CNC routers has been a cornerstone in SAM Cases’ journey of excellence, setting them apart as industry leaders and paving the way for future advancements in automation and efficiency.
SAM Cases continues to be a leading force in the case manufacturing industry, renowned for its precision, durability, and commitment to excellence. The company’s journey is a testament to its continuous pursuit of innovation and its ability to meet the evolving needs of clients across various industries.
SAM Cases 01275 866 366 www.samcases.co.uk
AXYZ 01952 291600 www.axyz.com
Circo Interiors selects HOMAG DRILLTEQ V-310 to increase productivity
Based in Little Hulton, Circo Interiors has over 20 years’ experience in manufacturing kitchens, bedrooms, bespoke cabinets, and office furniture. They offer comprehensive services from planning and design to manufacturing. With turnover in excess of a million pounds, the company currently employs eight people, all experts in their craft.
“We understand the importance of staying ahead of the curve in terms of technology,” says Prakash Samji, Director at Circo Interiors. “The panel size our previous machine could accommodate was limited which hindered our flexibility and productivity. We needed a solution that would allow us to process larger panels and handle a wider range of products efficiently.”
Choosing the right vertical CNC
“We’ve always had a preference for HOMAG due to the quality and reliability of its machinery. We knew just from looking at the specifications of the DRILLTEQ V-310, and the panel size it could handle, that it was the way we wanted to go.
“Most of the office furniture we manufacture is generally in excess of a meter wide – too big for our previous machine. With the V-310, we can process 1.2 meter wide panels, giving us the flexibility to do all kinds of different jobs.”
DRILLTEQ
V-310 – the compact companion
The DRILLTEQ V-310 packs numerous features – including up to 45 drilling
‘All in all, the DRILLTEQ V-310 has tangibly improved our production process. Not only does it offer more capacity, but it also enables us to work more efficiently and accurately’
spindles and two groove saws – into just 11 m² of floor space. This spacesaving design caters for flexible layout configurations without compromising on accuracy or efficiency.
“What’s remarkable about the DRILLTEQ V-310 is its compact design. Despite only requiring a small footprint, it offers a brilliant range of options and advanced functionality. We can now handle more drilling, grooving, and trimming operations than ever before.”
Versatility
and productivity
“With the DRILLTEQ V-310, we’ve experienced a substantial increase in productivity. This is thanks to a number of carefully considered features which have significantly improved our workflow.
“The barcode system, for instance, has significantly reduced setup times and eliminated the risk of human error. The operator doesn’t have to manually look for the drilling pattern; they can just scan
Homag’s DRILLTEQ V-310 provides Circo Interiors with the ideal machine to handle its wider range of products efficiently
the barcode and the program’s loaded up on the machine ready for the panel to be inserted.
“The LED guidance system is another really useful addition. The machine actually tells the operator which way to insert the panel and lines everything up. This has made it easier for us to maintain high throughput and consistent quality with every job.”
HOMAG woodWOP software
In terms of software, the V-310 is controlled with HOMAG’s proven woodWOP, offering a seamless blend of programming, CAD, and CAM functionalities. Its intuitive interface,
centred around a large graphics area, provides a user-friendly environment for programming intricate machining tasks.
“We’d already been using woodWOP with our previous machine and were more than happy to continue with it – it’s so easy to use and offers unparalleled programming reliability.”
Final thoughts on the DRILLTEQ V-310 and HOMAG
Prakash Samji concludes, “All in all, the DRILLTEQ V-310 has tangibly improved our production process. Not only does it offer more capacity, but it also enables us to work more efficiently and accurately.
“We’re confident that the V-310 will pay
for itself in under two years. No doubt for bigger companies that timeframe will be a lot smaller. The efficiency and productivity enhancements position us well for future growth and expansion.
“The HOMAG team have been brilliant, from start to finish. The installation process was seamless; they were in and out in three days. We were given full training, and everything went off without a hitch. It’s been great to work with such a friendly and professional team.”
For more information or a demonstration of any of the HOMAG machinery and software, contact Adele Hunt at HOMAG UK on 01332 856424. www.homag.com
Cantilever racking for timber merchant Borovi Impex
One of the leading distributors of wood-based materials and panels on the Hungarian market, Borovi Impex Nagyker, has more than doubled its storage capacity with OHRA cantilever racking.
This will enable the company to continue to supply its customers quickly and reliably in times of rapidly rising timber prices and a general shortage of materials.
‘The 24m long cantilever racks with seven storage levels and weather protection allow easier access to individual items compared to the previous floor storage’
The 24m long cantilever racks with seven storage levels and weather protection allow easier access to individual items compared to the previous floor storage. All in all, the company can now supply its customers 30% faster thanks to the new racking system.
Cost-effective alternative to a warehouse
Borovi used to store their timber in piles under roofs. However, floor storage takes up a lot of space, and accessing individual items required repeated restocking processes, which took a lot of time. The timber merchant therefore decided to create the new storage capacity using cantilever racking.
To protect the timber from the weather, the racks were fitted with a 2.7m deep roof on both sides. Display frames were mounted on the front sides of the
racks, which support a powder-coated trapezoidal sheet as a side panel. In addition, the cantilever columns are fitted with U-profiles into which boards can be inserted.
The resulting sheet piling additionally protects the timber from precipitation. This construction method saved Borovi the time-consuming and costly construction of a new warehouse.
Five racks
Borovi invested in a total of five 7.8m high cantilever racks. Including the base level, each rack offers seven storage levels. Each of the 1.2m long cantilever arms has a load-bearing capacity of 800 kilograms. The rack bases are equipped with guide rails that make it easier to manoeuvre a four-way forklift in the rack aisles.
30% faster, 40% less damage
The new racking has enabled Borovi to more than double its storage capacity in a short space of time.
Storage in cantilever racking offers significant advantages over the previous floor storage method: individual items can be accessed directly without the need for stock
transfer.
This significantly increases efficiency in the warehouse. This also significantly reduces damage to the goods. This and the secure protection from the weather reduced damage to the timber by around 40%.
+ 49 2237/64-0 www.ohra.co.uk
EDGING
The UK’s leading laminate supplier
All delivered straight to your hands
Anker Stuy Coatings celebrates five years in UK
Anker Stuy Coatings is celebrating a significant milestone – five years in the UK market. Since opening its doors in Peterborough amid Brexit, Anker Stuy has consistently grown, weathering various challenges, including the raw materials crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. This resilience and adaptability have solidified its reputation as a trusted name in the exterior joinery industry. Now, Anker Stuy is poised to make an impact on the interior joinery sector, building on its success in its home market in the Netherlands.
A decade of growth and resilience
Entering the UK market during the turbulent period of Brexit was a bold move. Anker Stuy faced uncertainties and disruptions but managed to establish a firm foothold. Over the past five years, the company has not only survived but thrived, demonstrating remarkable growth each year even through years of global crisis. After earning a stellar reputation in the exterior joinery industry, Anker Stuy is now venturing into the interior joinery market. The company’s Ankocryl Interior range, developed and curated specifically for the UK interior joinery market, represents a significant step in this direction.
Introducing the Ankocryl interior range
The Ankocryl interior range offers a streamlined, single-component, self-crosslinking water-based solution for interior joinery. This product line is designed to simplify the finishing process while delivering exceptional results.
This range provides numerous advantages ideal for interior coatings, particularly for kitchen and cupboard doors. First, its single-component nature simplifies the application process by eliminating the requirement to mix multiple components, thereby reducing potential errors during application. Being water-based, they emit lower levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) compared to traditional solvent-based coatings.
Second, the coatings utilise selfcross-linking technology, resulting in a robust and resilient finish capable of withstanding the daily wear and tear typical in kitchens.
The durability and ease of application of Ankocryl coatings translate into tangible cost savings for both manufacturers and consumers. Reduced requirements for frequent touch-ups and replacements make these coatings a cost-effective solution in the long term, aligning economic benefits with environmental responsibility and aesthetic quality.
A bright future ahead
As Anker Stuy Coatings celebrates its five-year anniversary in the UK, it is clear that the company is well-positioned for continued success. Expansion into the interior joinery market marks an exciting new chapter. With a proven track record of resilience and innovation, Anker Stuy is set to stir-up the interior joinery market.
In these five years, Anker Stuy has not only navigated through significant challenges but has also laid a strong foundation for future growth. As it continues to innovate and expand, the company remains committed to providing high-quality, environmentally friendly solutions that meet the evolving needs of the joinery industry. Here’s to celebrating the past five years and looking forward to many more years of success and innovation.
www.ankerstuyshop.co.uk
“The Ankocryl interior range offers a streamlined, single-component, selfcross-linking water-based solution for interior joinery”
The dp-limitless Textured Collection is a range of creative and functional textured polymer surfaces. They can be worked easily with common woodworking tools and machinery and can be recoated with acrylic, polyurethane and water based varnishes. Available in quantities from as little as just one board.
Newest additions to EGGER Worktop Collection 24+ now available from HPP
The newest additions to the EGGER Worktop Collection 24+ are now available from Hill’s Panel Products (HPP) – including one described as having a finish almost indistinguishable from real stone.
The range comprises 39 carefully chosen décors in two thicknesses – 25mm and 38mm – and two profiles. Reproductions include oak, marble, stone and granite, offering a low maintenance, cost-effective alternative to solid surfaces. Matching edging, upstands and splashbacks are available for all décors too.
Suitable for kitchens, bathrooms, offices and retail spaces, the range focuses on authentic décors and textures that offer affordable alternatives to real materials, but with all the added benefits of laminate.
A standout is the Candela Marble décors, developed using a brand new ST76 plate, providing a finish almost indistinguishable from real stone.
Available in Light and Anthracite colourways, they are available in matching Eurodekor faced chipboard which is
‘Suitable for kitchens, bathrooms, offices and retail spaces, the range focuses on authentic décors and textures that offer affordable alternatives to real materials, but with all the added benefits of laminate’
also available from HPP, which makes and supplies board, doors, components and accessories for the fitted furniture industry, particularly kitchens and bedrooms.
Aimee Fletcher, Product and Design Manager for EGGER UK, says: “We are constantly looking at global trends to ensure we have the right décors. Our Décor Managers in each region research what is needed for their market, and my job is to look at what the UK and Ireland markets are really looking for.
“Development is constant - with a rolling product collection which is updated every two years, we can adapt to trends much faster and have the right products when the market needs them.”
Four décors from EGGER’s popular Feelwood range are available as 38mm square edged worktops. Realistic to the touch, the design and texture boast a surface almost identical to real oak.
And 15 worktops feature matching 18mm Eurodekor faced chipboard readily available from UK stock, suitable for door frontals and carcasses.
EGGER’s standard worktop length is 4100mm, but the 38mm postformed worktops are also available as 3050mm for 23 on-trend woodgrain and material décors, optimising them for easier transportation and fitting.
All EGGER décors available from HPP are also available as doors using the EGGER Optima service via HPP’s dedicated EGGER Optima range page on its website, https://www.hpponline.co.uk/ egger-optima
Account holders can choose any of the EGGER Optima décors and a matching or accented edging tape, input the component sizes and the optimiser will create an instant price. Jobs are optimised and priced in real time, day and night.
HPP, which is based in Oldham with a trade counter in Sheffield, and EGGER are both well known in the KBB industry for their exceptional customer service, market leading product innovation and strong sustainability credentials – the latter meaning all EGGER worktops are PEFC certified, made using renewable material and are recyclable following use.
www.hpponline.co.uk
PLANT-BASED WOOD COATINGS
SHERWIN-WILLIAMS INNOVATION IS IN OUR NATURE
Offering a full range of wood coatings with plant-based materials for industrial applications. When it comes to creating a sound environment, we are fully committed. It is simply in our nature to grow our business with the greatest care for people and the planet, and to make a truly positive impact on the world around us. That’s why our wood coatings contain plant-based ingredients and are made using cutting-edge technology. These products, which are based on our sustainably advantaged product platform, are part of our blueprint for a green tomorrow. They reduce (y)our carbon footprint without compromising on performance and quality. Discover our innovative nature on www.plantbased-woodcoatings.com
Sherwin-Williams UK Coatings Ltd
A1 Business Park, Knottingley | West Yorkshire WF11 0BU Phone +44 (0) 1977 67 33 63 | ukinfo@sherwin.com | wood.sherwin.eu
HELPING TO CREATE A BETTER ENVIRONMENT FOR YOU, YOUR CLIENTS AND FOR THE PLANET.
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.
Allied has recipe for success
Over its 45-year history, family-run Allied Tooling has navigated its route to success with a reputation for quality and innovation that has foundations built by longstanding staff with unsurpassed expertise – and of course, industryleading technology from Vollmer UK. This bedrock of expertise, innovation and cutting-edge machine tools is now being driven forward by the next generation, and the future has never been brighter.
The foundation blocks have been laid for more than a generation, but in the last six years, the Poole-based company has more than doubled turnover to over £7m – and growth is set to continue at pace. Central to this expansion has been a company re-branding, the introduction of PCD round tools and saw blades, becoming the UK’s exclusive AKE saw blade partner, and also a rapid expansion of available product lines. This has all culminated in the Dorset manufacturer winning long-term supply contracts with prestigious brands such as Princess Yachts and Wren Kitchens.
With an increasing demand for its expanding product line-up, the ISO:9001 manufacturer now has nine drivers conducting daily deliveries the length and breadth of the UK, whilst more clients are also signing up for consignment stock contracts. Consignment stock simplifies and expedites the supply chain that now sees Allied supply and service over 6,000 tools and saw blades each month. To accommodate this, the 60+ employee manufacturer for the woodworking and kitchen, marine, construction, aerospace,
automotive and motorsport sectors has ramped up its investment in grinding and erosion machines from Vollmer.
The first Vollmer machine arrived in the 1990s and the company has purchased more than 20 Vollmer machines over the years. In the last six years, the company’s entry into PCD tool production has seen it acquire two Vollmer QXD250 six-axis disc erosion EDM machines with H5 loading stations, a CHD270 eight-axis TCT circular saw blade sharpening machine, a VPulse 500 wire EDM with five-axis simultaneous interpolation, a QR270 erosion machine for finishing the tooth tops of saw blades, and the most recent installation, the Vollmer QM ECO Select. This investment
adds to Vollmer machines that already include Loroch KBN and KSC HSS saw blade machines, a CHHF 21H TCT saw blade repair machine, TCT saw blade machines such as the Vollmer CHD250R2, CHD251 and CHD270 with ND340 automated loading, a CHX840 HS and a CP200. These machines manufacture everything from solid carbide and PCD tooling, TCT and HSS saw blades, bandsaw blades, drills, endmills and more.
“We have always endeavoured to cater for the diverse demands of the industry whilst building a high-quality brand with sustainable growth,” says Allied Tooling Managing Director, Mr Wes Hacker.
This has seen Allied move away from ‘cottage-industry’ work and stepping into more complex, higher value and higher volume solutions. This has seen us fill our factory with state-of-the-art machines to adopt greater levels of automation and technology.
“In the last five years, TCT saw blade servicing and sales are up 100%, carbide round tooling sales are up 100% and our diamond tooling that was once outsourced is now produced in-house with growth beyond 400%.”
It’s not a coincidence that Allied has been the exclusive UK dealer for AKE since 2019, or that it has won major contracts with multinational companies – it’s the propensity to work tirelessly to
deliver on its promises, pivot and invest when required. Take industry-leading German brand AKE identifying Allied Tool as its UK partner – a factor not based on sales volume, but the desire to deliver the same level of quality and service that AKE is committed to internationally. AKE saw blades are manufactured on Vollmer machines in Germany, so in true partnership fashion, Allied invested in the same Vollmer machines, adopted the same saw blade programs and also apply the same grinding wheels and erosion discs. The result is that more than 1500 AKE saw blades are supplied, serviced, repaired and returned to customers every week to OEM specifications and quality. Furthermore, by adopting the same Vollmer technology, complex new saw blade geometries developed by AKE are available for service and repair in the UK.
The Vollmer journey
The 16,000ft2 Allied facility is crammed with Vollmer machines, so Allied is adopting a ‘one-in and one-out’ policy until it finds a suitable facility for expansion in the North East to service Wren Kitchens. The latest tranche of Vollmer machines commenced when PCD tooling went from being an outsourced solution to a serious addition to the product range. Identifying the industry trend at an early stage, Allied invested in two Vollmer QXD250’s with the H5 28-tool automation solution in June 2018 and a VPulse 500 in March 2023.
“The QXD 250 is perfect for TCT saws up to 320mm diameter, but it also has the flexibility to process all our PCD end mills, drills and cutters,” says Wes. “With our in-house brazing facility, the QXD250 may be a machine designed for manufacturing
“Our position as the exclusive UK AKE tooling partner and more recently becoming a strategic tooling partner to Wren Kitchens is recognition of our service, support and creative approach to exceeding the expectations of our clients”
new tools, but we also take advantage of its flexibility to service tools. With the 28-tool chain magazine, we can set the QXD250 to run around the clock, giving us a combination of lights-out productivity with flexibility.”
The same HC5 28 tool external workpiece storage system is also on the VPulse 500 machine that arrived in March 2023. “We purchased the VPulse 500 for its flexibility,” explains Wes. “The simultaneous five-axis kinematics and polymer concrete base deliver unsurpassed precision with astounding flexibility.”
Best-in-class saw service
Allied Tooling’s partnership with AKE has ramped up production and servicing for the company. With a selection of reliable and productive Vollmer and Loroch machines that are still in operation after more than 20 years, the saw blade division has undergone modernisation to embrace automation and increase throughput.
In October 2021, a Vollmer CHD270 sharpening machine with a four-station ND340 automation system was installed. Adding to their CHD251 and CHD250, the new arrival increased productivity by more than 30%.
The success of the CHD270 was followed in January 2023 with a QR270 erosion machine for processing the tooth tops of PCD circular saw blades. “HSS and
TCT saw blades are long established, but like the uptake in PCD shank tools, PCD saw blades are now becoming a growth market as the industry recognises the benefits of PCD on particular materials and applications,” says Wes. “As this market shift develops, Allied will be well positioned to service customers.”
It is this strategic foresight that led Allied to bolster its PCD saw sharpening technology with a Vollmer QM ECO Select machine that was installed in January 2024. Whilst capable of processing PCD round shank and circular saw blades, this most recent arrival was acquired for saw blade servicing.
The future
“As a company, our growth is derived from our ability to deliver innovative high-quality products to the industry,” Wes concludes. “Our position as the exclusive UK AKE tooling partner and more recently becoming a strategic tooling partner to Wren Kitchens is recognition of our service, support and creative approach to exceeding the expectations of our clients. The cornerstone of such partnerships is our longstanding team of expert staff and the technology we adopt – and Vollmer is a key partner in providing the machine tool solutions that affirm our position as a market leader.”
0115 9491040
www.vollmer-group.com
Redefining woodworking with Origin
Shaper Origin has redefined woodworking, offering unparalleled precision and flexibility. The blend of router and CNC is unprecedented, opening up many new possibilities for the trade to optimise workflows.
To capture the impact of the Origin, Shaper is now letting users speak for themselves, sharing their experiences of using this innovative tool in real workshop environments. These stories are designed to inspire and show how the Origin has seamlessly integrated into the creative processes of woodworkers around the world.
Where Craft Meets Digital Precision
There can be many different reasons why customers decide to purchase Origin: curiosity to get to grips with new technology, the desire for more flexibility with precise work, or the need to carry out certain work steps that were previously not possible for them efficiently.
For Justin Nelson of Fernweh Woodworking, it was the tool’s blend of digital precision and practical craftsmanship that resonated deeply.
Similarly, Gary Banks from Bank’s Carpentry in London was intrigued by Origin’s potential to blend his love for woodworking with digital tools and modern design principles.
“We’re all about bespoke. Different contours, radii, profiles, and materials. Customers just want something out of the ordinary”
Its precise capabilities, user-friendly interface, and the freedom to execute intricate designs without the traditional space and cost constraints of larger CNC machines are compelling factors. Justin explains: “I couldn’t fit a big CNC in here, nor do I really have a need for a big CNC or the money for one, so I was curious about what Origin could do for me.” This sentiment echoes among users like Gary, who have found confidence in tackling complex projects with Origin’s real-time auto-correction features.
Origin has become indispensable, enabling woodworkers to explore new creative frontiers. Whether shaping bespoke furniture, intricate inlays, or custom signage, Origin empowers users like Gary to fulfil unique client demands with precision and efficiency.
“We’re all about bespoke. Different contours, radii, profiles, and materials. Customers just want something out of the ordinary,” Gary emphasises. “Thanks to Origin’s flexibility and precision, I can do just that, even in my small workshop.”
Beyond its technical capabilities, Shaper Origin embodies a catalyst for innovation and self-expression. Justin values how Origin streamlines his workflow, ensuring each cut meets exacting standards and freeing him to focus on creative aspects. Similarly, Gary appreciates how Origin’s precision and adaptability enable him to deliver bespoke, high-quality work efficiently.
www.shapertools.com/origin-stories
Justion Nelson, Origin Stories
Gary Banks, Origin Stories
Learn more shapertools.com/origin-stories
THROW OUT YOUR TEMPLATES
Shaper Origin and Plate means you have a universal hardware installation machine!
Shaper Origin brings best-in-class portability and precision to any job. Use Shaper’s Hardware Catalog to find free Shaper-vetted templates for this hinge and hundreds more. Just search, place, and cut.
Scalable solutions From TM Machinery
Last month saw TM Machinery exhibit at the first Materials and Finishes Show at the NEC, Birmingham. As the first major UK event for the furniture manufacturing and joinery industry since the W Exhibition in 2018, the Leicester-based machinery supplier was keen to support efforts to re-establish a woodworking show with real value-added appeal and create an opportunity to connect with industry professionals.
While the show did not see the footfall of previous years, especially from mid to large-sized businesses, TM Machinery were able to demonstrate an exclusive range of cutting-edge filtration systems and dust extractor units from AL-KO and
market leading vertical panel saws from Striebig to a steady stream of visitors from around the UK.
As well as presenting advanced and energy-efficient solutions for streamlining operations and building scalable growth, the stand also presented the very latest design features created to enhance productivity and reduce operational costs – affirming the two machinery manufacturers as ‘go to’ brands for businesses looking to scale their processes efficiently.
“Despite the lower-than-expected attendance to the show, the engagement we experienced on our stand confirmed the importance of these events and paved the way for positive collaborations in the future,” says Matt Pearce, Managing Director of TM Machinery Sales and TM Services. “They provide us with an invaluable opportunity to connect with businesses of all sizes and to work together to meet the needs of the woodworking industry in the UK. While online communication has many benefits, nothing beats face-to-face interactions.”
Matt concludes: “A huge thank you to everyone who visited our stands and to our hardworking team for their commitment. Let’s continue to drive the woodworking industry forward. There’s a long way to go in creating a large exhibition but we’re excited about the future and look forward to new opportunities to connect with our industry peers.”
www.tmmachinery.co.uk
Weinig: second to none
Input Joinery has its sights firmly set on the future. Family run for 45 years, the bespoke window and door manufacturer has navigated its way through economic uncertainty, a global pandemic and more recently, a growing skills shortage. But how has the Andover-based manufacturer achieved this and what is behind its success?
The company’s unwavering approach to innovation and willingness to accept change has been at the core of its business model since 1979 and has continued to influence its recent 1million investment project and the purchase of its second Conturex CNC single component
production system from German machinery manufacturer, Weinig UK.
“My father started the business from a chicken shed in the late 70’s,” begins Martin Ruddick, co-owner of Input Joinery. “It grew from a window priming business to a fully-fledged bespoke joinery business that today, specialises in the design, supply and installation of bespoke hardwood windows and traditional, made-to-measure timber doors, staircases and conservatories for the developer and retail market.
We pride ourselves on our ability to diversify and evolve but we couldn’t do this alone.”
Commitment to future-proofing
It’s this commitment to future-proofing that started the company’s relationship with Weinig over 30 years ago. “Back in the early 90s, to enhance our position in the retail market and to help us with a surge in orders, we invested in a Weinig UniControl window line. At the time, it was the best bit of kit on the market but the whole manufacturing process was very labour intensive and involved hours of machining. We needed five machines to complete one window and skilled workers to operate them.”
The drawn out process, which ultimately caused a bottleneck in production and wasted man-hours, was behind the forward-thinking company’s decision to invest in its first Weinig Conturex 124.
The single cell window and door machine offered complete processing in one
‘The technology allowed us to put a piece of timber onto the machine and, without any intervention, come off the other end fully profiled, with locks and housing done and assembled – ready for the paint shop’
clamping process – making light work of small batch sizes and challenging profiles – whilst requiring no jigs or fixtures when switching between components. “The technology allowed us to put a piece of timber onto the machine and, without any intervention, come off the other end fully profiled, with locks and housing done and assembled – ready for the paint shop.”
Investing in tough times
It was clear that this machine had the potential to take the joinery business to the next level but the country was in the midst of a banking crisis and it was hitting the industry hard. “We revisited the numbers,” explains Mark Fisher, MD and co-owner of Input Joinery. “At first glance, people might have questioned why we decided to still invest but it was the machine’s innovation that helped us make the decision to move forward with our plans. Martin and I looked at the cost of the machine, its capabilities and the benefits it could bring to our production. With the addition of an external tool changer and another head, it made financial sense to purchase the machine, and aren’t we glad we did. Twelve years later, it’s still integral to our business and with the original tooling from Oertli.”
The introduction of the Conturex 124 saw
when companies were looking at ways to tighten their belts. Martin says, “It replaced five traditional machines - including mortisers and tenoners - and allowed us to re-train the machinery operators in other areas of the business. It also freed up large amounts of floor space.”
Achieving objectives
The speed and accuracy of the machine saw turnover increase by 30% and helped Input Joinery improve efficiencies across the board, whilst combating the growing skills shortage. “This machine is great at single and small batch production,” says Martin. “Nothing we do is standard, so batch sizes, shapes and sizes can vary massively and orders range from one-off designs to orders of over 200 windows at a time. These can now be batched and machined together seamlessly, with the Conturex 124 automatically switching between parts with zero change-over time.”
Martin continues: “It was considerably more difficult to production plan before the Conturex 124. We might have had one person marking out, another couple of people mortising and tenoning and another manning the window line. The process was never synced, with each process taking different lengths of time to complete. Each time we needed to start a new style or one-off design, we’d have to start from scratch. The Conturex’s high level of automation and simple operation allowed us to streamline production and reduce our reliance on skilled labour.”
Never a company to rest on its laurels, Martin says: “You’re only as strong as your weakest point. When it comes to manufacturing, investing in different areas
of the business is continuous in some shape or form.” Fifteen years on and with the business going from strength to strength, Martin and Mark have invested in a second Conturex to run alongside the existing Conturex 124 in a bid to increase production efficiencies further. Mark says, “Since Covid, we’ve made a conscious decision to future-proof our business. We didn’t want to leave ourselves vulnerable to breakdowns so, as part of a £1million invest project, we bought a new Conturex Artis+ CNC single component production system that offers complete automation at the press of a button.”
Martin explains: “We’re seeing a growing trend for smaller joinery parts so we needed a machine with adaptative tooling. It needed to be capable of machining a wide range of sizes and hold enough tools to produce the variety of windows we needed it to. All sections of the machine were specified with the right aggregates and included stack tooling for efficiency. The Oertli tooling solution meant that we could easily machine door rails measuring 61x 210mm and frames up to 125 x 210mm in Accoya, laminated Sapele, laminated European Oak and Pine – with room for larger, more specialised sizes if required.”
Operating simultaneously
With the two machines now working simultaneously, the Conturex 124 now produces the frames, whilst the new Conturex Artis+ machine – which is brimming with innovative features designed to assist in the processing of corner joints, longitudinal profiling drilling, shaping and insert shaping all in a single cycle – will primarily be machining sash windows and doors – and almost doubling capacity in the process. While the newer model is more compact –saving floor space even further – it is equally as flexible and is capable of machining lengths from 175mm to 3500mm as standard and work pieces of up to 4500mm in length if required. Plus, it is equipped to typically run for 20-30 mins or longer depending on the type of product being processed without any human intervention.
Focus to increase profit margins
The introduction of the second Conturex has increased the company’s turnover by a further 15% in the last two months alone, but for the innovative company, this is simply a bonus. “This time round, we were keen to find new ways to increase our profit margins. By installing the Artis+, we’re no longer having to run 12-13 hour shifts or pay our workforce overtime. Instead, we’re manufacturing similar volumes in one shift and increasing our efficiencies tenfold.”
“If we were to revert back to our old manufacturing methods, before the two Conturex machines, jobs would take up to
four weeks to complete and the reliance on skill would be high. Now, the same batch size can take two days. That’s where the real saving is for us. We’re now working on a reduced lead time from start to finish.
“For us, our goal isn’t to become a huge manufacturing giant. We want to maintain high quality production standards, whilst streamlining our processes and increasing our profit margins. The right equipment, in the environment will help us achieve this. After all, if we can work to similar numbers but produce a higher quality, more cost effective product without increasing staff levels, we’re doing something right!”
Martin adds: “We’ve invested heavily in our business over the last few years and we find ourselves in a strong position. Weinig has helped us get here. For others yet to take the next step or who shy away from change, our advice would be to utilise Weinig’s knowledge and let them into your business. We’ve found them to be honest, open and realistic and it has allowed us to move our business forward. See them as an extension of your business and they will help you reach your goals. Nobody can afford to stand still and the Weinig offers great solutions to move your company forward.”
www.weinig.co.uk
‘If we were to revert back to our old manufacturing methods, before the two Conturex machines, jobs would take up to four weeks to complete and the reliance on skill would be high. Now, the same batch size can take two days. That’s where the real saving is for us. We’re now working on a reduced lead time from start to finish’
Comec CNC transforms playground equipment production at Creative Play
Chester-based Creative Play is one of the UK’s leading designers, manufacturers and installers of high-quality playground equipment. Founded in 1991 by the father of current Managing Director, James Harris, the company has established itself as the benchmark for excellence in the industry with an impressive track record of crafting over 14,000 captivating play areas for a diverse range of customers including schools, nurseries, holiday parks, local councils, pubs and farm parks.
At its modern workshop, Creative Play already has three flatbed CNC routers for cutting and shaping panel parts, plus a combination of manual rip saws, crosscut saws and drills for processing solid wood parts measuring up to 120 x 90mm and up to 4m in length. James was conscious that having so many manual operations was time-consuming and unproductive, leading him to look for a CNC machine capable of carrying out all of these different operations.
Creative Play’s Product Design Manager, Amy Parry, came across JJ Smith when researching CNC machinery and contacted Guy Stanley about a Comec MD CNC machine.
“As soon as we saw the machine we could see it was a quality piece of kit and extremely well engineered,” says Creative Play’s Managing Director, James. “When we saw it in action we were completely blown away with drilling, cutting and shaping all carried out on one machine from a single program.”
The agreed model, the MD TOP XXL,
has a maximum working length of 4500mm, or two separate working fields of 2000mm working in tandem. The head configuration was 1 x vertical electro spindle working in the C axis, interpolated at 360 degrees, an aggregate head for sawing or drilling, an additional vertical electro spindle, one horizontal electro spindle plus a drill head with five exits, giving the ability to drill deep holes on the top, sides and ends.
Following a visit to the Comec factory in Italy for final testing, James comments, “Given this was going to be a significant investment for us, it was important to visit the Comec factory to get a better feel of who they are and what they do.
“To say I was impressed was an understatement. This is a serious company making serious machinery. Everything about Comec oozed professionalism, and it was reassuring to know JJ Smith have a very close working relationship which I understand stretches back over 20 years.”
Creative Play feels the Comec CNC will prove a real ‘game changer’ by boosting production and enabling the design and machining of parts that they could not do before.
“Working on this project with James and his team has been a pleasure,” adds Guy Stanley, Sales Director at JJ Smith. “They have shown great receptiveness to new ideas and approaches. I’m confident that moving forward they will discover more things that the machine can do.”
For further information or to arrange a demonstration, contact JJ Smith.
0151 548 9000
sales@jjsmith.co.uk www.jjsmith.co.uk
“When we saw it in action we were completely blown away with drilling, cutting and shaping all carried out on one machine from a single program”
Chester-based Creative Play
Comec MD TOP XXL at Creative Play
Comec MD TOP XXL four-axis CNC machining centre
SmartWOP and productionManager: HOMAG’s dynamic software duo
Furniture design software has advanced by leaps and bounds in recent years, making long-accepted limitations of manufacturing a thing of the past. Consequently, customers have grown accustomed to remarkable levels of flexibility, precision and ease of use –and should settle for nothing less.
To meet these expectations, HOMAG offers a range of innovative software solutions designed to enhance the entire furniture design and production process. SmartWOP and productionManager are two such solutions. Individually, they provide impressive capabilities, but when combined, they can transform an entire operation.
SmartWOP: The Easy Way to Design Furniture
SmartWOP is a user-friendly CAD/CAM system that simplifies furniture design while offering maximum flexibility. It allows users to design custom furniture using an intuitive drag-and-drop interface. Individual components can be effortlessly placed into predefined volumes, including special configurations like sloping ceilings or corner cabinets. This flexibility enables users to create a wide variety of furniture designs quickly and efficiently.
Powerful features for intelligent design
SmartWOP’s drag-and-drop functionality means that even users without CAD knowledge can design custom furniture
easily. It includes features to simulate door and drawer operations to check for potential collisions with neighbouring components. A comprehensive library of fixtures and connectors from wellknown manufacturers is included, and users can also add their own woodWOP components.
Realistic
and detailed representations
The software boasts impressive capabilities for realistic furniture visualisation. An integrated material library allows users to apply various panel and edge materials to components, providing a rotatable 3D model that accurately represents the final product. The exploded view function is particularly useful for designing complex pieces of furniture by displaying all individual components separately.
Integrated room planning
SmartWOP extends beyond individual furniture pieces, allowing users to design entire furnishings for rooms such as kitchens and offices. This room planning functionality supports comprehensive interior design projects from individual cabinets to complete living areas.
Unique integration with woodWOP
One of SmartWOP’s standout features is its integration with woodWOP. Users can select parts of a furniture item in
SmartWOP and open them directly in woodWOP to add processing steps. These changes are then automatically updated and visualised in SmartWOP. This seamless interaction facilitates efficient design and subsequent CNC production, generating CNC programs that include all processing steps from both SmartWOP and woodWOP.
Direct data transfer to HOMAG apps
SmartWOP generates essential production data, such as CNC programs, parts lists, fixture lists, and technical drawings, at the touch of a button. This data can be directly transferred to HOMAG apps like productionManager and intelliDivide, ensuring that all job details are accessible to all employees involved in the production process.
productionManager: streamlining production management
productionManager is HOMAG’s digital job folder, designed to enhance transparency and efficiency in production processes. It provides a centralised platform where all job-related information, such as parts lists and drawings, can be accessed from anywhere. With productionManager, every employee involved in the production process has up-to-date information at all times and can therefore coordinate with ease on even the most complex manufacturing jobs.
‘productionManager provides real-time updates on the status of each job – and better still, HOMAG machines connected to tapio can automatically report production progress back to productionManager’
Real-time production updates
productionManager provides realtime updates on the status of each job – and better still, HOMAG machines connected to tapio can automatically report production progress back to productionManager. This reduces the need for manual tracking, and helps ensure that all team members are aware of the current state of production.
Efficient part tracking
productionManager offers comprehensive part tracking capabilities, providing a clear view of where each component is in the production process. Each part is labelled with an individual ID that carries all necessary processing information, ensuring seamless traceability. This functionality helps in quickly identifying the status of each component, which is crucial for meeting delivery deadlines and maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction.
Simplified workflow
By replacing paper-based documentation with digital tracking, productionManager simplifies workflow and reduces administrative overhead. This digital approach means that information such as job progress and component locations are updated in real-time and accessible to all relevant personnel, leading to quicker resolution of issues, more efficient production processes, and reduced chances of errors due to miscommunication or lost paperwork.
Ease of implementation and use
Implementing productionManager is straightforward, with the basic version of the product being free of charge. Companies can start using productionManager without immediate financial commitment, and costs only arise when adjusting the number of workstations that utilise the software. This flexibility makes it an attractive option for businesses of various sizes looking to improve their production management.
Integration with other HOMAG tools
productionManager integrates seamlessly with other HOMAG digital solutions, such as SmartWOP and intelliDivide. For instance, data generated in SmartWOP can be transferred directly to productionManager, ensuring that all design and production information is consistent and easily accessible.
SmartWOP’s
Additionally, intelliDivide can calculate optimised cutting or nesting patterns, further enhancing production efficiency.
Enhanced customer communication
After placing an order for something large like a piece of furniture, customers typically appreciate being kept in the loop. With poductionManager, sales teams can easily access job status information and provide timely updates to customers.
This level of transparency helps build trust and improves customer satisfaction by ensuring that clients are always informed about the progress of their orders.
Continuous improvement and feedback
integration
productionManager is continually updated based on user feedback. HOMAG works closely with its users to implement new features and improvements, ensuring that the software evolves to meet the changing needs of the industry. It’s a collaborative approach that ensures productionManager remains
a cutting-edge solution for production management.
The dynamic duo
Combining SmartWOP and productionManager provides a comprehensive solution for seamless furniture design and production management. SmartWOP’s intuitive CAD/CAM system allows users to design custom furniture with ease, using drag-and-drop functionality and a robust library of materials and fixtures – and once a design is completed in SmartWOP, the data can be directly transferred to productionManager, where it is organised and tracked throughout the manufacturing process.
Together, these software solutions streamline the entire workflow from initial design to final assembly, resulting in reduced turnaround times and an increase in overall productivity.
For more information or a demonstration of any of the HOMAG machinery and software, contact Adele Hunt at HOMAG UK on 01332 856424. www.homag.com
drag-and-drop functionality means that even users without CAD knowledge can design custom furniture easily
Titus: full solutions for cabinet hardware
Reliability, innovation, and technical expertise are vital in cabinet manufacturing. Titus, a leading component manufacturer specialising in the development and production of cabinet hardware and hydraulic dampers, has consistently demonstrated its commitment to these values. It offers an unparalleled range of products and services to support cabinet makers in creating high-quality, durable, and aesthetically pleasing furniture.
Comprehensive product range for every application
Titus offers a wide range of hardware solutions that cater to its customers’ diverse needs. The product portfolio includes connectors, hinges, drawer boxes, and sliding systems, among
others. With such an extensive range of products, cabinet manufacturers can source all their hardware requirements from Titus, a single and reliable supplier. This helps streamline procurement processes and ensures consistency in quality across projects.
Titus’ product range is designed to cater to the evolving needs of the industry. Take, for example, the innovative T-type PressTo hinges. These hinges feature a tool-less cup fixing system that enables quick and easy mounting, along with a unique anyway clip that ensures consistent and reliable soft-close action. The T-type-i 170 hinges go a step further, allowing cabinet doors to open to a full 170 degrees, providing unobstructed access to cabinet interiors while maintaining exceptional stability throughout their operating range.
Titus’ Tekform Slimline Tacto drawers are the perfect choice for those seeking a sleek, modern aesthetic. These doublewall drawers, designed for handleless cabinets, incorporate an activator that facilitates smooth push opening and reliable soft closing. The slim design optimises storage space without compromising performance, making it ideal for minimalist cabinet designs. When it comes to cabinet construction, the Quickfit TL5 ‘Full Metal Jacket’ cabinet connectors are in a league of their own. These all-metal dowels offer high resistance to pull-out and feature tool-free insertion with a uniform 5 mm drilling pattern. The Quickfit TL5 dowels create solid, reliable joints that don’t loosen over time, even when repeatedly disassembled and reassembled. Their high tolerance for drilling inaccuracies ensures the longevity and structural integrity of your cabinets.
Uncompromising quality and rigorous testing
Titus’ commitment to quality is evident in every product they manufacture. All Titus products undergo stringent inhouse testing, as well as evaluation by external, independent testing companies. This comprehensive approach ensures that each component meets or exceeds established industry standards, giving you the confidence that the hardware you use is fit for purpose and built to last.
Titus’ state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities employ the latest technology and adhere to the highest quality control standards. From raw material selection to final product inspection, every step of the manufacturing process is carefully monitored to ensure consistent quality and performance. This attention to detail sets Titus apart and guarantees that your cabinets will stand the test of time.
Expert technical support and guidance
In addition to its exceptional product offerings, Titus provides unparalleled technical support to its customers. The company understands that cabinetmaking requires precision engineering and consistent performance, and even the most well-designed hardware can present challenges during installation or use.
That’s why Titus has a dedicated technical support team comprising experienced professionals with in-depth knowledge of the company’s products and their applications.
Titus’ technical support team works closely with cabinet makers to provide guidance on product selection, installation best practices, and troubleshooting.
“Titus offers a comprehensive range of products, uncompromising quality, and expert technical support, making them the perfect choice for cabinet manufacturers who strive for excellence”
Whether you need assistance choosing the right hardware for your project or require support optimising your manufacturing processes, Titus’ experts are always ready to help. They are committed to ensuring that you have the knowledge and resources you need to achieve optimal results and maintain the highest quality standards in your production.
Titus is not just a hardware supplier. They are a trusted partner who is invested in your success. With an unwavering commitment to innovation, quality, and customer support, Titus enables cabinet manufacturers to create products that exceed expectations and stand the test of time. When you choose Titus, you are not just getting top-quality hardware, but you are also gaining a partner who understands your needs and is dedicated to helping you achieve your goals.
In today’s highly competitive market, having a reliable and innovative hardware supplier is crucial to staying ahead of the curve. Titus offers a comprehensive range of products, uncompromising quality, and expert technical support, making them the perfect choice for cabinet manufacturers who strive for excellence. By choosing Titus, cabinet manufacturers can have the peace of mind that comes with knowing their components are not only fit for purpose but also backed by a company committed to their success every step of the way.
www.titusplus.com
Trusted partner in furniture and cabinet hardware
Drawer diversity at Ostermann
Ostermann supplies everything for furniture making from one source. As of late, this includes drawer systems by Hettich, too. They are supplied as individual elements or as complete sets. You can even get ready-to-install shelves and steel or aluminium back panels for AvanTech You if required.
Carpenters/cabinet makers appreciate the quick and reliable delivery by edging specialist Ostermann and benefit from their wide range of products for furniture making. The range is extended on a regular basis and adapted to best suit the customers’ needs.
With AvanTech You, ArciTech and InnoTech Atira, Ostermann now provides its customers with three tried-and-tested drawer systems tailored to the needs of the trade. They are available from stock in white, silver and anthracite. In addition to individual components, there are complete sets available for many heights and lengths.
These include all necessary accessories, including the right drawer runners. The advantage: one part number, one itemand the drawer is on its way. To be able to offer its customers even more service, the Droitwich company also supplies ready-cut particle boards for the shelves in matching colours as well as steel and aluminium back panels for standard carcass dimensions on request.
This makes ordering and mounting
drawers that much easier. Furniture makers can also find all information on the products under the search term “#drawersystems” on the Ostermann website.
AvanTech You
The AvanTech You drawer system by Hettich impresses with a slim, straightedged frame and creative versatility. Its puristic design has no need for visible screw heads or covers. The side profile is available in five heights.
Design profiles, DesignCapes, an internal front panel and an inlay drawer side profile provide plenty of options for customising. The latter can be used to integrate individual inserts from glass or other materials. Side profiles can be illuminated with the AvanTech You Illumination set.
Another – literal – highlight is the Light Tower – a cabinet concept with connectionless lighting. The set consists of the AvanTech You drawer system plus illumination.
ArciTech
The double-walled ArciTech drawers are characterised by their unique running properties and their extraordinary stability. The wide programme based on one platform includes three side profile heights and seven system heights. The matching Actro guides run smoothly and evenly. With load capacities of 40, 60 and 80kg,
ArciTech fulfills all requirements.
InnoTech Atira
Striking, versatile, flexible - the doublewalled drawer system InnoTech Atira shows cutting edge! Three colour versions and various side elements offer plenty of potential for individual interior design. Additionally, there are many solutions for interior organisation. The matching Quadro 6 extension runners are loadable with 30kg, the V6+ runners with 50kg.
Ready-to-install shelves and back walls
To offer their customers even more service, Ostermann provides a readyto-install bottom shelf matching the AvanTech You drawers. The pre-edged reversible board (chipboard) is available for standard carcass dimensions and matches the silver-coloured and anthracite side profiles in colour. Those who want to save themselves more effort can also order the corresponding back panel made of steel or aluminium... and the drawer is done.
Ordered today, delivered tomorrow
Ostermann stocks all three systems in Droitwich and reliably delivers them within 24 hours. In addition to the drawer systems, there are many more fittings from the new [TP] Technical Planning catalogue available 24/7 from the online shop. 01905 793550 www.ostermann.eu
All from one source: the Ostermann service now includes the delivery of Hettich drawer systems.
Sanding challenging elements has never been so easy
One of the key advantages of the PolishStyl sanding system is that you can buy the head once, and simply replace the sanding inserts. It guarantees simple, effective and economical sanding of elements that are generally considered difficult, such as grooved, milled or profiled fronts.
The process of sanding profiles can be as complicated as the profile itself. Therefore, it is worth acquiring knowledge of how to carry out the entire process so that it is not difficult and time-consuming, and so that the final effect satisfies even the most demanding recipient. In addition to this knowledge, the second, equally important element is appropriate sanding materials. These are provided by PolishStyl – a Polish producer of professional sanding technologies.
The company recently showcased its offering at the Furnitech international fair at Ptak Warsaw Expo. The response to its products confirmed the innovation of PolishStyl’s proposed solutions for sanding demanding elements.
Four solutions
The technology of replaceable abrasive brushes by PolishStyl is a flexible system that the user can adapt to their own needs. It consists of four solutions:
• For sanding surfaces and elements with irregular shapes, such as milled furniture fronts, PolishStyl recommends the use of plate heads. The head is offered with a set of brushes (10 pcs.) in grids: P180, P240, P320, P400. It is designed to be installed on power tools with an M14 thread.
• For deeper profiles and directional grooves, PolishStyl proposes using a big roller head with dimensions: D=80 mm (3,15 inch), and L=75 mm (2,953 inch). It is offered with a set of brushes (18 pcs.) in a choice of grids. The roller head is available with two mounting systems: a shaft for mounting on a drill, and a standard M14 thread for mounting on power tools.
• For surface and longitudinal sanding of straight profiles, PolishStyl recommends using a small roller head with dimensions: D=60 mm (2,36 inch), and L=60 mm (2,36 inch). It is offered with a set of brushes (14 pcs.) in grids, one set to choose from. Designed for installation on power tools with a drill chuck.
• The fourth device is a pneumatic tool for quick and effective sanding of wood and wood-based materials. Perfect for work where mobility and high efficiency during intermediate sanding are important. It has easy speed regulation (right-left) in the range of 100-1600 rpm (three gears). The weight of the tool with head and inserts is only 1,2 kg (2 lb). It is offered with a set of 14 brushes. The recommended supply pressure is 6.3 bar.
Head durability
PolishStyl has been producing all described solutions for over 20 years at its factory in Nowa Dęba in the south of Poland.
PolishStyl heads guarantee long and trouble-free operation thanks to their appropriate design and precision of workmanship. The company uses stiff and deformation-resistant material for their production. Therefore, the design of the heads is able to carry heavy loads during sanding without compromising the durability of the head and the machine drive.
Replaceable abrasive brushes
The sanding material installed in all heads presented are replaceable sanding inserts. Depending on the degree of wear or changes in the assortment, they can be quickly dismantled.
The sanding inserts are available in many types: with abrasive cloth, non-woven fabric, natural leather, abralon, tampico hair or horsehair. PolishStyl technicians are always available to help you choose the correct setup. www.polishstyl.com.pl
“PolishStyl heads guarantee long and trouble-free operation thanks to their appropriate design and precision of workmanship”
@PolishStylLeft: roller head, right: plate head
@PolishStyl - Pneumatic tool for quick and effective sanding
@PolishStyl - Carpenters had a lot of inquiries about abrasive brushes for sanding fronts during the recent Furnitech fair
INTERWOOD CAN MANUFACTURE PRODUCTION LINES TO SUIT ALL CUSTOMERS REQUIREMENT, WE WILL VISIT YOUR PREMISES DISCUSS YOUR REQUIREMENTS THEN DESIGN A LINE SUITABLE FOR YOU.
OIL HEATED PRESSES
The new Interwood HOP press range comes with 10 hydraulic rams developing 120 ton pressure with the facility to isolate the two end rams as standard
Oil heating through 42mm solid steel precision ground platens
Our Standard 3100 x 1550mm and 2500 x 1300 are ex stock in our show rooms for immediate delivery please contact us for a quotation
We can also supply any specification press to order for all industries
Wood waste heaters give year round savings, even in the summer months
Despite wood waste heaters having been around for many years, there are still some businesses which haven’t yet realised the value of investing in a wood waste heater.
Wood waste heaters, such as those manufactured by Wood Waste Technology in the UK, convert waste wood into a valuable resource. Burning the waste wood, instead of paying for it to be disposed of, provides free heating for businesses and significantly reduces waste disposal costs.
As well as the money saving benefits to businesses, investment in a wood waste heater can also help a business reduce its carbon footprint. Traditional waste disposal methods often involve paying for skip hire, the cost of which adds up over time. By investing in a wood waste heater, businesses can utilise their waste wood on-site, transforming a disposal problem into a cost-saving heating solution. This not only reduces operational costs but also contributes to sustainability efforts by minimising landfill usage and helping businesses be more environmentally responsible.
Even in the warmer months, wood waste heaters remain a valuable asset. Many models, including those from Wood Waste Technology can be fitted with a summer heat dump. This feature redirects excess heat to the atmosphere, allowing businesses to continue processing their wood waste efficiently throughout the year. By doing so, companies can avoid the accumulation of waste wood, ensuring a consistent and environmentally-friendly disposal method.
Wood Waste Technology’s heaters are proudly manufactured in the UK, adhering to high standards of quality and sustainability. Depending on the business, some companies have seen a return on their investment in less than 12
“For
businesses committed to green practices and financial efficiency, investing in a wood waste heater is a smart and responsible choice”
months, so for businesses committed to green practices and financial efficiency, investing in a wood waste heater is a smart and responsible choice.
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 is proud to claim that it
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
KLÜG sliding door solutions from IronmongeryDirect
IronmongeryDirect’s exclusive KLÜG collection features a wide choice of high-quality sliding door gear and hardware for elevating any commercial or residential interior. All KLÜG products come with 10-year guarantees as standard.
KLÜG soft close Easi Pocket door kit
A simple solution for creating subtle and minimalist transitions between rooms. Included in the kit is a solid one-piece pine top mounted track header, heavy duty galvanised steel tube uprights, self-adjusting floor brackets, drywall and jamb screws.
KLÜG barn bi-folding sliding door gear kits
For a rustic interior, these barn door kits are available in two & four door options, containing top tracks, hangers, wall spacers, hinges, pivots, bolts and fixings. They are manufactured from carbon steel with a heavy-duty matt black powder coated finish. www.IronmongeryDirect.co.uk
Meet William and his range of wood coating products for internal and external surfaces
Inspired by the technological advances in the coating industry, Koate’s portfolio offers a dynamic choice of colours and finishes. Its finishes include a hard wax oil made from a blend of natural oils; base colours, reactive, and non-reactive stains and varnish; as well as a full range of industrial products including UV oils that give a natural elegance to wood –with a timeless, classical beauty and enduring warmth.
William’s passion for finishes was gained through 40 years of experience in the wood industry. He first qualified as a Pattern Maker in his younger years, carving patterns from wood and trading in exotic and European timbers around the world, gaining knowledge of timber and understanding how timber behaves, including veneers.
Proceeding to work with architects and designers on projects and helping them with timber and coating specifications for their projects means William brings more than just a product to the industry. His colour-matching ability and techniques
assist architects in projects globally. As Managing Director of a leading furniture and joinery operation, manufacturing furniture for the Hotel and Wine Industry, he gained a very good understanding of coatings and what was required for finishing and durability on European and Tropical timbers.
Koate has established a very good working link with Valchromat with its
Xmatt varnish that creates an invisible look. The development of its range of varnishes has led to a new look and feel on all timbers.
Supporting its industrial customers, Koate offers a wide range of products and services in coatings for spraying applications depending on their requirements. Its range offers Fire Retardants in water-based and solventbased products that meet Euroclass B fire ratings. These have been specified on projects across the UK.
Koate offers an environmentally friendly range of products. Its technical support and training, along with its extensive knowledge are always available.
Koate’s journey with its customers will go beyond the perfect finish and colour for their wood surface. Whether they seek refreshingly individual, charmingly rustic, sustainable or industrial, Koate will work with their entire design concept and help them choose a finish that is as practical and durable as it is stylish.
07551022391 www.koate.co.uk
“Whether customers seek refreshingly individual, charmingly rustic, sustainable or industrial, Koate will work with their entire design concept and help them choose a finish that is as practical and durable as it is stylish”
IronmongeryDirect: trusted to deliver the tools for the job
Not only does leading specialist trade supplier IronmongeryDirect have cabinet knobs, handles, hinges and soft-close drawer runners for your projects, but it also now stocks a wide choice of tools and tool accessories too.
IronmongeryDirect now has over 200 tools from leading manufacturer, OX Tools, including hand saws, screwdrivers, tape measures, spirit levels, chisels, hammers, tool storage, as well as PPE plus more.
Those already accustomed to using OX Tools will appreciate the superior engineering that is designed into its range, to produce high quality, reliable, and accessible tools that are built for professional standards.
conditions. Sizes range from 6mm up to 38mm.
For example, the OX Pro Hand Saw is a staple for every kit bag. Its blade comes with an integral angle stop for 45° and 90° degrees which are built into the handle for enhanced precision, whilst the robust build of the saw provides improved stability when making precise cuts.
IN addition, the Pro Heavy Duty Wood Chisel has a forged steel core and highquality blade that delivers sustained performance and edge retention and its soft grip, split-proof acetate handle is designed to withstand the toughest
For tapping chisels, shaping, carving gouges and fitting joinery together, the OX Trade Combination Mallet makes a versatile choice for soft and hard surfaces thanks to its two-sided construction. It is equipped with a strong and lightweight fibreglass soft grip handle making the mallet comfortable to use, even for extended periods.
There is also the OX Pro Heavy Duty Bar Clamp with various length options available. Its robust construction ensures the clamp can handle a wide range of tasks, ensuring work pieces are held securely in place with an impressive clamping force of up to 150kg. www.IronmongeryDirect.co.uk
Upgraded routing machine and new key size realeased
As a multi-functional and economical construction connector for the assembly of two parts, the Hoffmann Key itself was a brilliant discovery – so too was the development of the basic Hoffmann MU-2 routing machine. Now, after almost a quarter of a century in service, it has been re-launched – enter the new MU-3.
The MU-3 has been updated and adapted to suit the current and future needs of the industry, with many new additional features. Ergonomic, userfriendly as well as up-to-date, the new
MU-3 is available in four versions: MU-3 Entry level, MU-3 D Digital version, MU-3 P Pneumatic version and operated by foot-pedal control, and Hoffmann’s top machine, the MU-3 PD Pneumatic/Digital version – with the highest operating comfort for a wide range of requirements.
All versions of the new MU-3 routing machine are equipped with a motor carriage which has vernier adjustment for the fine setting of the router cutter and hence the tension of the joint.
The Hoffmann W-0 – the latest key size from Hoffmann
The world of creative design is constantly demanding finer and more delicate wood profiles. But that means, the machining processes for these work pieces will be much more difficult – or a corner joint of such profiles almost impossible ... that was until the new Hoffmann W-0 Key arrived.
The new Hoffmann Key W-0, is approximately one-third smaller than its legendary and proven key size, W-1. The
W-0 now opens a completely new field of application throughout the woodworking industry.
With a cross sectional size of just 3.3 x 4.4mm it will draw together even the smallest of frame profiles – 7mm upwards – with startling strength. Using single or multiple keys, extremely narrow and very high profiles can be jointed. The new W-0 Hoffmann keys are now available in lengths of 10-, 22- and 35mm.
01524 841500
www.hoffmann-uk.com
It’s a family affair!
Chris Franklin, MD at Ranheat Engineering Ltd, – a leading UK manufacturer of wood combustion equipment-continues his series of articles exclusively for Furniture and Joinery Production. This issue he looks back at the Materials & Finishes Show 2024 at the NEC in Birmingham 19th-22nd May.
Ranheat’s stand at the recent exhibition
The photo shows Chris and Barbara Franklin, founders of Ranheat Engineering Ltd, along with their son, Alexander, and youngest daughter, Charlotte, who attended the show at the NEC.
Alex has a Masters in Physics and Charlotte has a BSc in Product design. Between them, they designed the stand and Charlotte has completely “overhauled” Ranheat’s literature and marketing focus. More and more social media is being used to get the message across to potential customers.
So was the exhibition worthwhile? The answer is a resounding yes from Alex, who now leads the sales for Ranheat. “I grew up surrounded by Ranheat,” he says. “Chris has been in the industry for 40 years so has seen a lot of changes in that time. There was no internet or social media, so other ways to get the message across were needed.
“The industry still has a need for an exhibition and yes, the show was much smaller than the old W series and its predecessor Woodmex. But I was delighted with the quality and quantity of enquiries we had on the stand. It was a shame that it clashed with the Milan exhibition. Charlotte and I thought it important to go back to having a machine on the stand so potential customers could see the build quality and compare it with other equipment at the show.”
Ranheat’s
story
Ranheat was originally founded in the city of Randers in Denmark and worked mainly in the agricultural market. Ranheat Denmark ceased trading in 1990 and Ranheat Engineering started manufacture in the UK. The trend was away from
agricultural use and more towards Industrial wood-waste.
The EPA was introduced at the same time and this “new material”, MDF, was making it’s mark on the wood-working industry. Ranheat developed equipment that could burn the MDF dust cleanly and efficiently. The range was extended and warm air variants were developed specifically for the requirements of the UK market.
The most recent incentive by the UK government was the Renewable Heat Incentive, but it applied only to boilers not to warm air variants. The scheme is now closed for new applicants. Prior to that was the Carbon Trust interest-free loan scheme. With the upcoming election, we have to wait and see if another scheme is introduced by the new government in July.
The use of wood-waste as a means of
“With savings on conventional fuels, savings on disposal of wood-waste, land fill tax and high energy costs there has never been a better case for using your waste as a fuel”
heating and re-cycling waste to energy has always stood up with fast returns on investment. With savings on conventional fuels, savings on disposal of wood-waste, land fill tax and high energy costs there has never been a better case for using your waste as a fuel. Alex, as a Physics graduate, is also looking at making cooling from wood waste for use in hot countries and also at the ORC (Organic Rankine Cycle) to produce electricity.
I’ve seen many changes over my career in Industrial Wood-waste boilers. Prior to the EPA, as long as dark smoke wasn’t coming from the chimney, that was all OK. Then various guidance note like PG1/12 started to look at the quality of the emissions in terms of Carbon Monoxide and Carbon Dioxide, Limits on particulate and also Oxides of Nitrogen were introduced in 2013. This lead Ranheat to develop flue gas re-circulation and ceramic filters to address these two limits. 40 years ago you needed to be an engineer to design boilers and heaters, now with the flue gas emissions you need to be a physicist and a chemist.
Contact Ranheat for more information on Industrial Woodburning equipment from 75 kW upwards. Ranheat also make spares and services and repairs other makes of wood-burning boilers and heaters. 01604 750005 www.ranheat.com
Chris and Barbara Franklin, founders of Ranheat Engineering Ltd, with their son, Alexander, and youngest daughter, Charlotte
Below: Ranheat Bag-loader for safe feeding of dust into a warm air heater, featured at the recent Materials & Finishes Exhibition
IDS increases design flexibility of Finesse worksurfaces
In response to customer feedback, IDS has introduced a brand new 665mm wide breakfast bar size as part of its Finesse by Kronodesign® laminate range.
60 laminate decors are now available in the deeper 665mm width in 4.1m lengths and 38mm thickness. These round and square profile breakfast bars are edged on both long sides, increasing the design flexibility of Finesse® worktops for both new and renovation projects.
665mm is a versatile size that can be used in multiple ways. It’s ideal as a narrow breakfast bar in compact kitchens or it can be cut down to 650mm giving a deeper single-sided worktop to accommodate plumbing and electrics typically installed on a sink run. The extra width also means it can be scribed into walls that aren’t square to give a neat linear run of cabinets.
The new size is available for delivery in 24-72 hours nationwide from IDS’s 10 branches.
The full Finesse range offers over 60 decors in a curated range of round and square edge profiles, thicknesses in 38mm and 22mm, together with 12mm Slim Line compact laminate decors. Worktops come in 3m and 4.1m lengths in 600mm widths, with 665mm and 900mm wide breakfast bars, plus matching upstands and double-sided splashbacks across all
designs. They are manufactured in the UK by Kronodesign®, a global leader in engineered wood products. 0845 7 298 298 solutions@idsurfaces.co.uk www.idsurfaces.co.uk
Tel: 01424 776102 Email: lisa@media66.net
EGGER Worktops
Simplicity redefined in 25 and 38 mm
Decorative Collection 24+
Elevate your spaces with distinctive and design-led worktops. Realistic woodgrains, cool marbles, and authentic stones in two thicknesses. Complete the overall design using matching splashbacks, upstands, and edging, ensuring a co-ordinated finish. Explore the new Decorative Collection 24+ now. All decors shown and mentioned are reproductions.
To find out more to.egger.link/worktops
