Meeting emerging trends

Based in Cromwell, Masterwood Joinery is one of the larger players in the Central Otago region. With a strong association with Queenstown residential developments, and in particular Millbrook, Masterwood Joinery target high-end kitchens and joinery. Dave Wilson, Operations Manager, explains the type of work they do. “We focus particularly on kitchens, wardrobes, laundries and vanities. But these are big builds, and at times we’re asked to take on more. We have the workshop and the skills in-house to take on customised windows, doors, gates. If they want a complete houseload, we can do it.”

Masterwood Joinery has six joiners on the workshop floor, including three apprentices. In the office is a Production Scheduler, a Designer, two Programmers and administration, and they have a dedicated Installer to fit out everything they produce.

“Our work not only comes from around the region, but the whole country - it doesn’t take long for the latest trends to be required somewhere in the Central Lakes area,” says Dave. It’s clear from their stunning showroom Masterwood Joinery are more than capable of turning out top class work. And with a full order book until Spring 2023, they’re clearly in demand.

To keep up with the changing needs of the market, Masterwood Joinery recently installed a new Homag Edgeteq S-300 1440, purchased from and installed by Jacks.

“Our old Homag had lasted us many, many years – and was still going when we took it out. But as well as starting to show its age, we wanted the ability to work with laser-edged tape. The new Homag comes with airTec, and therefore the near invisible glueline we wanted.”

Given the style of kitchens they’re making, as well as working with high-gloss finishes, Dave also needed the ability to edge up to 60mm high, veneer strips, and cope with whatever else the latest trend requires. Whereas previously they were working entirely with 2mm PVC tape, now they’re using 1mm tape all round, including the 1mm laser-edged tape. “It’s providing a hugely impressive finish” says Dave. “It’s fast, clean and saving us a lot of time.”

Dave took the time to take part in the training. “Ian from Jacks installed it and trained us. He was thorough and helpful as ever,” says Dave. “I wanted to learn the programming, and the basic maintenance. There’s been quite a step up in technology since our original Homag was new!

We look after our machines and we intend to do the same with this one. And after our previous Homag experience we’re expecting many more years of quality edgebanding.”