wet is all good

Farnese and Proform CNC combine for the best in equipment and service

Premiere Stone Ltd based in East Tamaki, Auckland is a great example of a modern stone, marble and engineered stone benchtop cutting and polishing operation. Bob Nordgren from JOINERS Magazine went to have a look to find out why.

There are a couple of things you notice straight away. The factory work area of some 800 square metres has been set up from a stonecutter’s perspective with a range of machines positioned to allow a smooth transition through each stage of the production process from cutting, polishing and finishing which allows for quick production from the order coming in to its eventual delivery to the client. The second thing is all the machinery comes from Australian machinery manufacturer Farnese. The facility, which was established in 2017, is in the back third of the Incredible Kitchen Company site in Lady Ruby Drive. The most notable feature is it is an all wet cutting operation.

“This makes for a safer and cleaner operation” comments Production Manager Mitch Dawson who has been with the business since it was established by owner Shaun Simpson of Central Joinery Ltd fame. “The machinery we operate here make for an efficient production schedule where we deal with largely engineered stone, some 80%, with the rest being marble and stone. We order in our raw material and process it to the dimensions prescribed all on this site.” Mitch continues.

The system and machinery can in theory be all operated by one person. “The reality is we have a team of five onsite who are involved in overseeing each of the production phases. These benchtops which are usually 20 to 30mm thick are heavy. The setup we use means there is little lifting other than by the use of a Farnese

500kg Jibcrane and vacuum lifter placed in the centre of the factory floor with all the other machines arrayed around so each benchtop is moved from one to another for processing.” explains Mitch.

The centrepiece of the factory is a Technicut 5 Axis Bridge and an Alexia CNC machine, again, both from Farnese. With its all wet cutting they can pretty much do all the fine cutting required for any particular job including sink inserts. The Technicut can cut 3.2m x 1.6m slabs. These machines are quick and accurate to reflect the laser measurements supplied for the job. Interesting to note here that these templating measurements are created by Mitch’s father, experienced Bruce Dawson who has also been with the operation from the start. A team including the owner of Farnese were there when the factory was set up and the equipment commissioned. Along with the Marmo Meccanica edge polishing machine there is a powerful 7500 water system installed by Farnese with two large water tanks out back. The used water is processed using a flocculant that separates the solids from the water so it can be recycled and the waste separately disposed of. Their most recent acquisition has been a 45 degree mitre saw for cutting bench edges.

All this needs an expert eye to keep things running smoothly which is where local company Proform CNC Ltd who are now part of Farnese Australia comes in. “Rob (Hutchings) from Proform has been really helpful. He comes in about six times a year or on demand to service our machinery. His excellent knowledge of the machines involved means things get fixed quickly and time and money is saved as a result.” Mitch comments.

What of the future? It looks a good one as Premiere Stone have been in demand providing benchtops for both the residential and commercial sectors. “We are seeing a lot from the renovation scene probably due to Covid 19 as well as new building projects coming through.” notes Bruce. Their team of five works well. “We have had our challenges, what with supply through Covid 19 but we have a good combination of a well oiled team and good equipment to get the job done.” says Mitch.

That’s my impression too.

For more information contact Bruce Dawson Premiere Stone Ltd on 022 309 2529 or email templating@premierestone.co.nz or visit www.premierestone.co.nz

For Proform CNC Ltd and Farnese Australia contact Rob Hutchings on 04 526 8589 or rob.proform@ xtra.co.nz