Established in 1897, W H Mason & Son is one of the longest-established and most successful businesses in Staffordshire, founded on an impressive pedigree and supported by a continually expanding customer base.
As a major importer, stockist and distributor of different kinds of timber, the company enables a wide range of applications in many different markets, including the industrial woodworking, furniture manufacturing, joinery and panel processing sectors.
A key activity, however, is the supply of bespoke products such as exhibition stands, retail display units and shelving, garden furniture and, somewhat uniquely, wooden casks for the wine, brewing and distilling industries.
Director of W H Mason & Son, Mike Cherry comments: “Our successful business relationship with AXYZ International dates back to the time we installed a smaller CNC router supplied by Pacer Systems prior to its acquisition by AXYZ.
“At that time, we were sourcing only production tools from the AXYZ 24/7 online purchasing facility and it was due to AXYZ International’s known reputation for reliability that we decided to purchase a new and higher-performance AXYZ machine that would better meet current and predicted future customer requirements.”
The AXYZ CNC router installed is one of the 4000 series and arguably the most popular within the industries being served by W H Mason. Sales manager of the company, Jason Cherry commented: “The AXYZ 4010 machine has a processing area of 3m x 1.5m. It will handle all sizes and volumes of the work we undertake and incorporates a 10-station ATC (Automatic Tool Change) facility for work involving multiple tooling requirements and the latest AXYZ A2MC machine controller.
“As explained by AXYZ International, this particular machine enhancement is designed to comprehensively resolve problems associated with ‘bounce’ and vibration caused by sudden acceleration/deceleration frequently experienced with less technically-advanced control systems.”
The router is supported by the non-standard Vectric Aspire design and production software rather than the standard Vectric Pro version generally supplied with AXYZ machines. Jason Cherry adds: “The choice of software was based on our need for greater flexibility and ease of use and because the Vectric Aspire software is fully compatible with the laser cutting systems we also use.”
On the service provided by AXYZ International, prior to, during and following installation of the AXYZ 4010 router, both Mike and Jason Cherry concurred: “The service was excellent, from the initial discussions covering our precise requirements, the ability to visit the AXYZ main facility in Telford for a demonstration of the router before placing an order, through to the subsequent on-site product training and ongoing technical support provided.”
As to the future, Mike Cherry concludes: “We have the space and capacity to increase the number of machines and make additions to our workforce to meet customer requirements. For both, the service provided by AXYZ International will continue to be a key factor.”
