With a turnover of around £1.5 million, Philip Gameson Joinery has been manufacturing wood furniture, doors and windows of the highest quality since 1975. Throughout this time it has always adhered to a policy of investing in the latest machinery. This approach has enabled its craftsmen to focus more of their time on the traditional skills of joinery and cabinet making.
“We’ve purchased HOMAG machinery for over 20 years now, and have not only found it to consistently produce first class results, but also to be robust and extremely reliable,” explains Mark Gameson, managing director of Philip Gameson Joinery.
He continues, “Our previous HOMAG edge bander was still performing well, but we needed a machine that could handle edging for fire doors. The business was seeing a significant increase in demand for these higher specification doors and we saw an opportunity to attract new customers if we invested in the right edge bander.”
A trusty partner and advisor
“Given the strong relationship we have with HOMAG UK, our first port of call was to ask Matt Long, HOMAG’s area sales manager, to come in and discuss our requirements. Matt is very knowledgeable, not only about HOMAG products, but also about the needs of his customers’ businesses.
“Once we’d outlined what we wanted to achieve Matt was able to suggest the right edge bander for our requirements. As it happened, HOMAG had the exact model in its Castle Donington showroom, so we arranged a visit to put it through its paces.
“To evaluate its capabilities, my father (then managing director) and our works manager took along a selection of work pieces to run through the edge bander to evaluate its performance. The results were first class and consequently we decided to buy the demonstration model from the showroom.
“The installation of the machine, a HOMAG EDGETEQ S-380, was extremely well organised. We disconnected the old machine and the HOMAG engineers installed the new edge bander in a couple of days. Their engineers then carried out a day’s on-site training for our operators. The whole process couldn’t have gone any smoother.”
HOMAG’s EDGETEQ S-380 edge bander
The EDGETEQ S-380 series offers comprehensive model options, fast feed speeds and high-performance motors. The glue application system enables users to switch easily between two colours or glue types (EVA, PU). What’s more, the multifunction profile trimming offers rapid processing of radii and longitudinal edges. For frequent material changes, the multi-stage trimming unit and multi-stage scraper can be used.
All the options in the EDGETEQ S-380 range are energy efficient and environmentally friendly. The powerTouch control system provides intuitive operation, with the machine being controlled directly using the multi-touch widescreen monitor. The ergonomic design and numerous help and assistant functions significantly simplify the edge bander’s operation.
The EDGETEQ S-380 models all benefit from a high level of precision, state-of-the-art technology and the ability to produce products flexibly and efficiently.
New markets and better quality
Mark Gameson again, “The EDGETEQ has bought massive benefits to the business. It has opened up the fire door market and delivered a much higher standard of edging for our customers. The airTec edge fixing system produces virtually invisible joints every time. In addition, the machine’s throughput is much higher than its predecessor’s and we have minimal rejects; the quality is always spot on.
“With the market for fire doors growing, we expect the EDGETEQ S-380 to pay for itself well within the five year period we initially planned for. The reliability of the machine means we rarely have to call on HOMAG for support; if we do, however, their support is extremely efficient. Their engineers can remote-in via the internet and resolve most issue quickly and efficiently,” concludes Gameson.
For a demonstration or further information on HOMAG woodworking machinery or software, please contact Adele Hunt at HOMAG UK on 01332 856424.
