Hurst Doors is proud to claim that it is the UK’s largest manufacturer of PVC-U door panels, composite doors, and fire doors. The company has been a trusted name in the industry for over 27 years, with a commitment to quality, service and value that continues to benefit customers across the UK and Europe.
Like many manufacturers, Hurst Doors faced formidable challenges during the pandemic. However, rather than surrendering to COVID and its complications, the management at Hurst Doors recognised an opportunity to turn lemons into lemonade by making significant operational improvements to their business. This was achieved with the help of HOMAG.
The rising challenge
The main challenge in question was the cost of materials, which skyrocketed during the pandemic. Howard Wilson, the Composite Manager at Hurst Doors, explains, “Aluminium prices in particular were going through the roof and, process-wise, we were reliant on aluminium extrusions that were cut to a length, then trimmed by hand on a chop saw to the required size, before being manually applied to the door edge – a rudimentary, time-consuming and costly endeavour.”
The cut and edged solution
Determined to reduce costs and increase efficiency, Hurst Doors conducted a cost-benefit analysis on switching to high-spec woodworking machinery. Specifically, they were looking at using a beam saw and an edge bander, along with a glue storage unit – a highly technological solution and, crucially, one that would no longer require the use of aluminium edging.
The forecast was compelling, showing cost benefits, as well as operational and aesthetic improvements. “The numbers were heavily stacked in favour of the machines,” Howard reflects. “And for our composite guys – a team of 31 – life was about to become a lot easier.” With this in mind, Howard and his team began evaluating potential suppliers for the necessary machinery.
Having previously owned a HOMAG CNC machine, Hurst Doors was already familiar with the brand’s reputation for quality and reliability. After considering a couple of other manufacturers, they decided to move forward with HOMAG due to their positive past experiences and the consistently high level of service they had received. “We’ve found that the service with HOMAG has always been top-notch. The quality of their product and level of service made the decision-making process easy,” Howard shared.
To finalise their decision, the team visited HOMAG’s Castle Donington site, where they were given a thorough demonstration of the SAWTEQ S-200, EDGETEQ S-300, and XES 200. They even brought along some of their own materials to test the machines firsthand. The demonstration impressed the team, and they were confident that HOMAG was the right choice for their needs. “Seeing the machines in action and testing them with our own materials was an eye-opener, to say the least. A whole new world of efficiency. We were sold.”
Installation and training
HOMAG provided three days of comprehensive training on the new equipment, ensuring that the Hurst Doors team was fully equipped to operate the machines effectively.
“The training was excellent. HOMAG’s team made sure we were comfortable with the new equipment from day one,” Howard noted.
Operational benefits
The investment in the SAWTEQ S-200, EDGETEQ S-300, and XES 200 has been transformative for Hurst Doors. The machinery has significantly improved the efficiency and accuracy of their production process.
He continues, “We’ve massively improved our efficiency. We’re turning doors around with far greater speed and accuracy, improving labour costs and the quality of the product – which our customers can attest to. We’ve had great feedback regarding the improved appearance of our doors and the ease with which they can be fitted.
“HOMAG also provided software which allows us to take manufacturing data and input it directly into the machine. The technology handles the rest, again, making our lives a whole lot easier. The new process feels completely seamless, especially compared to how we were doing it before. We’ve often asked ourselves why we didn’t invest in this kit earlier!”
Closing thoughts
For Hurst Doors, the decision to partner with HOMAG has proven to be a highly beneficial one. The new machinery has allowed them to navigate challenges posed by rising material costs and inefficient production methods, leading to significantly improved operational efficiency and overall business performance.
Howard Wilson’s ongoing positive experience with HOMAG’s customer service and the high quality of their machines ensures that Hurst Doors will continue to rely on HOMAG as they move forward. He concludes, “I personally deal with the HOMAG guys on a day-to-day basis, and have always found it to be a positive experience. It’s easy for me to recommend them to other manufacturers. The machines are transformative to a business, and the degree of customer service is second to none.”
For more information or a demonstration of any of the HOMAG machinery and software, contact Adele Hunt at HOMAG UK on 01332 856424.
