Founded in 1990 from a single branch in Anglesey, Huws Gray has rapidly expanded over the past 30 years to become the UK’s largest independent builders merchant. Through organic growth and acquisitions, most recently Ridgeons Timber Merchants, the company has expanded to over 100 branches across England and Wales providing a one-stop shop for trade and DIY customers. To help keep pace with its growing customer base, the Huws Gray looked to leading machinery specialists Daltons Wadkin for expert advice expanding its wood mill.
A new purpose-built mill was constructed at the Huws Gray head office in Llangefni. Andy Walsh, sales director at Daltons Wadkin, visited the site to see what improvements could be made. Andy comments: “It was a pleasure to work with Huws Gray. A number of their existing machines were still fit for purpose, while others could benefit from upgrading to take advantage of more modern machining technology. We have vast experience working with local and national timber merchants supplying robust well engineered products from leading European manufacturers. Our unique product portfolio in combination with our dedication to quality, service and training is a winning combination for our customers.”
Daltons Wadkin supplied two Stenner ST100R band re-saws, a Salvador SuperUp semi-automatic cross-cut saw, Graule ZS170 cross-cut saw as well as in-feed and out-feed support tables with fences and stops.
“This is a typical package for timber merchants,” Andy continues. “The Stenner ST100 re-saws are, simply put, the best machine for the job. Huws Gray already have a number within the group so were already familiar with their attributes. The Salvador SuperUp is continuing to prove very popular – safe 90° cross-cutting with retracting front guard. The Graule radial arm cross-cut again is again very popular for deep sections and provides versatility for angle cutting when needed.”
As part of the turnkey solution, Daltons Wadkin worked with specialist extraction manufacturers, The Woodwork Dust Control Company, to supply a fully integrated LEV system to service the legacy and new mill machinery in compliance with COSHH regulations.
Following successful installation of the LEV and machinery, the Daltons Wadkin ‘red team’ of trainers delivered certificated training for the Huws Gray machinists. A legal requirement for all machine operators, training courses are tailored to the individual needs of the learners with no power points – all training is hands on with practical assessment.
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