Jelson Homes has significantly increased production speed and capacity within its in-house joinery operation following the installation of a SAWTEQ S-300 from HOMAG.
Unusually within the housebuilding sector, Jelson retains its own in-house joinery shop where it manufactures kitchens, windows and staircases specifically for each property. This integrated approach gives the company exceptional control over quality, supported by a highly skilled workforce with many employees enjoying decades-long careers with the business.
Investing in production capacity
With demand continuing to grow, Jelson recently identified the need to upgrade its panel processing capabilities. “We were using a panel saw which could only cut one panel at a time,” explains James Bates, Workshop Manager at Jelson Homes. “We knew that a more advanced saw – one that could cut three or four sheets at a time – would help us increase output and keep stock up to date.”
Choosing a trusted industry leader
Jelson had been exploring investment in beam saw and CNC technology for several years, carefully considering the right long-term solution.
“We’re a team of joiners who embrace technology whilst valuing traditional craftsmanship,” says James. “As such, we’d only settle for a high-quality machine that would reliably serve us for years to come.”
HOMAG quickly emerged as the preferred choice. “HOMAG has a reputation of being one of the biggest and best, and after seeing several of their machines at exhibitions, we could understand why. They became the go-to for us.”
After a consultation, Jelson opted for HOMAG’s SAWTEQ S-300 panel saw. “The help from HOMAG’s side was brilliant,” says James. “They understood our needs completely and recommended a solution that aligned with both our current needs and our future goals.”
Smooth installation and fast operator adoption
A smooth installation and structured training programme made for a seamless transition. As James explains, “It all went very well. They set it up, showed us the ropes, and remained available to answer any questions our operators had as they got used to the machine. This gave us a lot of confidence moving forward.”
Transformational gains
Since installing the SAWTEQ S-300, Jelson has seen significant improvements in productivity and workflow efficiency. “The speed and overall performance of the SAWTEQ S-300 has been transformative. We can process more panels at a time, faster, and with greater precision. Jobs that used to take at least a couple of hours now only take 20 minutes.”
The saw’s integration with MagiCut optimisation software has also streamlined day-to-day operation. “The machine works very well with the MagiCut software; it’s easy to use and allows us to quickly configure the saw in a variety of ways.”
New opportunities
The capabilities of the SAWTEQ S-300 may also enable Jelson Homes to expand its offering. “As a house builder, we’re always looking at ways to enhance the homes we deliver. With this machine, we see an opportunity to expand the range of furniture and joinery products we manufacture in-house, including items such as fitted wardrobes, desks and media walls.”
Supporting future growth
“The service from HOMAG has been excellent from consultation right through to post-sale,” James says. “If we encounter any issues, the support team are readily available to sort them out over the phone, and if anything requires a site visit, an engineer is here within a day or two.
“We’re excited about the opportunities this machine creates for us,” James concludes. “Our business is growing faster now, and we suspect it won’t be too long before we look at adding another machine to our workshop. Given the success of this investment, we’ll be keen to explore what HOMAG can offer when that time comes.”
For more information or a demonstration, contact HOMAG UK on 01332 856500, dialling option 4 for the sales department, or email [email protected].
