A growing demand for drilled furniture components has prompted Starbank Panel Products to invest in a HOMAG DRILLTEQ H-600, increasing production capacity and efficiency while introducing new capabilities for high-throughput, six-sided panel processing.
About Starbank Panel Products
Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026, family-owned Starbank Panel Products has been manufacturing bespoke panel products since 1976. Based in Newton-le-Willows, the company specialises in decorative, architectural and commercial panel furniture and components for sectors including commercial, healthcare, hospitality, education and leisure.
Its capabilities span panel sizing, laminating, edgebanding, postforming, CNC machining, assembly and packing, supported by CAD/CAM expertise. Continued investment in high-performance technologies, such as LaserTEC straight edgebanding and AirTEC contour edgebanding has enabled Starbank to maintain the flexibility required to manufacture bespoke components for individual projects.
Investing in capacity
Recent growth at Starbank created a clear need for additional capacity, particularly for panels requiring drilling as their primary operation.
“We experienced significant growth over the last couple of years, and this meant an increase in the number of drilled furniture components that we were processing,” explains Philip Darbyshire, Managing Director at Starbank Panel Products. “We therefore wanted additional capacity and also to improve our efficiency for drilled-only panels.”
Almost 30 years of HOMAG experience
Starbank’s latest investment builds on a relationship with HOMAG Group stretching back almost three decades.
“Our first HOMAG machine was installed in 1999. We’ve had plenty more HOMAG machinery since then and it’s all been of the highest quality.
“When it came to this latest investment, we had no hesitation turning once again to HOMAG. We’d seen the DRILLTEQ H-600 at various trade shows, so we were aware of its capabilities. It was absolutely the machine for us.”
Six-sided processing boosts throughput
Among the DRILLTEQ H-600’s many capabilities is the ability to machine all six faces of a panel in a single pass, which has delivered a significant production benefit for Starbank.
“The main thing is being able to process a panel on six faces with just one pass,” says Philip. “Very few machines are able to do that and that feature alone has had a huge impact on production.
“Additionally, the machine came equipped with a pre-positioning station, which further increases productivity, as you can have two panels ready to go in the machine, two panels in the machine, and two panels coming out the other side, so you effectively have six panels on the go at any time.”
Starbank measures productivity and output on a weekly basis and, despite the machine still being relatively new, is already seeing significant increases. “It’s early days but we’re already seeing significant increases in output. And the quality is consistently excellent.”
Flexibility and software
Versatility has long been one of the qualities Starbank values in HOMAG machinery, and the DRILLTEQ H-600 continues that approach.
“It’s quick and easy to spec the machine to work with different materials across a range of setups. This saves a lot of time and keeps us flexible.”
The investment has also introduced Starbank to SmartWOP, HOMAG’s software for cabinet and storage components. With initial training already completed and further training planned, the company expects the software to streamline programming and deliver further productivity improvements.
“We’ve not had that kind of software before, and we’re excited about the further enhancements to production it should offer.”
A smooth installation and strong aftercare
Starbank also praised HOMAG’s approach to installation and ongoing support. As Philip highlights:
“This has been one of the smoothest installations we’ve ever had. Teething problems are inevitable with new machinery, but HOMAG are extremely organised and provide all the training and support necessary to ensure a seamless transition.”
The aftercare has been particularly well received, with Marie Harrison from HOMAG UK maintaining regular contact throughout the commissioning process.
“The aftercare with this investment is the best it’s ever been,” says Philip. “Marie was absolutely fantastic, constantly checking in to make sure things were going OK. She really did make the aftercare side of things exceptional.
“During the sales process, we dealt with Jon Lawman, with whom we’ve always had a good relationship. Really, the service and support you can get from the HOMAG UK team is excellent across the board.”
Looking to the next investment
For Starbank, the DRILLTEQ H-600 represents another step in a 50-year history of investment in manufacturing technology. With increased drilled-panel capacity, six-sided processing and new software capabilities already delivering benefits, the company is well placed to support its continued growth.
For more information or a demonstration of HOMAG machinery and software, please contact HOMAG UK on 01332 856500, dialling option 4 for the sales department, or email [email protected].
