In the modular housing sector, manufacturers are increasingly turning to Striebig vertical panel saws to optimise production and maintain sustainability. Earlier this year, TM Machinery caught up with one of its clients, a leading UK-based modular housing manufacturer, to find out how Striebig machines have played a key role in supporting their production process, improving efficiency, and reducing waste —20 months after the installation of their latest Striebig vertical panel saw, the automated Control model.
“We needed machinery that could sustain our high production volumes without compromising on quality or sustainability,” starts Marius Bucovanu, Engineering Manager. “Striebig’s vertical panel saws fit the bill perfectly, delivering consistently accurate cuts across various materials while minimising waste – all within a compact footprint.”
As production demands increased, precision cutting became critical for maintaining the high-quality standards expected in modular housing. Traditional table saws lacked the space efficiency, accuracy, and dust control features offered by Striebig saws, making them ideally suited for lean manufacturing. Striebig’s saws also offer the flexibility to work with materials such as cement boards, plywood, non-ferrous metals, and plastics – capabilities essential for modular construction, where a range of materials are often needed.
Marius highlights, “The Striebig allows us to maximise our workspace, which is crucial when every square foot counts. We achieve precise cuts for each module, minimising rework and material waste, and our team values the saw’s reliability.”
The company first invested in a manual Striebig saw in 2017, and it quickly became a reliable workhorse as production demands increased. The team was impressed by its durability and precision, which helped them maintain their production standards. “The manual saw was great – it gave us the consistency we needed when our volumes started to rise,” Marius explains. “But as our needs grew, we knew it was time to take the next step.”
By 2022, as demand for modular housing continued to grow, the company recognised that automation was the key to streamlining production. The manual saw had done its job, but the addition of the fully automated Striebig Control model in October 2022 marked a significant shift in their production process.
“We found that by adding a fully automated Striebig saw, we could improve both capacity and precision,” says Marius. “Before the automated saw, our capacity was limited, and we had to make manual adjustments for certain design features, which occasionally resulted in waste due to operator error. The new automated saw allows us to make these adjustments from the system, eliminating those issues entirely.”
The addition of the automated Striebig saw also improved the overall workflow. Marius explains, “We significantly reduced labour costs and minimised the need for a second shift. The new system increased capacity without requiring additional staffing or overtime, saving us £25,000 annually in shift-related costs.”
With Striebig’s reputation for precision and efficiency, TM Machinery recommended the automated Compact model to support high production while remaining cost-effective. Marius notes, “TM Machinery understood our specific requirements and guided us to the right model. Their honest approach meant we invested only in what was essential.”
Striebig saws also support sustainable manufacturing with advanced dust management features. Paired with an AL-KO Mobil Jet 160 dust extraction system, they help to keep the workspace cleaner and safer by significantly reducing airborne particles.
Marius shares, “The Striebig and AL-KO combination has really helped us maintain a cleaner shop floor, and the low-noise extraction system is ideal for single-machine use without a costly centralised setup.”
Since the installation of the second saw in October 2022, the company has seen marked improvements in productivity and flexibility. With their ability to cut diverse materials accurately and the ease of switching between tasks, these saws have streamlined workflows and minimised material waste – a reduction of up to 16% in some areas. “We’re able to adapt to last-minute changes and urgent orders without delays, and the straightforward setup allows us to quickly shift between tasks, which supports our lean manufacturing approach,” Marius explains.
This successful implementation owes much to TM Machinery’s continued support, with their experienced team providing guidance through setup, maintenance, and optimisation. Marius shares, “TM has been fantastic – they’re not just a vendor; they’re part of our extended team.” Their knowledgeable engineers helped ensure the smooth integration of the saws and have been responsive to any needs, ensuring consistent operational efficiency.
For one of the UK’s leading modular housing manufacturers, where precision, sustainability, and efficiency are essential, Striebig’s vertical panel saws have proven transformative. With dedicated support from TM Machinery, the company has not only optimised workflows but also set a new standard for quality and efficiency in the modular construction industry.
For more information, visit tmmachinery.co.uk
