Leading UK specialist contractor, Taylor Made Joinery Interiors (TMJ), has reinforced its long-standing partnership with HOMAG through the installation of a new CENTATEQ P-610 CNC, DRILLTEQ V-310 drilling centre, and EDGETEQ S-300 edge bander. As part of a planned reinvestment strategy, these upgraded machines ensure the company remains at the cutting edge of manufacturing technology.
A strategy of continuous reinvestment
Established in 1981, TMJ Interiors has grown into one of the UK construction industry’s leading bespoke joinery specialists. Operating from its 80,000 sq ft headquarters in Bildeston and employing over 220 staff, the company has delivered on several high-profile projects including Windsor Castle, the Royal Opera House, the London 2012 Olympics and, most recently, projects for some of the world’s leading financial institutions. For TMJ, investment in technology has always been strategic rather than reactive. “Basically, these were replacements for machines that had reached a certain age,” explains Pat Coll, Operations Director at TMJ. “We like to change our machines every ten years or so to ensure we remain at the cutting edge.”
The new CENTATEQ P-610 replaces a previous model on a like-for-like basis, while the upgraded DRILLTEQ V-310 and EDGETEQ S-300 introduce modern enhancements to proven systems. “Our previous HOMAG machines had gotten our business to where we wanted it, and were still running well; it was simply time to pass on the baton.”
A 25-year partnership
TMJ’s decision-making process was straightforward. “Our old machines were HOMAG, and we had zero hesitation going with HOMAG again. We’ve been with them for 25 years; 95% of our kit is HOMAG. They are a true partner of ours and have been instrumental in the expansion of our business.”
Over that period, TMJ has grown from a team of 40 to over 200. “These machines, which are very easy to operate, have streamlined everything, increased our capacity by about 200%, and given us a level of quality and consistency that us oldschool joiners could have only dreamed of.”
Seamless installation and upskilling
“The installation of these three machines was absolutely top-notch,” says Pat. “It was so smooth and efficient that I sent an email to HOMAG UK’s Managing Director, Simon Brooks, to thank him and his team for their outstanding service.”
Next came the training, and this too delivered on all the right fronts. While the new machines were largely familiar to operators, TMJ used the opportunity to expand its internal capability.
“We’re big believers in the development of our own people. With HOMAG’s help, we’ve been able to upskill many of our employees, which gives us better holiday and sick cover, and has made our team stronger as a whole.”
Built for the future
“The subtle upgrades present on the new DRILLTEQ V-310 and the EDGETEQ S-300 have helped us push the envelope that little bit further in terms of efficiency and capacity,” explains Pat. “It’s amazing what you can now do with the latest tech. “For the most part, however, we’ve simply replicated the capabilities of our previous set-up, and that’s all we needed to do. The CENTATEQ P-610 remains a powerhouse and a cornerstone of our operation. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!
“With these brand-new machines in place, we’ve essentially secured our continued growth for at least the next decade.”
The people behind it
Like the machines, HOMAG’s customer service continues to impress. “Our local rep, Sam Over, has been brilliant. Always friendly and helpful; if ever we have a problem he jumps right on it. The same goes for Phil Pitchford, the CNC Product Manager, whose support and expertise is second to none.
“Everyone from the sales team to the engineers has provided the exceptional service we’ve come to expect from HOMAG. It’s all been so smooth right the way through. A special mention also to Charles Smith, who was our area rep for many years. He’s taken a step back now, but we always had a fantastic relationship with him and we’re grateful for everything he’s done for us.”
Pat concludes: “A big thanks from the whole team at TMJ for all of HOMAG’s support. We couldn’t imagine going with another supplier. As ever, we’re excited to see where this partnership will take us in the future.”
For more information or a demonstration of HOMAG’s machinery and software, contact HOMAG UK on 01332 856500, option 4 for the sales department, or email [email protected].
