THE AWISA MAGAZINE machinery
Traditional machinery with modern innovations In every industry, advances in technology have brought vastly improved productivity as well as corresponding improvements in quality and precision. Computer controlled devices have become more and more prevalent in the past decade, making their way into smarter gadgets, connected home entertainment systems and have found themselves in the otherwise traditional tools of the joinery trade. For most Australian small business however, the adoption of potentially beneficial technologies first needs a thorough examination of feasibility such as the impact on current production workflow as well as the skilled labour involved. While the survival of many businesses may rely on new serviceable technology, in the current, relatively slow period for the joinery industry, decision makers must remain prudent when considering the potential upheaval to their businesses by adoption of new manufacturing methods. On the other end of the capital equipment relationship, the machinery suppliers to the industry, there’s also an understanding that not every joinery shop in Australia may benefit from the latest systems. Suppliers such as Altendorf do in fact recognise the need for bridges which would fill the gap in technology adoption. An example can be seen with the arrival of machines that are a combination of traditional woodworking fundamentals such as the panel saw, with sophisticated CNC technology that could be operated without too much specific training. Such was the case for the Newcastle-based joinery shop Custom Kitchens by Design, a small joinery operation comprised of a stable team of owner Peter Pasovski and three skilled professionals, where the goal was to revamp production through smarter machine investments for a competitive edge. When the time came to move forward, for Peter, traditional machinery infused with modern innovations was a “no brainer, we just knew this was the way to go for us”. In the July of 2008, in a time marked by significant decline in machinery investment confidence across the broad range of manufacturing industries, an Altendorf Elmo 4 was unwrapped on Peter’s factory floor. Being a member of the tried and trusted panel saw platform at heart, the machine very quickly demonstrated to be a highly effective solution in delivering productivity increases.
the goal was to revamp production through smarter machine investments
“With all the automation and CNC functions available on the machine, the jobs were getting done quicker, you can cut up a decent sized kitchen in the half the time,” commented
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Peter on the new machine. For Custom Kitchen by Design the more important factor was that there was minimal down time adjusting to the new machine. Increased output came with the same amount of manpower on the floor while keeping up with the standard of quality they’ve long held over the years. “We’re not lining up for the saw now, it was very inefficient before,” explained Peter, “Not only the time spent specifically on cutting the panels is reduced, having them done quicker improves workflow down the track. I’d say our jobs are ready to install a day or two earlier.” Working in a factory more than three times the size of the original, Custom Kitchens by Design currently delivers quality kitchens in greater quantities than ever before. It also stands as a shining example of how smart investments can leverage the improved production capability of technological advancements without having to reinvent the business.
ALTENDORF ASIA PACIFIC PTY LTD Phone 1800 558 258 www.altendorf.com.au