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Kitchen Maker Issue 6 Online COOL DOWN WITH BLUE COLOURS IN the KITCHEN Visit us at www.kitchen-maker.co.uk - Online Magazine - Issue 6 1
COOL DOWN IN THE KITCHEN WITH BLUE COLOURS IT IS certainly true to say that there is great deal to uplift a plain expanse of not want to dispose of those which are something calming and innately tranquil white. already in situ), dip a toe into the (blue) about the colour blue. Whether we are water, by painting a kitchen island in imagining ourselves relaxing under a If you feel that installing a large clear blue sky, or dipping our toes into number of kitchen cabinets in blue blue (perhaps setting it off by white the ocean as we walk along the beach, would be too much (or you simply do worktops). bright blue colours tend to cheer us up. For those of us who are out at work all day, when we come home, the first place where we congregate is usually the kitchen, retreating there to prepare the evening meal and remaining there to eat and to do the washing up afterwards or to stack the dishwasher. And if we feel that we need a bit of cheering up, we can always uncork a bottle of wine and pretend that somebody else is doing the cooking whilst we kick off our shoes and allow a soothing atmosphere to restore our equilibrium. Soft natural blues are often used in Shaker kitchens. On the other hand, for a truly bold statement, navy blue coloured cabinets work well set off against white marble counter tops. Cornflower blue cabinets can be warmed up by the inclusion of a few gold-coloured accents, such as brass handles and a paisley patterned wallpaper used for the main walls provides a good combination. In an all white kitchen, the addition of a select number of blue elements, such as a pale blue range cooker, accompanied by a similarly coloured cooker hood and the use of blue pots and pans can do a Visit us at www.kitchen-maker.co.uk - Online Magazine - Issue 6 Visit us at www.kitchen-maker.co.uk - Online Magazine - Issue 6 2 3
Visit us at www.kitchen-maker.co.uk - Online Magazine - Issue 6 Visit us at www.kitchen-maker.co.uk - Online Magazine - Issue 6 4 5
Mid-tone blue colours go with just colour combination, but it really works, Tones of blue which verge on being about anything. Think of them in the creating a bold, but impressive palette. purple, perhaps set off by touches of same way as if they were a favourite Hand-painted glassware and deep crimsons provide a feeling of rich pair of jeans. Remember that denim collections of china can be used as the opulence which is hard to beat. colours match well with most things focal point in a small kitchen. In a more Icy blue tones work well with the in your wardrobe. These mid-tones act traditional farmhouse kitchen what as the ideal shade if you are trying to classic combination of black and could look better than a display of blue work around existing elements, such as white and even the addition of a blue and white willow-patterned china set off wooden floor boards, laminate flooring, against oak kitchen cabinets? splashback, or replacing the tiling above or highly patterned splashbacks. the kitchen sink can provide a much Just a few hints of blue can brighten Into pop-art? Try replacing the doors needed uplift. up any kitchen – even if if is simply a of any top cabinets with ones in a glossy matter of recovering the backs and seats There are no end of ways in which one aquamarine blue. of the kitchen chairs or, simpler still, of Nature’s most cheerful colours can Want to opt for a particularly striking just toss a few blue cushions into the be introduced into the kitchen. Who combination? Try combining royal mix. knows adding the colour blue might blue cabinets with rich red walls. It The use or darker blue colours tends prove to be just the recipe for chasing may sound like a somewhat bizarre to create a more intimate atmosphere. the blues away! Visit us at www.kitchen-maker.co.uk - Online Magazine - Issue 6 Visit us at www.kitchen-maker.co.uk - Online Magazine - Issue 6 6 7
M M a a nu chiner fa cturin y g The signature furniture collections of Smallbone celebrate the re-invention of English architectural epochs and challenge perceptions of space. SMALLBONE RELIES ON MARTIN MACHINERY IN THE SAME WAY THAT IT DEPENDS ON THE SKILLS OF THE STAFF IN ITS WORKSHOP SMALLBONE of Devizes is a leading in Devizes. Smallbone is synonymous with thicknesser and a surface planer. interior designer specialising in hand- meticulous and very personal service. Martin’s T70 sliding table saw is a classic crafted custom-made kitchens and other Each commission represents a close machine, which has set standards and boasts domestic furniture. collaboration between designer and client. maximum performance combined with a It is a global purveyor of bespoke fitted Each project is allocated its own dedicated sturdy mechanical design. cabinetry from the rich tradition of British design and installation team – from initial craftsmanship. For decades now its craftsmen Martin invented the mitre cross-cut table concept through to the finished work. over 50 years ago to be able to produce have devolved a deeply diverse portfolio of immaculately executed individually designed “Smallbone interior spaces have increased precise angle cuts on larger panels. Since then, the value of some of the world’s most this popular accessory has been subject to custom-made furniture – with a special desirable addresses” is the proud boast of the continuous improvement. emphasis on the kitchen. Wiltshire-based company. The company brands itself as “A 21st Whereas back in the late 1950s all that Smallbone’s workshop in Devizes has one of was required to set mitre cuts was a simple century leader in hand-made British furniture the most experienced research teams in the scale, nowadays, the latest table includes a design, keeping its artisanal roots in plain world whose job is not only to create bespoke sight”. modern digital angle display and fine angle designs with the finest artisanal values, but adjustment. Deeply rooted in the craft, Smallbone’s also to source the tools and equipment with joiners execute a great deal of their work by which to equip those workshops. The fence can be tilted to either side to any hand, turning out precision-made designs angle up to 47 deg and the angle is displayed Seeking out the “best of the best”, it is no with a resolution of 0.01 deg. that, subsequently, migrate around the world. surprise that the company has repeatedly Smallbone kitchens find their way into the turned to German machinery manufacturer, A strong central lock ensures reliable finest properties around the world, They Martin for the purchase of equipment, repeatability of the correct angle. are all produced in the company’s workshop including a sliding table saw, a planer/ It is therefore not without good reason that Visit us at www.kitchen-maker.co.uk - Online Magazine - Issue 6 Visit us at www.kitchen-maker.co.uk - Online Magazine - Issue 6 8 9
M M a a customers, such as Smallbone opt for the second outfeed roller is also available as a owing to the fact that any angle between way as it depends nu chiner sturdiness, functionality and precision of this steel roller. 90 deg and 45 deg can be set quickly on the skills of fa important and impressive invention. The operator can switch between the by means of the user-friendly single- the dedicated team cturin The innovative “RadioCompens” mitre standard feed speeds of 6m/min and 12m/ handed operation. of production staff in cut system provides fully automatic length min during the planing operation. Smallbone has come to depend on its its workshop. It’s a winning compensation for mitre cuts by means of a Another distinct advantage is that the Martin machinery in much the same combination. wireless connection between the mitre cross- y feed speed can be adjusted by means of the g cut table, controller and digital display of the optional, infinitely variable feed control. Want to find our more on Martin? Visit www.martin.info cross-cut fence. This option allows variable feed speeds Want to find out more on Smallbone? Visit www.smallbone.co.uk Thanks to this wireless-supported between 2m/min and 25m/min – depending communication of the cross-cut table, on the individual design. controller and stop elements, time Another option which Smallbone decided consuming set-up times for mitre cuts can upon was the purchase of a Martin T54 be reduced by up to 80 per cent. surface planer, which was reckoned to be a The operator simply sets the table to the perfect fit for the company’s workshop. desired angle and the electronic cutting length displays on the cross-cut fence This machine was initially developed immediately show the correct length primarily to accomplish two separate tasks dimension. – firstly to dress workpieces perfectly and, secondly, to provide these workpieces with Compared with other systems on the superlative angular edges quickly and safely. market, “RadioCompens” compensates for a variety of saw blades thicknesses As the production staff at Smallbone know automatically. only too well, you only arrive at the prefect end result with perfect preparation As a result, the operator can additionally produce a precision cut, with an accuracy of a Martin’s T54 surface planer features an tenth of a millimetre on the left-hand side of Martin’s T70 sliding table saw boasts maximum performance combined with a easy-running guided surfacing fence with the saw blade – irrespective of the type of saw sturdy mechanical design. an integrated auxiliary fence, which enables blade being used. quick and precise operation. width, the cutting length and the table in Smallbone’s workshop helps to ensure that The ball-bearing guided jointing fence For those who prefer to work with digitally angle are also completely integrated in the smooth results are achieved every time. runs smoothly and without tilting on exact dimensions, the digital cross-cut fence is controller by this means. It provides the company with perfect tempered raceways and, in many years to the right option, as the inner and outer stops work with separate measuring devices and The operator simply specifies the requisite planning results and it is impressively silent come, it will work as precisely as it does on can therefore be set independently with the length and width dimensions and the in operation. Ideally suited for modern the very first day following its acquisition. controller positions the saw blade and fences. production methods, it supplies cleanly Martin’s T45 planer/thicknesser is impressively silent in operation. accuracy of a tenth of a millimetre. Chamfers can be planed in no time at all, The length compensation required for angle planed wooden surfaces. It is quick and easy Each display can be changed over to display cuts is completely automated. to operate and for those companies which are relative dimensions in order to execute The mitre cross-cut table is connected to the on a limited budget, it offers excellent value incremental cuts in the fastest possible time. controller by wireless means and it supplies for money. As is the case with the analogue version, the digital version is also available as a flip stop the angle data directly to the controller. Irrespective of whether short or long with full-length support. The length compensation is provided workpieces are being planed, the sturdy dynamically for cutting lengths up to thicknessing table extension usually dispenses The “Control” mitre cut system for the with the need for a second person located Martin T70 model includes a package, which 3,300mm, whilst the operator adjusts the behind the machine. combines the controlled cross-cut fence with table. In this way the Martin T70 becomes a the mitre cross-cut table. real angle-cutting centre. Short workpieces do not fall on to the Apart from the cutting height, angle and floor and longer ones are supported at the The T45 planer/thicknesser which features out-feed side. The table extension always moves synchronously with the thicknessing table and this accessory can be retro-fitted without any problems. It is possible to choose between the long 1,200mm version, or the short, foldable 450mm version. The latter can also be mounted on the infeed side. The workpiece transportation of problematical materials and short workpieces can be improved by means of Martin’s T54 surface planer features an easy-running a second rubber outfeed guided surfacing fence with an integrated auxiliary fence, which enables quick and precise operation. roller – especially if no lubricant can be used. The The strong fusion of British hand-made artisanship with design kudos has been instrumental in Smallbone kitchens attracting customers from all over the world. Visit us at www.kitchen-maker.co.uk - Online Magazine - Issue 6 Visit us at www.kitchen-maker.co.uk - Online Magazine - Issue 6 10 11
M M a a PREMIUM KITCHEN nu chiner fa PRODUCTON STEPS UP WITH cturin THE HELP OF SIRIUS CNC y g BORING MACHINE BASED in a converted loom crafted bespoke furniture. Today’s customers still mostly come manufacturing mill in Colne in The company’s kitchens and from the local area and are able to Lancashire, Simpsons is renowned bedrooms adorn glossy magazines spend £50,000-plus on a project, which for its premium kitchen, bedroom, and are widely admired for their Simpson’s can manage from initial bathroom and other furniture lovingly design, craftsmanship and sheer design ideas through to a complete crafted using largely traditional resourcefulness. interior renovation project. machinery. The business began in 1997 making Needless to say, there is no such thing However, due to frustrating small pine products in a shed and over as a typical £50k kitchen. More often bottlenecks and consistency issues with the next ten years moved into pine than not, there is considerable bespoke its drilling operation, the company furniture. work involved and the quality which needed to find a dependable and underpinned the business in the early The business really kicked into gear affordable solution. days is even more important when the in the early 1990s when Simpson’s The foundation of the business clients’ investment is more significant. started producing free-standing is a creative, passionate and astute kitchen furniture and also making As the business evolved, Simpsons has team, led by brothers, Steve and Phil fitted kitchens, for a more demanding carefully and strategically upgraded its Simpson, who are dedicated to what clientele in the local area. production capability to meet its needs. they do. If the company was to describe its Production manager, Ross Whittam is Over the years, the Simpsons’ signature style, the current vogue responsible for Simpsons’ industrious reputation has grown throughout for the classic painted look with a workshop with a team of long-serving Lancashire and further afield and the contemporary feel using high quality, skilled craftsmen and a raft and company has become a prime source for timeless materials is one of its most traditional machinery and equipment. those wanting to acquire beautifully- successful looks. In recent years finding new ways to Visit us at www.kitchen-maker.co.uk - Online Magazine - Issue 6 Visit us at www.kitchen-maker.co.uk - Online Magazine - Issue 6 12 13
adapt and improve the production ‘We initially wanted to look for a because of its complexity and difficulty. process to keep delivering outstanding simple drilling machine, but Carl Now, a lot of the complicated and results has become more of a challenge. suggested we look at one of his new detailed work can readily be achieved Ross and the team continue to look Sirius CNC boring machines with with the result that there is a much for ways to improve capability in the a router head and automatic tool greater design freedom than was company’s production process, and changer. possible before. one bottleneck which was beginning ‘When we discovered that this The Sirius CNC 950M boring to create knock-on issues was the machine could do what in five minutes machine with a router head and drilling of the carcass panels and other what would normally take an hour, automatic tool changer has a heavy components. we could see that this would be a very duty construction and this is ideal Not only had throughput long- rational and worthwhile investment for because it allows the X and Y axis to since been an issue, the increasingly the business,’ says Steve. move quickly without effort at speeds complex drilling patterns, accuracy After a smooth installation, the of up to 70m/min. and consistency had now exacerbated training took an initial day with Ross It has a generous 950mm working the problem. quickly getting to grips with the basics width meaning that large panels can Ross felt that the company needed of the machine. be loaded accurately being held firmly an entry-level CNC solution for fast, ‘The set-up was simple and we were in place by the pneumatic gripper and consistent drilling and it was agreed easily up and running with support moved through the machine easily to search for a simple drilling and from Carl and his team,’ explains Ross. thanks to the air floatation tables. grooving solution – but it was not a ‘The TeamViewer function gave us It also features a router head and CNC option which was initially being direct access to experts in Turkey – automatic tool changer and is equipped looked at. where the machine is manufactured with 10 vertical drills which drill from Steve contacted Carl O’Meara from – who were able to see what were doing below to ensure that the working J & C O’Meara, who had previously and offer practical advice in real time – surface and all holes are kept dust supplied Simpsons with several we even used WhatsApp as well! free whilst also having the benefit of traditional machines. ‘After a week or so we had mastered increased accuracy, as the drilling ‘We could see the problem, that what we needed to do on a regular depth will always be correct despite was easy and we just wanted to basis and now we’re beginning to any tolerances in the thickness of the get something cost-effective that explore the full potential of the work piece. could drill and groove the carcasses machine,’ says Ross. The machine is also equipped with accurately – doing this manually it Steve also made the point that horizontal drilling to all four sides and could take up to an hour to drill, which the new machine has allowed the a grooving saw in the X axis. It has a was far too time consuming, and it was company’s designers to be less wary large, easy to use, industrial-based 17in creating a massive bottleneck for us,’ of some of the work they may have colour windows based PC with both says Steve. previously given a wide berth to, USB and remote file transfer. Visit us at www.kitchen-maker.co.uk - Online Magazine - Issue 6 Visit us at www.kitchen-maker.co.uk - Online Magazine - Issue 6 14 15
M M a a With the addition of the router head, known for its curved work with consistency, nu chiner numerous repetitive and detailed tasks smooth corners, arches and a rounded reduced fa can be easily resolved, such as grooving details – the Sirius is being used to machining errors cturin for solid backs on carcasses, routing create highly accurate jigs to make to practically zero out for cable management, pipes or this type of work more accessible and skirtings and shaping for corner units. and our throughput is repeatable. perfect from the point of y It comes fitted with a six position g Previously, jobs like this were automatic tool changer to the router view of drilling,’ says Ross. very time-consuming, made by head which manifestly expands the list hand, or even subbed out to other ‘Thanks to the Sirius machine of possibilities for this machine. companies. Now, with the Sirius, it’s a and Carl and his team, Simpson’s For Simpsons, the additional straightforward process. now has a far more professional and functionality was a bonus: ‘With the new machine, we have reliable production system. We’re ‘The focus of what we needed sorting improved manufacturing standards and delighted!’ he concludes. was the carcass drilling. The fact that it did all these other things as well was a What to find our more? real bonus,’ explains Ross. Visit www.ukwoodworkingmachinery.co.uk or www.simpsonsfurniture.co.uk As an example, Simpsons is well Visit us at www.kitchen-maker.co.uk - Online Magazine - Issue 6 Visit us at www.kitchen-maker.co.uk - Online Magazine - Issue 6 16 17
ar r w te Cabinet vision e will save you ft u o p S om C time and labour A HIGH-END interior design and The Cabinet Vision journey for each interior and furniture industries shipping furniture company proclaims that project begins after the quotation and throughout the UK. Cabinet Vision software plays a vital role specification. ‘The partnership began when Langstaff- in the company’s recently introduced ‘By that time we already have the agreed Ellis had expanded to the point that it automate manufacturing process, materials and style, so the technical design needed to increased output without larger contributing to the company’s growth. department inputs the material data and premises, or additional staff,’ says Ed Birks. Langstaff-Ellis describes itself as a “full hardware schedules…essentially setting up ‘Cutlist was created to serve this demand design and manufacture house,” splitting a job file, ensuring that every element for and is now a thriving business in its own its work around 50:50 between end-user the next stage has been imported,’ says Mr right, working with carpenters, joiners, clients and a range of designers, architects Birks. cabinet makers, interior designers, and developers, handling concept and The sales designers then produce a builders and developers,’ says Mr Birks design through to the installation of complete set of designs, which Ed Birks Langstaff-Ellis optimise all their projects bespoke carpentry for a full home interior. says are all fully technical, including in Cabinet Vision and send the cut file Managing director, Ed Birks says that hardware. through to Cutlist, which then re- they work in a substantial number of high ‘This means that only marginal tweaks optimises the file before forwarding it to end residential and commercial properties, are ever required when they go back to the Homag beam saw. creating everything from kitchens, wine the technical design team ahead of a final ‘Langstaff-Ellis is currently developing a rooms, libraries and dressing rooms, check before going into production. From CNC flat pack service whereby clients can catering for a range of styles, including the point of sign-off, layouts and technical submit a design of their own and we’ll will ultra-modern minimalistic and a more drawings are produced for the workshop input this data into Cabinet Vision, finalise ornate look. and Cabinet Vision’s Screen-To-Machine the technical design and then machine the The company, which has been in business module is used to transfer the NC code to panel components for the project using around eight years, began investing in the machine tools,’ he adds. their CNC router. This means that the CNC machinery and software in 2016. Langstaff-Ellis works closely with client can receive a bespoke flat-pack kit ‘We felt that there was a huge amount a company called “Cutlist”, which is for their project,’ explains Mr Birks. of ground to be gained by automating located in the same building at Chinnor ‘Cabinet Vision brings all aspects of our the processes. Our Homag beam saw and in Oxfordshire and whose managing operation together and means that we drilling and routing centre came first, director is Ed Birks’s business partner, Alex can produce our CNC files quickly and but we found that programming each Langstaff-Ellis. accurately,’ concludes Mr Birks. individual pattern was taking several days Cutlist provides a cutting and edging for a large project, so we brought Cabinet service, supplying cut-to-size panels and Wqnt to find out more? Vision in to overcome that,’ says Mr Birks. edge-banding for the woodworking, Visit www.cabinetvision.com The original 3D models are designed in SketchUp. Once the files are imported into Cabinet Vision, the specialist woodworking software then produces the component list for everything that needs to be manufactured. ‘Cabinet Vision creates all the CNC files for our flat panel material and carcases, internal components and drawer boxes, along with worktops where necessary and cut-lists for all the solid wood components,’ explains Mr Birks. He says that their biggest challenge in the past has been the amount of time and labour required to produce technical drawings and CNC files, together with the associated risk of human error. ‘Cabinet Vision now produces all our technical drawings in half the time and as the sales team also use it, our technical design costs have reduced significantly,’ says Mr Birks. Visit us at www.kitchen-maker.co.uk - Online Magazine - Issue 6 Visit us at www.kitchen-maker.co.uk - Online Magazine - Issue 6 18 19
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OVVO – MAkiNG aLL THE y Assembl solutions RIGHt CONNECTIONS OVVO®, the multi- high-end materials, such as high pressure award winning, innovative laminates, composite material and solid tools-free assembly solutions woods. company, continues to lead the way Ovvo was also displaying a PantoRouter, in developing and bringing to market in collaboration with The Woodworkers connection systems and solutions Workshop (www.woodworkersworkshop. that deliver significant benefits to co.uk) manufacturers. The PantoRouter is a precision copy The latest additions to the company’s milling machine able to cut a wide variety product range include the all new of wooden joints. Designed with the invisible V-1230 connection system and mechanical linkage of a pantograph in a tool-free drawer slide connector - both mind, the PantoRouter operates in all of which significantly extend the range three axes. of applications in which OVVO® can be Other than the positioning of your utilised. workpiece on the X and Y axis, you The new solutions were recently can set the exact plunge depth of the demonstrated in applications including router cutter on the Z axis, making the kitchen cabinets, cabinet to cabinet PantoRouter one of the most versatile assembly invisible shelf assembly and end jointing machines in the world. panel alignment at W18. The PantoRouter uses templates, which The new invisible V-1230 connector, allow you to accurately trace the tenons, a finalist in the Elements of Innovation dovetails, distances, drilling patterns, or awards, incorporates all the features of free-hand contours and easily replicates the Interzum 2017 “Best of the Best” the milling needed to rout out and use the award winning V-0930 in a format that is Ovvo connnection system. ideally suited to high grade particle board The new Ovvo® V-1230 connection of 15mm, 16mm and 18mm thickness system is available now. and is available in both permanent and knockdown versions. Want to find out more? It is also compatible with leading Visit www.ovvotech.com. A SOFT CLOSE ACTION FOR KITCHEN CUPBOARD DOORS FastFix hinge cup and pie-cut The pie-cut hinge uses a standard 35mm ensuring life-long damping with no corner hinges are the latest additions diameter drilling pattern and needs no bounce-back and superior performance. to the popular and successful T-type edge drilling. In addition, the hinges are exceptionally hinge range from cabinet hardware The T-type hinges feature the renowned tolerant of misalignment and drilling experts,Titus. Titus “Confident Close”, the consumer- variations. Their unique three-way tool- The new-generation T-type hinges preferred reliable and consistent soft- less snap-on mounting plate, which offers reliably deliver the soft closing action close damping characterised by late-start intuitive hinge-to-plate mounting in preferred by end users and require only deceleration and quiet landing in the last three directions, greatly simplifies door a shallow hinge cup. This makes them stage of closing as the door leans against installation, especially with tall doors that suitable for use with door thicknesses need four, or even five hinges. the cabinet side. ranging from 15mm to 26mm and they The unique design of the mounting plate have passed FIRA tests for BS 6222-2- The proprietary Titus multi-purpose re-inforces stability and rigidity while 2009, Test Level H. integrated damping technology is maintaining smooth hinge operation. positioned transversal in the hinge cup, FastFix hinge cup features pre-mounted The hinges feature the renowned “Titus 8mm diameter expanding dowels, which Damper Inside” technology, which ensures enable precise tool-free insertion and hold reliable and consistent life-long damping the hinge cup accurately in place until without rebounce. the dowels are tightened, making hinge The dampers are single-direction attachment quick and easy. Triple-start hydraulic types that are fully sealed to screws provide additional time savings. eliminate the possibility of oil leakage. The The Titus T-type pie-cut corner hinge damping is easy to adjust, which maintains offers full door opening to 170 deg, consistent performance on doors with a giving easy access to cabinet interiors. In wide range of different dimensions and addition, when both doors are opened, the weights. first is locked at 25 deg to the second, so Want to find out more? that both move away from the user and are Visit www.titusplus.com prevented from hitting adjacent cabinets. Visit us at www.kitchen-maker.co.uk - Online Magazine - Issue 6 Visit us at www.kitchen-maker.co.uk - Online Magazine - Issue 6 22 23
HOT COATINGS FOR KITCHEN CLIENTS S PO TI I C NT K S IN KLEIBERIT has grown to become a G global leader and innovator of PUR adhesive systems and in 2019 the company will be celebrating its 70th anniversary. Kleiberit’s impressive milestone coincides with the company embarking on a ground-breaking 10-year vision: a €40m investment plan that will see the company double its capacity and increase both the speed and flexibility of its operation. Kleiberit began trading in 1948 when its primary focus was on producing classical white glue for the woodworking market, including kitchen furniture manufacturers. in the 1980s the focus shifted towards polyurethane hot melts – and it’s this niche that Kleiberit has really made its own. ‘Today the main part of our business is the woodworking industry,’ explains managing diirector of Klkeiberit Germany, Achim Hübener The adhesive specialist – that has had a subsidiary in the UK since 1992 – openly admits to not striving to be all things to all men. ‘We only supply B2B,’ says Achim. ‘We start with small kitchen fitters, carpenters and the like, but we also go out to the big companies in the industry. Our strength lies in the development capabilities we have here, in the manufacturing capabilities we have and in the technical expertise we can offer our customers. These are the three main cornerstones of our business,’ says Achim. Achim attributes much of Kleiberit’s success to the hands-on experience of its sales engineers, who spend much of their time working alongside production staff in the factories of Kleiberit customers. ‘They are not only able to give you a price, or discuss a package that works for you, they are able to run the machine in your factory,’ he says. ‘They will run our glue on your machine and demonstrate what, in our opinion, are the best settings to acheive the best mileage out of the product, the best coating out of the product and the best adhesion performance out of the product. At Kleiberit’s German headquarters, the company has a large scale application centre with industrial-size machinery – a resounding nod to the company’s ongoing investment into research and development. ‘If you want to put your foil on a full 8 x 4ft sheet of the type you are using, we can do that here. We will not ask you to cut it down to A4, so we can show you that the glue works,’ explains Achim. Keen for Kleiberit’s customers to get the Visit us at www.kitchen-maker.co.uk - Online Magazine - Issue 6 Visit us at www.kitchen-maker.co.uk - Online Magazine - Issue 6 24 25
most out of its product range very high abrasion resistance, and benefit from its team’s making it ideal for kitchen exceptional experience in worktops and other areas of adhesives, customers can also high sustained useage visit the application centre with new materials where Kleiberit’s This insightful approach experts will work with them to business was behind the to find the perfect solution for acquisition of Dekora PUR their manufacturing needs. in 2014. The hot coating ‘This is a real benefit company can now conduct of Kleiberit as a partner. full scale production trials and Customers can come here and get good support, good service technology demonstrations at and a good product,’ says a moment’s notice, whilst also Achim. producing panels for would-be ‘We work with major investors who might want to machinery companies who start supplying product ahead let us participate in their of the installation of a line of innovation, so when they bring their own. out a new machine, we already have the glue that works with it. The company is ‘An example of this is the hot manufacturing for several coating story that we developed regular kitchen clients in in conjunction with Barberan: Germany who want the hot we had the PUR to provide a coated product, proving the perfect bond to melamine and point that Dekora PUR isn’t Barberan had the machinery to just a demonstration facility provide the benefits of a perfect optical finish. that’s polished meticulously for visitors and opened on demand ‘That was the idea behind hot coating: it combines PUR – it’s a fully fledged production technology and lacquering business that’s running two and the result is a finish with shifts a day. Want to find out more? Visit www.kleiberit.com Visit us at www.kitchen-maker.co.uk - Online Magazine - Issue 6 Visit us at www.kitchen-maker.co.uk - Online Magazine - Issue 6 26 27
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