Kombimatec is continuing to demonstrate how the right machinery investment, backed by practical support and expertise, can help fabricators improve efficiency, accuracy and profitability, following a successful partnership with Norfolk-based fabricator J&K Glass & Glazing. The family-run business first partnered with Kombimatec through the installation of a CR5650 Trickle Vent Router, which reduced routing times by 50%.
The success of that investment, coupled with the hands-on support provided by Kombimatec managing director David Parsons, led J&K to return to the machinery specialist when it came time to upgrade its mitre saw capability.
“Accessibility to David and his knowledge is second to none,” said Andrew Chilvers, general manager. “So when we identified the need to update our mitre saw a year after the installation of the vent router, we went straight back to see what Kombimatec could offer in comparison to some of the other machinery suppliers.
David Parsons presented them with his DGS500 Electronic Double Mitre Saw.
“I admit that when we spoke about it over the phone, it sounded quite complicated,” continued Andrew. “But travelling down to view the machine at Kombimatec’s Leighton Buzzard HQ, I could appreciate the inherent simplicity of the machine and its ease of use. It was clear that it would give us great accuracy and efficiency. Add to that the price tag – coming in at a significantly more sensible price than its closest competitor – and Kombimatec’s proven customer service – the decision was a fait accompli before I had even arrived back in Norfolk.”
Since its installation earlier this year, the DGS500 has gained a real fan club across the J&K’s production team, many of whom are family members.
“Not only is the machine more accurate, but its ease of use is a hit across all the operatives no matter how experienced they are, or not”, added Andrew. “There’s a flow to the way it carries out each process – accommodating the different ways each operator handles the profile to create a consistent and uniformed result.”
Established in the early 1980s by John Engledow, the company has been producing a consistent 100 frames per week (on average), serving the local community, both retail and trade, with products which are manufactured with care and craftsmanship. Having lived through the rise and fall of the super-fabricators, the over confidence in mass automation, and the market being flooded with cheap, substandard components, the company has remained steadfast in its desire to make windows which are a ‘little bit special’.
Lauren Chilvers, director of J&K and daughter of founder John (who to this day is happiest in the company’s glazing department), commented:
“Bending with the market is crucial to our evolution and survival, but not at the expense of our core values – that of focusing on the true craft of making a window or door. A major part of this is having that trust in our suppliers, most of whom have been with us over the decades. Our hinge supplier, for example, has been supplying us for over 20 years. We would rather have the confidence and trust, which is then communicated in the same way to our customers.”
That doesn’t mean to say that the company doesn’t explore new opportunities with new suppliers – and if it likes what it sees, it applies the same values of trust and loyalty.
So when Kombimatec installed a CR5650 Trickle Vent Router, enabling J&K production to reduce its routing process by 50 per cent, all with a pragmatic, hands on support by Kombimatec managing director David Parsons, J&K knew it had found a likeminded supplier for its business.
The market is changing, but that does not mean J&K will compromise on its commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Most recently the company has noticed that it is getting more and more enquiries coming through from general builders, rather than specialised window fitters, who are retiring without being replaced. Volumes may be reducing, but the orders that are coming in have higher premiums with more bespoke requirements.
“Business is as a result remaining relatively steady, and giving us the space to focus on that quality and craftsmanship,” said Lauren Chilvers. “Kombimatec gives us that sense of confidence to create product which is that little bit special, that elevates the finished look of an installation job, and that will carry J&K through to the next generation of family making windows and doors for this corner of the country.”
For more information visit kombimatec.com
