For over 60 years, Humphrey & Stretton PLC has been a trusted name in the manufacturing of doors, frames, doorsets, timber screens, and associated joinery products. Operating out of an 18,000 sq. ft. facility in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, this family-run business has supplied doors and frames for a range of buildings, from The Shard in London to Lister Hospital in Stevenage, Hertfordshire.
The company holds itself to the very highest of standards, aware that when it comes to the manufacturing of fire doors, there can be zero compromise on quality. Hence, Humphrey & Stretton recently invested in the HOMAG EDGETEQ S-500 edge bander.
Outdated machinery and evolving industry needs
As an established leader in the fire doors industry, Humphrey & Stretton recognises the importance of staying ahead in a competitive and ever-evolving market. “We’ve
been making investments into new machinery so we can stay up to date with the latest advancements,” explains Scott Humphrey, Director at Humphrey & Stretton. “We
have a strong market position and we’re known throughout the fire doors industry – but it’s important that we never grow complacent.”
Their existing edge bander, from a different manufacturer, had gone beyond its useful life and frequently broke down. “Even during its useful life, our previous edge bander wasn’t quite geared up to work with our thicker, heavier materials,” Scott said. “It was more suited to smaller panels, which limited our capacity and slowed production.”
To maintain their high standards, the company sought a new edge bander that could handle their specific requirements while increasing efficiency and reliability.
Why the EDGETEQ S-500?
Humphrey & Stretton’s decision to invest in the HOMAG EDGETEQ S-500 was driven by a combination of machine quality, proven performance, and the company’s previous positive experiences with HOMAG equipment.
“We already had HOMAG machinery so we were well aware of their capabilities and service,” Scott said. “We looked at other manufacturers, but the HOMAG edge bander stood out. The quality of the machine and the product it produces is unmatched.”
Additionally, the partnership and proactive support from HOMAG’s team, particularly their Account Manager, played a crucial role.
“With an investment like this, you’re not just thinking about the machine itself,” Scott explained. “It’s about the decade that comes after – the service, the aftercare,
and the maintenance. HOMAG’s proactivity and expertise made them the obvious choice.”
Demonstration and confidence
To ensure the EDGETEQ S-500 could meet their specific needs, Humphrey & Stretton’s team travelled to HOMAG’s manufacturing facility in Germany. During the demonstration, they tested the edge bander with like-for-like materials, simulating real-world conditions.
“Our materials are thicker than most, so we needed to see how the machine would handle them,” Scott said. “It performed exceptionally well, and when an issue arose during the demo, the HOMAG team resolved it quickly. That gave us a lot of reassurance that if something goes wrong in a live environment – which it naturally will, no matter how good the machine is – it can be fixed promptly.”
A seamless transition
The installation of the EDGETEQ S-500 was meticulously planned and executed to minimise disruption. “Bringing a machine of this size into a factory always causes some level of disruption, but HOMAG kept it to an absolute minimum,” Scott shared.
"They conducted the training immediately afterward, on-site, which was great because we could apply it to live jobs, ensuring that everything they showed us was directly relevant to our work. This approach further minimised disruption to our operations and left our team confident in handling all relevant scenarios."
Increased capacity, quality, and efficiency
The EDGETEQ S-500 has delivered measurable benefits for Humphrey & Stretton. The company has seen significant improvements in production capacity, product quality,
and operational efficiency.
“The increased capacity means reduced overhead rates, which helps us manage costs better,” Scott explained. “Before, breakdowns slowed everything down, and we often had to add extra processes to compensate. Now, the EDGETEQ S-500 handles everything with precision and reliability.”
This precision is particularly crucial for an industry where every product must meet stringent safety standards. “Being a fire doors manufacturer, we need to make sure everything is spot on, there is no margin for error. We can’t risk our doors being anything but perfect. The EDGETEQ S-500 is as precise as can be – which our customers
can attest to.”
Added value
For Humphrey & Stretton, the partnership with HOMAG extends beyond the machinery. It’s about trust, reliability, and a commitment to long-term success.
“If we’re ever unsure about something, we can pick up the phone and get an answer straight away. Their aftercare is second to none,” Scott said. “In this industry,
downtime costs a fortune. The reliability of HOMAG machinery, coupled with the team’s quick and direct support, saves a lot of money.”
Looking ahead
With the EDGETEQ S-500 now fully operational, Humphrey & Stretton is well-positioned to continue its legacy of excellence in the fire doors industry. The machine has not only enhanced current operations but also paved the way for future growth and innovation.
“It’s been a demonstrably brilliant investment,” Scott concluded. “HOMAG has been a fantastic partner, and we’re excited about what the future holds.”
If you would like more information or a demonstration of any of the HOMAG machinery and software, please contact HOMAG UK on 01332 856500.
“If we’re ever unsure about something, we can pick up the phone and get an answer straight away. Their aftercare is second to none. In this industry, downtime costs a fortune. The reliability of HOMAG machinery, coupled with the team’s quick and direct support, saves a lot of money.”Scott Humphrey, Director at Humphrey & Stretton.