Based in East Yorkshire, Excel Laminating is the UK’s leading supplier of raw, laminated and bonded sheet materials to the offsite construction industry. The company has seen a noticeable increase in its manufacturing efficiency and capability following its recent acquisition of HOMAG’s SAWTEQ B-300 – a technologically advanced, high-performance panel dividing saw.
Excel Laminating is an independent family run business established in 1997. It operates from a modern 80,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility in Hull. As an innovation- driven business, one of Excel’s most successful products is CladEX. This is an external cladding solution designed to improve the thermal efficiency of a building while also delivering a high-quality contemporary finish. CladEX comes in a wide range of finishes and can be used for modular new builds or as an over-cladding in refurbishment projects.
In addition, Excel works closely with the UK’s premier bathroom and shower manufacturers. It delivers a range of British Gypsum products to them daily on a just in time basis. These are cut to size, with CNC created apertures, labelled and packed in construction order, with zero waste. It also supplies panels for the underfloor heating market where demand has surged for this environmentally friendly heating format.
Commenting on the selection process for the new beam saw, Jeff Thomas, managing director at Excel Laminating said, “Before purchasing the new panel dividing saw we spent time scoping out requirements. We needed to ensure that the saw would be able to meet the challenging demands of processing and cutting gypsum plasterboard. Of particular concern was the high level of dust generated when cutting the boards.
“As part of the selection process, I visited a large caravan manufacturer based in Hull where I was given a demonstration of the HOMAG saw in operation. The owner of the caravan company spoke glowingly about the build quality of the HOMAG machine and was impressed with the company’s technical and after-sales support.
“To complete due diligence, we evaluated other brands who supply panel dividing saws. We found, however, that HOMAG’s product was head and shoulders above the competition in terms of build quality, engineering excellence and machining optimisation.
“During our product investigations, we also received some good feedback about the whole buying process from another company that had recently bought equipment from HOMAG. This gave us added confidence that HOMAG would provide the best product and service for our challenging needs.
“In addition to this, for several years now we've kept in touch with HOMAG’s representative, Alan Betteridge. Consequently, Alan is aware that we cut a particular type of board product which is challenging for any machinery. In our consultations, we discussed the specific adjustments and refinements we needed the panel dividing saw to deliver, as it was vital to ensure it had the capabilities for our very particular needs.
“The SAWTEQ B-300 we invested in from HOMAG copes superbly with the specific challenges of the board products we process. It has a great extraction system that keeps waste away from the finished product, as well as maintaining the machine and its surrounding area sparkling clean. The saw is also extremely efficient at handling complicated cutting lists and is quiet and easy to operate.
“I am not a machinist, yet I was able to operate the saw with just 30 minutes of training. This ease of operation has enabled us to have a team of people who can run the saw under supervision, switching from other roles as and when required - something we couldn’t do before.”
Enhanced efficiency, competencies and customer acquisitions
Commenting on the efficiency of HOMAG’s SAWTEQ B-300, Jeff went on to say, “There are some jobs which we’re getting through in half the time using the SAWTEQ B-300. We have also attracted new customers since investing in the new panel dividing saw.
“For example, we have one large contract we’re handling now which previously, without the HOMAG saw, we would have struggled to deliver. I am delighted to say that the acquisition of the new HOMAG saw has provided us with a marked improvement in both our overall efficiency and competencies,” concludes Jeff Thomas.
If you would like a demonstration or more information on HOMAG’s machinery or software, please contact HOMAG UK on 01332 856424.
“I am not a machinist, yet I was able to operate the saw with just 30 minutes of training. This ease of operation has enabled us to have a team of people who can run the saw under supervision, switching from other roles as and when required - something we couldn’t do before.”Jeff Thomas, Managing Director, Excel Laminating