See Limited’s distribution arm achieves automated excellence with HOMAG

2024/10/21   |   United Kingdom

See Limited provide a significant investment to their distribution arm, Performance Panels, through the integration of HOMAG’s STORETEQ P-500 storage system and SAWTEQ S-300 panel dividing saw, which will enhance operational efficiency and capacity on-site

The investment from the company’s holding company, See Limited, will not only revolutionise the day-to-day working operations at the distribution facility in Halifax, but also drastically improve its environmental footprint. Prior to the installation the company did the majority of its work manually, moving high performance decorative panels by forklifts and picking sheets from pallet stacks. 

HOMAG's STORETEQ P-500 automated storage system will now organise, stock, and select different sheet sizes and materials in its facility, in what is a huge boost to the facility’s operational capacity.

See Limited has sustainability at the heart of its ethos, so improving the environmental efficiency at the Halifax site was paramount. The distributor, Performance Panels will be saving 280 bottles of LPG (liquid petroleum gas) on forklift use alone, equating to an estimated 17,495 kgCO2e avoided per year, based on calculations from the UK Government’s website.

Company background

Established in 1994, Performance Panels specialises in distributing decorative surface materials from leading brands such as Trespa and BioCarbon Laminates, catering to niche markets requiring high-performance materials for fabrication. Competitive rates, fast turnarounds, and excellent customer service are staples of this Halifax-based business. 

The need for change

Prior to the purchase of HOMAG machinery, Performance Panel’s operation had, quite impressively, established its market presence in a mostly manual capacity. As the company continued to grow, however, the operational side needed a full evaluation to meet environmental and sustainable ambitions as well as demand, and therefore the need for automation became unignorable. 

In addition to automation, the company required a system capable of managing diverse panel types and sizes while also improving overall efficiency. After consulting with HOMAG’s woodworking and storage specialists, and subsequently travelling to Germany to see various systems in action, Performance Panels found a solution that perfectly aligned with their needs. 

HOMAG’s STORETEQ P-500 and SAWTEQ S-300

Performance Panels chose the STORETEQ P-500 for its high-efficiency logistics capabilities. This system can handle a variety of materials, including plastic, plexiglass, and laminates, making it highly versatile. It is equipped with woodStore software, which offers precise material management and automated offcut handling, ensuring optimal use of resources and streamlined operations.

Complementing the STORETEQ P-500, the SAWTEQ S-300 is a high-performance beam saw that excels in producing batch size 1 as well as smaller series production, making it extremely versatile. This saw features advanced operator assistance systems and quality control mechanisms, which guarantee high-quality output and ease of use for the operators.

Benefits realised

The implementation of the STORETEQ P-500 and SAWTEQ S-300 systems has significantly transformed Performance Panels' working operations but also enhanced the health and safety measures onsite. Automated processes have replaced much of the manual handling, drastically reducing the time spent locating and retrieving stock.

Brett Baldwyn, Managing Director at Performance Panels, said: “Impressively, we now have the added flexibility to run the STORETEQ P-500 overnight, which means we can pick and choose when we schedule the requirement for ‘Electricity Demand’ which further supports our sustainable credentials and with the added benefit of lower rates during off-peak hours.

Lastly, operational transparency has been greatly enhanced with the woodStore software, which provides complete visibility over stock locations and movements. The team can easily track and manage material and flag any quality issues that arise.

Training and Support

Training was a critical component of the implementation. Five employees including members from our fabrication arm, Bousfields, were sent to Germany for intensive training sessions, complemented by hands-on training at the Halifax site during the handover.

The impact

Performance Panels' collaboration with HOMAG has set a new benchmark for operational efficiency and product quality. The STORETEQ P-500 and SAWTEQ S-300 have not only automated and streamlined processes but also enabled the continued growth of the company.

Brett concluded: “HOMAG are very good at what they do. From the planning to the installation to the aftercare – you know you’re in safe hands. The machines themselves, of course, are second to none. We’re going to reap the benefits for many years to come.”

If you would like more information or a demonstration of any of the HOMAG machinery and software, please contact HOMAG UK on 01332 856500.