‘First Class’ Result with Wegoma

Investment in a fully automatic Dubus cutting and machining centre, supplied by Wegoma, is saving a Coventry-based Eurocell fabricator thousands of pounds per month, thanks to better profile optimisation and less wastage.

Directors of First Class Frames, Peter Veal and Lee Hoggins are using 10% less profile as wastage is virtually eliminated by the Dubus PVC Flex 801. Their total investment of almost £300,000 also includes an additional Wegoma WSA4 Uni four-head inline welder, further boosting production efficiency and weekly capacity from 400 to an anticipated 600 frames by the end of this year.

‘The waste saving is quite dramatic,’ comments Peter. ‘What we’ve really noticed is the drop in the number of offcuts and cages that are sent for recycling as the machine makes the most of every length of profile.

‘Because the Dubus does the job of five machines with consistency and accuracy, this has improved our production efficiency no end and made a terrific difference to our capacity and lead times. These have come down from 10 to 14 days from date of order to just five to seven. And the majority of that is down to the Dubus,’ he continues. ‘Added to that, there is a marked drop in noise levels – even when in full production - thanks to the excellent sound-proof cabinet.’

So why did First Class choose Wegoma? 'Having reviewed all the options, Wegoma organised our visit to Dubus in France and the PVC Flex 801 was by far the most impressive machine for us,' says Lee. 'It fulfils all our requirements to meet customer demand, and we certainly needed it sooner, rather than later. With the extra productivity and waste savings, it will pay for itself in two years.'

Full technical support, training and back-up from Wegoma was also a major contributory factor in their decision to buy from their long-standing machinery supplier. 'Wegoma ensured that we were fully happy with the installation and operation of the machines. Our operation is now fully automated and it is definitely 30% to 40% more efficient.

“This helps us to keep our prices really competitive without compromising on quality, which in turn keeps our customers happy. Frame quality and finish is also improved. It’s superb and a fantastic bit of kit!' adds Peter.

The company’s investment is part of on-going expansion plans to accommodate growth from its customers that include a night shift to cut and prepare profile in advance, as well as a future move to purpose-built premises.

Wegoma is the UK’s sole Dubus agent and since March 2006 has seen steadily rising sales of machining centres to fabricators of all sizes who are recognising the real benefits to their businesses of investment to meet the demands of modern manufacturing. For more information, contact Wegoma on 01204 303777 or visit the website at http://www.wegomagb.com.