Pontefract-based Ultima Furniture Systems has recently completed a £multi-million investment in a additional 150,000 sq ft factory and the installation of state of the art CNC machinery from some of the world’s leading manufacturers.
The family-run company was founded some 30 years ago by Alf and Clare Ellis and from humble beginnings, Ultima now operates from over 250,000 sq ft of manufacturing space and employ over 200 staff. It has built up a reputation for producing kitchens of only the highest quality with the philosophy ‘if you want to be the best, you have to invest in the best’.
As part of this latest expansion programme Ultima purchased two Martin T60CA sliding table panel saws from JJ Smith, which is in addition to the Martin saw it installed some 18 months ago.
While much of the production at Ultima is through fully-automated CNC-controlled lines, there is still a requirement for stand-alone machines needed for special one – off designs or for use in R&D when developing new lines, hence the need for the Martin saws.
As with any machines Ultima buys, Alf Ellis always researches the market very carefully to see what is available and regularly visits all the major trade shows. Therefore when it came to the point of deciding which panel saw to install, he instantly thought of Martin.
Alf comments: “I like to keep very much up to date on what machines are available, and so when it came to initially replacing an existing saw a couple of years ago I was well aware of Martin machines and their reputation for quality and reliability.”
A demonstration on a saw was arranged at JJ Smith’s Liverpool showroom and as result a specification and price was agreed and an order placed for a T65 saw. As a result of the performance of this first machine, Alf had no hesitation in contacting JJ Smith again when he needed two more new machines. After discussing his latest requirements with JJ Smith’s John Stanley, it was decided that the new Martin model T60CA automatic model would fit the bill.
As standard, this includes an overhead, user-friendly touch-screen control pad and colour graphic screen where the operator has several functions to choose from, including programming of the height/tilt of the saw blade, position of the rip fence and setting of the two-axis scoring unit. In addition there is the possibility to create cutting lists, grooving programs and also calculate the required position of the stops on the cross cut mitre fence when it is angled.
Other features include a cutting height of up to 130mm,1350mm saw to rip fence capacity and most importantly, the heart of the machine, the Martin precision-designed and engineered 3.3m sliding table.
The machines were delivered and installed on schedule and Alf comments: “Whilst price is always an important factor in any purchase we make, to us it is more important that we get the right piece of kit that we know is going to give long term reliability and deliver the quality we insist on. With the Martin saws we feel we have this.”
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