Westbury Joinery has installed what is only the third Weinig Conturex in the UK as part of a £2m investment and relocation programme.
The £500,000 Conturex joinery profiling machine was installed at Westbury’s £1m 27,000ft² new larger factory in South Woodham Ferrers, Essex.
The late October relocation also involved the purchase of £440,000 worth of tooling, software and additional machinery to complement the Conturex.
“As a result of this substantial investment, Westbury has been able to benefit from three times greater production capacity, a 38% reduction in energy usage and a coherent, precise and efficient manufacturing and administration system, providing exceptional joinery products putting us in great stead for the future,” said managing director Jonathan Hey.
The Conturex performs sawing, milling, drilling, sanding and contouring functions to produce all the components needed for joinery products.
Mr Hey said the efficiency of the Conturex alongside Westbury’s preferred use of engineered timber minimised wood waste.
Additional technology purchased included a £150,000 biomass boiler which burns wood waste to heat the factory and offices during the colder months, while also eradicating landfill costs. A £50,000 extraction system completed the investment.
The new premises include two showrooms and enough space to effectively season timber, achieving the required moisture content. The enlarged office space has allowed for further investment in design, sales and marketing.
Other changes include a new website www.westburyjoinery.com, dedicated solely to the joinery business, and a change of name for sister company Westbury Conservatories to Westbury Garden Rooms, reflecting a changing market, particularly within bespoke extensions.
