When a critical piece of machinery fails, the impact on production is immediate. That was the situation facing Wells & Root Ltd when its vertical panel saw broke down, putting day-to-day operations at risk. Thanks to a rapid response from TM Machinery, a replacement Striebig Compact saw was sourced, delivered and installed within days – keeping the Leicester-based export packing specialist up and running with minimal disruption.
Over 100 Years of Export Packing Expertise
Founded in 1922, Wells & Root Ltd has grown from a two-man operation into a leading Midlands export packing and freight forwarding specialist, supporting the global movement of machinery through bespoke case making, dangerous goods handling and shipping services.
Around 60 per cent of its case manufacturing relies on accurately cutting plywood panels, with approximately 2,500 boards processed each month. The vertical panel saw is therefore central to operations. “We work on a question of speed and quality, more than anything else,” says Jem Langley, Managing Director of Wells & Root Ltd. “Designs are often complete one-offs, so the need for an accurate vertical panel saw in our line of work is essential.”
When a 39-Year-Old Striebig Saw Failed
So, when the company’s 39-year-old Striebig saw failed, the consequences were immediate. Sourcing replacement parts for a machine of that age was possible but wouldn’t have been economical or quick. “We needed an immediate solution to avoid any delays,” explains Jem. “Hold ups are how you lose a reputation you’ve spent over 100 years making.”
Rather than risk prolonged downtime, Wells & Root Ltd turned to TM Machinery, a supplier it had trusted for years. What followed was a response that stood out even in a time-critical situation. “We rang TM Machinery in a sticky situation and asked for help. They told us what they had that could work for us and the rest is history.”
A Refurbished Striebig Compact 5207
The solution was a refurbished Striebig Compact 5207 vertical panel saw with just 100 hours of use. Known for its precision and ease of operation, the manual Compact range delivers consistent results without unnecessary complexity – something that suited Wells & Root Ltd perfectly. “I’m a pencil and ruler kind-of-guy,” explains Jem. “I like simple things that work. The Striebig Compact is a great example of something that isn’t over engineered and does what it is supposed to do. We didn’t want to start training the team on automated features – we just needed to get on with the job. It’s also a solid, safe bit of kit, so it gets top marks from me.”
The speed of delivery made the biggest difference. The saw was ordered and paid for within a day, delivered within four days, and installed the same afternoon. “I spoke to them on the Thursday, paid for it on the Friday, and by Tuesday it had arrived,” Jem recalls. “They skated it into the factory, lifted the old one out, and it was up and running by tea break the same day.”
For a business built on responsiveness and bespoke work, that turnaround was critical. “We were only about three or four days behind where we needed to be, which you can’t knock. It could easily have been weeks or even months if we’d tried to repair the old machine or source something elsewhere.”
Precision for Bespoke Manufacturing
The Striebig Compact proved to be a seamless fit. Designed for precision and versatility, it handles standard 8 x 4 ft boards and a range of plywood thicknesses from 6mm to 18mm with ease. Its balanced cutting unit and powerful motor ensure consistent accuracy – essential for one-off and small-batch production. “If you’re manufacturing bespoke products, you need to get that first cut right every time,” says Jem. “That’s exactly what you get with a Striebig.”
For TM Machinery, the project highlighted the value of understanding a customer’s operation and responding accordingly. There was no attempt to upsell or over-complicate the solution – only a focus on delivering what was needed. “When you deal with TM, there’s no unnecessary frippery. We’ve built a level of trust over the years. That’s why I knew they’d bend over backwards to try and get us out of what could have been a very costly situation.”
Keeping Production Moving When It Matters Most
The result is a machine that has more than justified the investment. Since installation, it has delivered a strong return. “I’d say it’s paid for itself twice over,” Jem says. “It’s a real workhorse, running a 40-hour week without any issues. We got a good machine at a fair price, and it was installed quickly and properly.”
In a sector where delays can quickly escalate, the ability to respond fast makes all the difference. By combining the proven reliability of a Striebig saw with a level of service Jem describes as “above and beyond,” TM Machinery ensured Wells & Root Ltd could keep production moving when it mattered most.
Contact TM Machinery for More Information
Ready to transform your woodworking operation? Talk to TM and discover how the automation within Striebig’s range of vertical panel saws can help streamline production and increase your business’s potential.