When a critical piece of equipment quite literally fell through at the eleventh hour, William Hercock Ltd found itself in a race against time. With dust extraction installation already scheduled and a growing timber operation ready to launch, the business needed an immediate solution. TM Machinery stepped in, delivering not just a machine but a level of speed, service and support that proved invaluable.
The Challenge
Steve Noel, Timber Manager at the Leicestershire and Rutland based builders’ merchant recalls the situation clearly. “When it came to loading the saw we originally purchased, it was dropped by our supplier, making it no longer fit for purpose. We needed a Plan B and quickly!”
With extraction installation due just days later, the pressure was on to source a suitable replacement. That solution came in the form of a used Striebig Compact vertical panel saw from Leicester-based supplier TM Machinery – setting in motion a rapid response that ensured the project stayed on track.
A Fast Solution
“We drove to the showroom within hours of finding it,” says Steve. “It had already been refurbished, so it didn’t need much to get it operational. It was a great find. The next step was getting it to site and installed as quickly as possible.”
Just over one week later, the machine was in place at William Hercock Ltd’s new purpose-built facility. “We didn’t expect to find a supplier that could supply, transport and install a machine in such a short timeframe, but TM managed it.”
Seamless Installation and Support
Support extended well beyond delivery. TM Machinery provided detailed technical information in advance, enabling seamless coordination with the extraction installers. “They gave us everything we needed – from the footprint to airflow requirements – so installation and commissioning were very straightforward,” Steve adds.
While the urgency dictated a fast purchase, the decision to invest in used machinery was part of a wider strategy. As the company expands its timber offering, managing upfront costs remains a key consideration.
“It’s a big step for a builders’ merchant to move into timber,” Steve explains. “You’ve got extraction, machinery, and the cost of the whole mill set-up to consider. We needed to do it in the most cost-effective way because we don’t yet know what the return will be. It made sense to look at high-quality pre-owned machines.”
In practice, that decision delivered more than expected. “The Striebig Compact turned out to be not just a replacement, but an upgrade. It’s actually a better saw than the one we were going to buy.” Supplied fully refurbished and backed by a six-month warranty, the machine also offered reassurance typically associated with new equipment.
Day-to-Day Performance
Since installation, the saw has quickly become central to daily operations, supporting a steadily growing workload. “We’re typically cutting 20 to 30 sheets of MDF, Ply, OSB and Diamond Plex at a time, and it’s building week on week,” says Steve. “Some weeks we’ll have three or four cutting jobs, other weeks the saw is in use every day. Either way, we know we can rely on it.”
Performance has marked a clear step forward compared to previous equipment. “The Striebig Compact is much more accurate than any wall saw I’ve used,” he says. “As a manual machine, it delivers exactly what we need. The guides and measuring devices are far more robust, and it’s safer, lighter and easier to use.”
Dust extraction has also been significantly improved, with collection points at both the saw head and rear panel enhancing efficiency and working conditions, particularly on larger jobs.
“It’s built to do exactly what we need – no more, no less,” Steve adds.
Future Growth and Flexibility
Looking ahead, the investment also supports longer-term ambitions. As the business continues to grow its customer base – particularly following the closure of a local competitor – the flexibility of the Striebig provides confidence for the future.
“Future-proofing is important for us,” Steve says. “We don’t know exactly how demand will grow, but the flexibility of the machine gives us reassurance.”
Outstanding Service
For Steve, however, the defining factor was the service delivered by TM Machinery. “It was excellent from start to finish. The timeframe they worked to was impressive – I’m not sure many other suppliers could meet such tight deadlines.”
Plus, with TM Machinery located nearby, ongoing support is also close at hand – another advantage for a business building its timber operation from the ground up.
As William Hercock Ltd continues to expand – adding staff, growing its customer base and exploring new opportunities – the Striebig Compact is already proving its value. What began as a potentially costly setback has ultimately strengthened the business.
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