Northamptonshire business invests in the future with new machinery

A Northamptonshire company has invested around half-a-million pounds in new machinery which will allow the business to increase orders and improve productivity.

Scotts of Thrapston, a high-quality timber product manufacturer for 98 years, has taken delivery of a new CNC Router promoting a new factory layout that will help future-proof the business.

The family-run company is known for its specialist timber products, including summerhouses, which were exhibited at RHS Chelsea Flower Show this year, stables, garages, car barns, pavilions, roof trusses, engineered flooring, doors, windows, bespoke joinery and education and community buildings.

Managing Director James Scott said: “This investment will need to continue so we can service the industry and our customers to the quality we have produced throughout the previous 100 years.

“A company must always invest to match demand and the competition. Scotts is future proofing the business for its employees so it can trade for another 100 years.”

O T Dare Joinery Consultants, SCM machinery, Kosmosoft and Logical Bridge worked with Scotts to provide and set up the new CNC Router.

James added: “The machine was installed within four days, with five days of trials for the operation and software testing. The machine can be used straight away for all bespoke elements, although it will not be fully operational until staff training is completed by September.

“The old CNC Router needed modernising as the software had become outdated. The factory was at capacity with the current set up, and the new machine will allow an increase in productivity and improve quality machining.

“The machine will mainly be used for windows and doors, summerhouse doors, feature trusses, porches, gates and any other projects that tooling allows. The CNC is very flexible and can do all our machining requirements and the range on the machine will support the sales department’s requirements for lead times.

“By defining the product range, this helps focus sales in the areas that match market requirements, plus there is a built-in flexibility for the range to meet our customers’ expectations,” added James.

The CNC also has a five axis machine head that will be more flexible with special shapes and profiles. The large Oak posts will be produced in twice the speed of the old machine and the cut surface will reduce hand sanding. The windows and doors have been designed for traditional requirements and also new build regulations under Document Q for security.