Howarth Timber Building Supplies are a multigenerational company operating across 33 branches up and down the country. In 2019 they acquired a new site in Cheadle which had no cutting facility. Having worked with machinery specialists Daltons Wadkin on similar projects, HTBS reached out again for expert advice. Adam Biggar, Assistant Branch Manager, spoke with us about their experience.
The decision to invest in a new cutting facility meant HTBS were able to offer more services, which would aid in the growth of both their trade and retail customer base. Daltons Wadkin were able to work with HTBS in providing a turnkey workshop installation consisting of dust control system, a new Sedgwick TA315 sawbench, new Elcon 155 vertical panel saw, and a premium serviced Wadkin BRA350 crosscut saw.
Delivery, installation, commissioning, and certificated training were all part of the package. “The training days on the machines were nicely detailed, and there was plenty of practical activity during the day”. It is a legal requirement for all machine operators to receive adequate training. Daltons Wadkin Certificated Operator Training courses cover all machine types for new learners and refresher training for experienced machinists. Out of the three machines installed, Adam explained the Elcon 155 panel saw was the most advanced machine they had on site, and it has been a positive learning curve for the operatives who are “getting more and more confident each time they use it”.
With a project of this size, investing in the right levels of machinery was crucial, and making the most of the investment financially was carefully considered by the team at HTBS. Daltons Wadkin were able to offer a combination of new and serviced equipment meeting the budgetary requirements as well as essential health and safety standards for safe operation.
“We’ve seen more retail customers making enquiries and coming into branch, because they know that we now have the cutting facilities, so there has been an increase in business as well”. Adam explained how the new equipment has lived up to expectations and expanded the potential of the new Cheadle site. The advantages of having an in-house sawing centre has been an impactful investment for HTBS, and will certainly aid in their continual development as they impressively enter their 180th year in business.
For more information on the range of machinery and services available from Daltons Wadkin, contact a member of the sales team on 0115 986 5201, visit www.daltonswadkin.com or email inf@daltonswadkin.com
