A woodworker’s tour

Over 40 manufacturing professionals from North America participated in the European Benchmarking Technology Tour, held last October and hosted by Stiles Machinery.

The tour illustrated innovative, efficient and productive manufacturing practices, according to Stiles.

“The forward-thinking solutions experienced throughout the weeklong event allowed participants to benchmark their own operations against other leading companies, giving them a competitive advantage in the marketplace and equipping them with valuable knowledge and tools that will directly affect the overall success of their businesses for years to come,” the company said in a statement.

The tour included visits to nine store fixture, component and kitchen cabinet manufacturers in Germany and the Netherlands. Attendees learned about the latest advancements in panel processing and batch-size one-production strategies, for example.

“This exposure gave attendees the opportunity to observe how global trendsetters are optimizing their operations and process flows by utilizing best practices, innovative software and advanced technology,” Stiles said.

Highlights of the tour included a stop at included Nobilia, the world’s largest kitchen manufacturer, and Sedus Systems, a highly automated facility. At Poggenpohl, a manufacturer of high-end kitchens for over 120 years, attendees observed the latest trends in materials, colors, textures and finishes.

“Homag Bohrsysteme in Herzebrock, Germany, was another favorite for tour attendees where they experienced the latest in CNC machining technology,” Stiles said. “In addition to the tours, attendees had the opportunity to network and gain valuable insights from peers facing similar challenges and the solutions they have implemented to increase efficiency and productivity.”

For news about upcoming tours, visit www.stilesmachinery.com.

This article originally appeared in the February 2018 issue.