Pennine Stone has provided architectural cast stone solutions for over 17 years, seeing projects through from conception to material selection, component drawings, manufacture and delivery. We interviewed Rob Warburton, Pre-Production Manager at Pennine Stone, about their decision to invest in the Altendorf F45 panel saw from Daltons Wadkin.
Architectural cast stone is finding a growing market. It is more cost effective, easier to design and is a sustainable alternative to natural stone. The possibilities of the material have inspired architects and clients from past to present day, and Pennine Stone are at the forefront of the industry working on a variety of innovative projects, developing their standard range and providing bespoke products.
In 2019 Robert Warburton was looking for a new panel saw to replace their previous one, which was beyond repair. He told us, “We took this opportunity to look at the marketplace to see what advancements had been made in the machines, and came across the Altendorf F45”. After a visit to Daltons Wadkin to see the panel saw in operation, Robert explained that the build quality and features of the Altendorf F45 were far superior.
Altendorf have poured over 111 years of research and development into their sliding table system. Dumbbell style rollers ride on hard wearing chromed guidance track resulting in silk like movement for reliable and accurate cutting. There are countless customisable options for this machine, including, but not limited to, the choice of eye-level control units; ProDrive, EvoDrive and ElmoDrive. Employed in a range of industries the Altendorf F45 can be equipped for machining an extensive range of materials from solid timber and wood-based panels, to plastics, non-ferrous metals and composites.
For Pennine Stone, plywood of various thicknesses, yellow pine, and tulip wood are amongst the materials being cut daily. With any advancement in technology comes a learning curve for operators, the intuitive design of the Altendorf F45 meant that Roberts team were able to adjust quickly and reportedly “took to the machine like ducks to water” after receiving appropriate training from Daltons Wadkin.
In comparison to their old panel saw, the benefits which stand out for Pennine Stone include the increased safety features, and accuracy of the automated fence which Robert comments, “it gives you the confidence that every time you select your desired size, you’re going to get that size with the cut”. In the initial stages whilst getting to grips with the machine after installation, Robert told us he was impressed with the support received from Daltons Wadkin, who were on hand every step of the way for advice and guidance, including parts and site visits when required.
The facility at Pennine Stone is highly impressive, with a very effective and efficient workflow made possible with quality machinery and skilled operators. As expected, Robert reports an increase in efficiency with the new Altendorf F45 and described to us the positive impact it has had on streamlining their production. We look forward to watching Pennine Stone continue to invest and develop their business.
For more information on the Altendorf range of panel saws, contact Daltons Wadkin on 0115 824 4855, visit www.daltonswadkin.com or email info@daltonswadkin.com
