The Lancing-based company decided to bring its manually-intensive door drilling operation – involving six people working on several machines – up to date with one hi-tech machine.
Manhattan, founded in 1946, worked with Homag on a bespoke specification for its needs, resulting in a Weeke ABF 600 unit being installed in the 120,000ft2 facility.
The software was developed to allow Manhattan to add barcodes to kitchen sets and create programme lists automatically.
Stuart Newble, Manhattan operations manager, said the Weeke could be run by one operator yet deliver the same volume of work as the old machinery with six staff, as well as taking up a smaller footprint.
“In addition, the Weeke machine enables us to insert the door buffer pad automatically and, being inserted rather than glued, it is a more fit-for-purpose design," said Mr Newble. “Previously, this buffer pad had to be stuck on, taking more time and delivering a less robust end product."
He reported reduced error rates and virtually no wastage, with a machine investment pay back time of within three years.
