Paraparaumu Doors manufactures bespoke residential joinery, working with a range
of high-quality native and exotic timbers to craft doors, window frames, cupboards,
and louvres.
Adam Thomson, Managing Director, tells us about their quest for CNC routers to
speed up production of their widely varying products…
European machines: high price with no service
“CNC machines were a new game for us, and we looked at what we could get for our
operation, but needed some help in the buying process.
We looked at Italian and German machines which seemed like the ‘bee’s knees’, but
at a price. Apparently, they just drop the product off and “see you later”. We got the
impression that the local agents hadn’t actually used the machines themselves.
I have a friend who bought a double-bed European router for five to six hundred
thousand dollars. It was just delivered and he was left to make it work himself.”
Heliner: affordable with helpful service
“We found Heliner and got in touch with James to visit his premises and see what his
customised machines could do. It took two or three meetings after that to talk things
through, because we were ‘green-as’ with the technology. It was great dealing with
someone who had real, hands-on knowledge of his products.
James designed and built the machine to what we actually wanted, unlike other
companies that try to sell you what they have. It cost less than a third of the
European machines.
Setup and training investment
“It’s a reality that CNC machines take a big time investment for learning, setting up,
and training skilled staff. This is especially true for us with the ongoing variation in our
products. But with James’s help, we were able to get up and running with quality
output in a much shorter time.
We’re now using the router productively for things like cutting stairs, glass doors, and
cut-out modules for hinges and jambs, which builders can easily slot into their
joinery.”
Ongoing support
“We have to sort out machining issues as we go, especially after re-configuring for
new applications. But sometimes things get too tricky, and we need James’ help –
about every three months or so.
If anything goes suddenly wrong, we call on him, and he jumps to help us, always
true to his word. He’s the man… awesome!”
The proof’s in the pudding
“We’re very satisfied with our router and James’s service, so we’ll be looking to him
for our next machine, which will be a small one dedicated for specialised tasks.
If anyone wants to see a Heliner machine in action before they buy one, they can
come around here and I’ll show them. Another local manufacturer has already done
this and got his own machine.”
