Trust as the foundation for collaboration
Dekker Zevenhuizen is a leading player in the Dutch home furnishing market. The company specialises in processing high-quality materials into custom worktops for kitchens and bathrooms. In its search for a new supplier of machine components, Dekker came across HG Engineering. Mark de Heer, technical manager, has been closely involved in the collaboration from the start.
Dekker first came into contact with HG Engineering some five years ago. One of their projects involved processing ceramics. Because the material has to be brushed during processing, a suitable brushing machine was needed urgently. On the recommendation of a business contact, HG Engineering was approached. Mark: “HG proved able to deliver the machine quickly and to our satisfaction. That was a good starting point for our collaboration.”
Replacing the calibrating machine
Not long afterwards, the calibrating machine in another production line also turned out to need replacing. “The old machine was at the end of its useful life,” says Mark. “We wanted to replace it and also purchase a second machine for a new production line. This second machine also had to be equipped with an innovative module. We placed that with HG as a double order.”
The replacement had priority. “This was a genuine rush job. The machine had to be replaced during the holiday period, with the guarantee that everything would be fully up and running again straight after the holidays. HG Engineering proved up to the task and delivered everything perfectly, exactly as agreed.” The new machine can be adjusted with an accuracy of one hundredth, a level of precision rarely found in woodworking. This allows for even more efficient and consistent production.
Doubling capacity through innovation
These successful projects paved the way for the next, more complex challenge: developing a milling machine for a new production line. Mark saw this as an interesting challenge: “Developing something new together is always challenging. You don’t know in advance exactly where you’ll end up. We were aware that this project involved both technical and scheduling risks, and we discussed that internally at length and constructively.
“Even so, we went into it with full confidence, because we had a good feeling about the collaboration.”
The development required an intensive preliminary phase. Bart van Gemert was involved on behalf of HG Engineering. Over several sessions, Dekker’s wishes and requirements were carefully mapped out. The machine had to be able to cut sheet material to length across its width, but an additional wish soon emerged: integrating a centre saw so that the sheet could be sawn in half straight away. Two operations in a single step: a considerable gain in efficiency. Thanks to the centre saw, two end products can now be manufactured in a single operation. This effectively doubles capacity.
Optimal results through close collaboration
“HG Engineering places great emphasis on the preparatory work. That takes time, but it pays for itself,” says Mark. Based on the analyses, the scope was defined and the machine design was worked out in a 3D model. Once it was approved, production started. HG was also asked to take care of all the other parts of the new production line. “That was a large project, which we deliberately had carried out in phases,” Mark explains. “For us, the pace could have been a little faster. We discussed this with HG. At the same time, we saw that the careful approach ultimately worked in our favour.”
“Because the design criteria changed slightly during the project, the specifications were adjusted along the way. That created an extra challenge for HG, but it resulted in a production line that fits our requirements and processes perfectly.”
Looking ahead
Looking back, Mark is very pleased with the choice of HG Engineering. “Agreements are kept, communication is honest and pleasant, and HG works with complete transparency. All the necessary documentation is shared with us. That gives us peace of mind and confidence for the future.”
Dekker deliberately opted for a custom solution. “That comes with a higher price tag, but thanks to the efficiency of the new production line we more than earn it back.” The professional approach, experience with custom projects and smooth communication were decisive in the choice of HG Engineering.
“For complex custom challenges, we look for partners who work transparently and take responsibility. For us, HG is a reliable partner in that respect. So when we next need a custom solution, we will certainly be knocking on HG’s door again.”