The last few weeks have been very busy for machinery experts Haffner Murat Ltd. Managing Director Dave Thomas reports: “As the industry continues to pick up, more and more fabricators are seeing the benefits that automation has to bring. Our stand at the FIT Show reinforced this message and our phones have been busier than ever since the show.”

Dave says that three machines in particular are attracting people’s attention.

For the larger volume fabricators, the SBA-2 and SBA-4 machining centres were the focus. Both machines offer heavy duty design and parts designed for years of trouble free use. Easily programmable and adjustable, they are the work horses of the modern window fabricator, driving efficiency and quality across the entire manufacturing process.

For fabricators yet to invest in automation or those looking to move up to the next level of automation, it was the SMR-4 four head welder that is of interest. Quite simply, like all automation equipment, the machine saves time, reduces the need for skilled labour and dramatically increases quality. The heads position automatically, there is automatic corner and transom support fence positioning and there is also self-centering transom alignment on all heads. All operations are controlled via a PC and it’s fast and user-friendly which means it’s as perfect for a fabricator looking to make the first forays into automation as for one that is already experiencing the benefits it can bring.

While the interest in automation is something that Dave recognises as a side effect of a resurgent industry, he also recognises that there is a very good reason that people are turning to investment in brand new machinery. “In the past, many fabricators would have looked towards reconditioned machinery to meet their automation needs. However, there has been a real reduction in the availability of good quality used machinery recently. We will only supply the best quality reconditioned machinery and if it isn’t there, we won’t compromise. People can’t afford to wait, so they’re looking at new machinery so it can start to add value to their business straightaway.”

While there is no doubt that automation will add value to a fabricator’s business, it’s also true that Haffner’s service will too. The company’s commitment to delivering exceptional quality machinery, coupled with a genuine desire to provide expert advice and support means it’s the first choice for many fabricators throughout the UK.