May June 2023

Updates
AUTOMATION
For further updates, visit www.total-fabricator.co.uk
CLOSER PARTNERSHIP FOR HAFFNER & FOM INDUSTRIE
Machinery expert Haffner says it has cemented its reputation as the industry’s
go-to machinery supplier with the announcement it has become the strategic
machinery partner for FOM Industrie in the UK.
Dave Thomas, CEO of Haffner, said: “We have been working with FOM since 2019 and
we are now the UK’s largest distributor of its cutting-edge aluminium machinery range.
Our relationship has gone from strength to strength, resulting in this strategic move.
“FOM has the same business pedigree and ambition as we do. It has plans in place
to double the size of its production space as part of its continued growth strategy.
“We are looking forward to being an even closer UK partner to the company as it
continues its trajectory.”
Speaking on the new strategic partnership, Stefano Beraldi, Export Manager of Fom
Industrie, added: “Thanks to the fast-growing business relationship with Haffner, we
are aiming to further reinforce our market presence in UK fenestration.
“The combination of Graf Synergy and Fom Industrie hi-tech products will ensure Haffner remains the strongest player in the field of aluminium and
PVC-U fabrication machinery.
“We look forward to further aligning our business strategies with this well-organised and dynamic machinery partner.”
FOM Industrie machines will be on display at Haffner’s stand at this year’s FIT Show in Birmingham. Visitors to Stand K51 will be able to view a
complete factory set up including the FMC230 CNC Machining Centre with its four controlled axes, the heavy-duty FMC340 CNC Machining Centre and
the Blitz Alva double head saw.
Dave concluded: “The live factory set-up will demonstrate the innovative credentials of the FOM aluminium machines and how they take fabrication to
the next level by delivering superior manufacturing quality and best-in-class performance.” www.haffnerltd.com
BOOST EFFICIENCIES WITH PST'S VIRTUAL SHOPFLOOR
Efficiency is said to be at the core of any successful fabrication business,
which is why many in the industry are already seeing the benefits of Virtual
Shopfloor, a unique and powerful manufacturing software from Production
Software Technology (PST) that can help achieve a flat pack rate of 97%.
Compatible with a wide range of glazing products, Virtual Shopfloor is a
manufacturing-based software that allows fabricators to choose from a library of 3D
model templates or create custom designs from scratch using the free form tool.
All designs are bespoke to the products they manufacture, and can be built on
using easy to use drag and drop tools. Manufacturing and installation reports can
then be generated with the option to send instructions directly to CNC machinery.
PST Managing Director Neil Travers explained: “Virtual Shopfloor has been
designed with many benefits for modern fabricators – these include the transfer
of cutting instructions directly from the platform to the saw interface by creating
various saw driver output files, as well as an instant costing feature that allows for
the customisation of pricing using a simple matrix and the inclusion of extra costs
such as labour and site costs.
“The software also comes with an integrated reporting suite, allowing fabricators to create branded sales and survey reports, as well as numerous
manufacturing reports such as full-spec small parts drawings, top cap cutting templates, and customisable hardware printouts.
“Essentially, Virtual Shopfloor eliminates the need for fabricators to use various software programs at once, giving them everything they need in one
place, creating a seamless workflow from sales and survey right through to manufacturing.
“With industry-leading flat pack rates, a dramatic drop in trial build rates and substantial annual savings, Virtual Shopfloor is widely recognised as the
de-facto solution for the glazing industry, and in today’s competitive market, is the ultimate tool to help fabricators get ahead.” www.pstonline.co.uk
46 T F MAY / JUNE 2023 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN