A Striebig Control vertical panel saw has brought improvements to the sheet-cutting service provided by West London timber and joinery supplier, AJ Ferguson & Co.

The Control, which replaced a manual Striebig Standard in use for nearly 20 years, is the only saw the company uses for panel sizing.

Director Jarlath Bluett said: “The Standard had given sterling service over the last 18 years. We had no serious problems with it but I felt the time had come to replace it with a more up-to-date model.

“It earned me a lot of money over the years following the initial payback period and still had a decent residual value. It was a ‘no-brainer’ to stick with Striebig for a replacement as I knew they offered a top quality saw that was extremely long-lasting.”

Mr Bluett chose the Control 4216 model because of the need for a semi-automatic machine that would fit into the available space and because it was capable of cutting the 2440x1220mm MDF, plywood and chipboard sheets they use, which measure from 4mm to 50mm in thickness.

“Another feature in its favour is that it will now allow us to cut MFC boards, which tend to come in larger sizes – something we could not do before,” he added.

The machine’s operator, Andrew Sowizdrzal, previously used the manual Standard. Of the new Control, he said: “It’s much quicker and easier to set up using the control panel’s touch screen and gives a much more accurate cut. I enjoy using it every day.”

To show just how impressed Mr Bluett is with Striebig, a large photograph of one of the latest Swiss-made saws is featured on the company website’s homepage.