Express Bi-Folds chooses high volume Emmegi Quadra machine

Express Bi-Folds has invested in a brand new high volume Emmegi Quadra L1 sawing and machining centre to keep pace with its dramatic growth. The Leeds based company arguably already has the biggest factory in the UK manufacturing aluminium bi-folds and sliding doors, windows, entrance doors, curtain walling and roofing systems, but with a multi-million pound investment in a brand new 27,000 ft2 showroom starting to pay dividends, it has chosen the flagship Emmegi machine to enable it to increase its volumes still further.

The 12 axis Quadra L1 can cut, machine and notch window, door and curtain walling profiles all in one operation so it is faster and more efficient than the existing machining centres at Express. It also provides extreme levels of precision and accuracy, with 360º machining of profiles and continuous processing and automatic profile rotation reducing the amount of handling required by operators. It can machine in any of Express Bi-Fold’s aluminium systems with little or no profile related tooling required and is freely programmable from its own software system without any specialist set up. Changeover between systems is minimal and, with a rotary machining head featuring up to six spindles, it is even possible to process bars of different profiles in the same loading and machining operation. The motors automatically adjust to profile size as well and, because each item is processed before it is cut, there is no minimum size.

Emmegi boasts that the Quadra L1 can do the work of a team of men and at Express it has been easily integrated into the manufacturing operation with only limited amounts of training required. Express Bi-Fold’s MD Stephen Bromberg said: “We have relied on Emmegi machines here for many years and have always been impressed by their quality and durability. We currently have two Classic Star saws and have replaced a Phantomatic machining centre with this bigger and more capable Quadra L1. The team at Emmegi (UK) gave us great advice and have helped to ensure that the integration of the machine into our overall operation has been fairly seamless. We have built our reputation on quality and efficiency, so having a machinery partner that understands that and gives us the backing we need is really valuable to us.” Express Bi-Folds has a 130,000 ft2 manufacturing space in Leeds and provides a comprehensive supply only service to trade customers, as well as a full delivery, installation and after care service to the retail sector. It fabricates in Smart, Reynaers and Schueco and supplies products from stock in four standard colours With a workforce of around 260 and a delivery fleet of more than 80 vehicles, it produces around 150 bi-folds and 200 windows every week. The impressive 27,000 sq ft showroom was officially opened this year by property expert Phil Spencer and features a number of full sized show homes and fully equipped room sets showing off Express Bi-Folds’ complete range of products.

Tel: 02476 676192 or email: i.latimer@emmegi.com