Somerville Fit-Out expands production with Masterwood
Belfast-based Somerville Fit-Out has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality joinery and interior fit-out projects across the UK and Europe.
Its most recent milestone was a move to a new 90,000 sq ft facility, and to support this next phase of growth, Somerville Fit-Out once again turned to Masterwood GB, investing in three new machines: the TF600 KST high-speed drilling machine, MS320 beam saw, and ME509 edge bander, all integrated alongside its existing Masterwood CNCs.
Scaling smartly
For decades, Somerville operated from a much smaller site, but sustained demand eventually made expansion unavoidable.
“For over five years, we were operating at 180–200% capacity and still turning work away,” explains Neil Long, Production Manager at Somerville. “Rather than simply doubling our workforce, we wanted to scale smartly by investing in the right technology, while protecting quality. Enter Masterwood.”
Why Masterwood
Somerville’s relationship with Masterwood spans more than 20 years. Two original Winner 3.2 CNCs are still running reliably, and a Project 485L five-axis CNC was added in 2020.
“The reliability of Masterwood machines has been the biggest factor for us,” says Neil. “We’ve had very few issues over the years, and the support from Masterwood GB has always been spot on. Sticking with them was a no-brainer.”
A carefully managed installation
With a factory move and multiple machines arriving, Somerville and Masterwood opted for a staggered installation.
“We brought in the edge bander first, then the drilling machine, then the beam saw,” Neil explains. “That gave us time to integrate each machine properly before the next arrived. Masterwood managed it brilliantly.”
Immediate production benefits
The new machinery has delivered clear gains in efficiency and labour optimisation.
“With the rear-loading beam saw, we’ve reduced sheet handling from three people to one operator,” says Neil. “The drilling machine is up to eight times faster than a traditional five-axis CNC and far simpler to program.”
Combined, the new machines allow Somerville to size, edge, and machine panels within one integrated area, delivering exceptional accuracy.
“In our line of work, even a millimetre out can cause serious issues. These machines remove that risk entirely.”
A partnership for the long term
“Masterwood GB have supported us exceptionally well for over 20 years, and that hasn’t changed,” Neil concludes. “As long as the relationship remains as open and honest as it is now, there’s no reason to look elsewhere.”
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