Following the launch of its new Exeter branch earlier this year, Donaldson Timber Engineering has recently installed the High-Speed Posi-Joist Press (HSPP) to help meet the growing demand from its customers for the system.
Over the last twelve months, there’s been a drive by the sector to invest in machinery that automates production and creates significant efficiencies. Luke Roberts, Managing Director of DTE is future-proofing the business to meet bigger volumes:
“We already own one of these machines, so we know the impact that this investment can have on our business. We’re confident that it will have a positive effect, as we will be able to double our output and offer a quicker service to our customers, both locally and across the UK.”
DTE Exeter branch manager, Karol Radziejowski is no stranger to all things Posi-Joist. Having recently taken the reigns as branch manager at DTE’s 10th facility in Exeter, Karol is very enthusiastic about the new addition to the team:
“Having the HSPP in the new Exeter branch is a real milestone. A lot of consideration went into how the machinery fitted into the space, and to see it fully functioning is brilliant.”
The installation is also a personal achievement for Karol, who began his career in the industry 14 years ago. His journey started with Posi-Joist and operating machinery, before delving into design and refining his skills. Karol knows first-hand, how powerful the machine is:
“I first started working with the HSPP in 2012 in our Ilkeston branch. Seeing it again after so many years is really exciting, and I’m looking forward to developing the business with it.”
The HSPP will enable Donaldson’s to fully automate the manufacturing process of Posi-Joists – improving efficiency, accuracy, and capacity, and is a real testament to MiTek and Donaldson’s deep-rooted partnership, which spans 24 years.
The HSPP is three times faster than others on the market, allowing for the delivery of a much higher volume of joists. Integrated directly with PAMIR, design files go directly to the machine – ‘it creates an all-round quicker process’ says Karol:
“What’s unique about the HSPP is how user-friendly it is. It’s fully automatic, and to be involved in the development of the machine in the past 10 years has been exciting too.”
For Karol, adding the HSPP allows him to scale up his operations and increase capacity, with the press helping to simplify manufacturing, and allowing more focus on delivering the very best customer service. He adds:
“The HSPP develops and produces high-quality joists. Now we estimate the press can deliver up to 1,800 metres of Posi-Joist in a single shift, which is a vast amount, and a massive production capacity increase for us.”
Tim Garner, MiTek Regional Director added: “We are delighted that DTE chose to invest in a new High-Speed Posi-Joist Press for their impressive Exeter site. The machine is the most highly automated joist press on the market and will significantly boost DTE’s production capacity.
“DTE is the only UK manufacturer to currently have two of these machines, and their investment reflects the confidence in the growing demand by builders for Posi-Joist in the context of the 2025 Future Homes Standard. The decades-long relationship between DTE and MiTek is a great partnership, and we’re looking forward to seeing the positive impact this machine has for them.”
MiTek Machinery
The High Speed Posi-Joist Press has a unique vertical pressing station with controlled positioning of the Posi-Strut webs, ensuring precise and accurate placement, and eliminating lengthy set-up procedures.
Featuring:
- Accommodates PS8-16 posi strut webs
- Press joist lengths up to 11 metres
- Complete file-driven process
- Pressing and testing mode
MiTek offers a wide range of manufacturing equipment for roof trusses and floor joists to all manufacturers. To find out more click here.
