Kentwood-based Stiles Machinery expects to produce a lower cost
version of CNC routers that can shape panels of plywood, plastic,
fiberglass, and solid-surface material into components for the
manufacture of cabinets, closets, office furniture and store fixtures.
According to excerpts from the story:
A
high-tech plant to produce computer-numeric-controlled routers will
open this summer through a three-way partnership between Stiles
Machinery Inc. and German-based Homag Group, the world's largest
manufacturer of woodworking equipment.
Homag subsidiary Weeke Maschinenbau is the third partner, and helped
engineer the entry-level Vantech series of CNC routers that will be the
centerpiece of the new venture, Weeke North America.
The venture
is expected to employ fewer than 10 skilled trades workers; the idea
grew from customers' requests for smaller, more nimble CNC routers,
Stiles said in a news release.
Vantech routers can shape panels of plastic, fiberglass, plywood,
and solid-surface material, using CAD/CAM software. Entry-level units
are expected to cost about $60,000, half the expense of larger routers,
and will not require heavy foundations.
Read the complete story here.
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