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Updates from the 2017 European Benchmarking Technology Tour

Follow along throughout the week of October 7-14 as we provide updates from the 2017 Stiles European Benchmarking Technology Tour. 

As the woodworking manufacturing epicenter of the world, European operations continue to set the bar in innovative production solutions. This annual tour is designed to provide you with an opportunity to see some of the latest advances in panel processing, batch-size production strategies and cutting-edge technology for high-end store fixture, component, and kitchen cabinet manufacturers.

We’ll be providing updates all week as we provide a glimpse at some of the sights and experiences that our group is encountering on the 2017 edition of the European Benchmarking Technology Tour.

Sunday, October 8 – Berlin, Germany

TechTour1On Sunday, October 8th, members of the tour group visited historic sites throughout Berlin, Germany.

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Monday, October 9 – Burg & Löhne, Germany

Burger Küchen & Nolte Küchen

TechTour4Our first manufacturing stop on the tour was at Burger Küchen in Burg, Germany. Founded over 100 years ago, this facility produces approximately 500 kitchens per day.

TechTour5At Burger Küchen, they focus on batch size one production, with an automated assembly line.

Bench Tour - NolteOur tour group outside Nolte Küchen in Löhne, Germany.

Tuesday, October 10 – Herford, Verl & Bad Salzuflen, Germany

Poggenpohl & Nobilia

Tech Tour - PoggenpohlThe full tour group at Poggenpohl.

TechTour9Our first stop on Tuesday was at Poggenpohl, in Herford, Germany.

TechTour9Founded in 1892, Poggenpohl is one of the oldest worldwide kitchen manufacturers.

TechTour10Kitchens produced in Poggenpohl’s Herford facility are shipped to more than 70 countries worldwide.

Tech Tour - NobiliaThe tour group outside Nobilia.

Wednesday, October 11 – Herford, Hövelhof, & Herzebrock, Germany

Febrü, horatec & HOMAG

TechTour12Today, we visited two manufacturers, as well as a HOMAG production location. We stopped by HOMAG Bohrsysteme GmbH, located in Herzebrock.

TechTour13We also visited Febrü, located in Herford, Germany. Febrü focuses on batch size one production with cut-to-size, edgebanding and sorting.

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Thursday, October 12 – Geseke, Germany & Dinxperlo, Netherlands

Sedus Systems & Bribus

Benchmarking Tour 1

Benchmarking Tour 2

Benchmarking Tour 3

 

More updates coming soon…