Ford Windows very pleased with ZX4

Fast growing Eurocell fabricator Ford Windows has recently invested in a new Stuga ZX4 sawing & machining center for their main Sheffield factory where they currently produce over 2000 windows per week. Managing Director Philip Shackley looked at the competition but even after claims about how big and strong their machines were he decided he liked the innovation of the Stuga ZX4. He could also see that the Stuga machine was big and strong where it needed to be, rather than just wasted steel in areas that do nothing. The ZX4 is accurate to a higher degree than uPVC profile can be measured or normal measuring devices are capable of detecting.

Not only have Ford Windows found the Stuga to be very versatile but it is also proving to be fast, accurate and reliable. Philip and his team particularly like the on-board cameras that can record events. Ford Windows start at 6.00am each morning and the Stuga service desk is not then open but if there are any issues these are recorded ready for technicians to analyse the recordings when they arrive. These cameras are in addition to the internet software link and come with microphones, so the machine can be listened to as well as watched. Another great benefit comes from the fact that Stuga is the manufacturer and is based here in the UK, speaking the same language in the same time zone.

The Stuga ZX4 has a very tough and flexible rotary tooling system at the heart of the machine and this gives total flexibility to produce the full Eurocell Eurologik 70mm system and associated hardware with ease. This profile is in demand with house builders due to the high energy ratings and the six chamber system is no problem for the ZX4Â’s fully programmable gripper system which uses a CNC axis for smart and accurate control. The ZX4 is also easily programmable for the Eurocell Modus window profiles which are gaining in popularity. In fact the inbuilt flexibility created by the rotary tooling means that only software updates are required in order to add new profiles that may come along in the future. No tooling is needed and unlike fixed head machines the Stuga can be adapted profile by profile and hardware by hardware to create almost any combination the fabricator may require.

Ford Windows has been listed as one of YorkshireÂ’s fastest growing companies in both 2015 and 2016 with turnover almost doubling between 2013 and 2014. Ford also expanded into Scotland with a factory in East Kilbride that broke even in the first year of operation and which is now profitable and expanding steadily. The company supply and fit everything giving house builders the one-stop-shop they like. Customers include Barratt Development, Persimmon and Taylor Wimpey.