Choosing the right partner can make all the difference for a company striving for excellence. We had the opportunity to learn more about Molenat’s recent decision to purchase a Woodpecker Performance 2.
This exclusive interview with Jeremy Galineau, project manager for the Lorillard Group, reveals the details of a strategic choice that goes beyond a simple technical evaluation, focusing on partnership and reliability.
A brief overview of the Molenat company.
Molenat is a family business dating back some 100 years, having been founded in 1922. It is part of the Lorillard Group. Currently, we produce about 100 windows per day, with a team of 100 people.
Our production focuses on wood and wood-aluminium windows, and we are recently developing a new range of wood-aluminium products. That is why we are looking for a new machine.
Interesting. What were the main requirements that led you to look for a new machine?
We needed a robust machine that could increase our productivity. We were looking for a simple but reliable machining centre that could work 24 hours a day unmanned.
Our production includes windows, balcony doors and shutters. The requirements were a productivity of 20 window frames per day.
Did you evaluate several options before choosing Saomad?
Yes, we did a careful analysis of the market. We visited at least three other companies. We identified two categories of manufacturers: those that make specialised machines, and the big groups that make machines for various types.
In the end, we discarded the machines of the big groups because they did not seem robust enough to us.
And what convinced you to choose Saomad?
There were several factors. First of all, we noticed a great feeling with the Saomad team: we sensed a real partnership forming. We realised that with Saomad we could make a ‘team’ and collaborate to achieve common goals.
We liked the fact that Saomad focused on their machine and brought all their experience and solutions to the table. For us, this was a sign of professionalism and confidence in the quality of their machine.
Saomad’s French structure also played a key role: the presence of a French interlocutor was a major advantage, because it allowed us to communicate more easily. Saomad is a true manufacturer, it builds the machines directly, which is a further advantage.
Finally, the speed of delivery was also crucial. In fact, Saomad guaranteed us delivery of the Woodpecker Performance 2 in four to six months. The new machine is essential to achieve the desired level of quality for the new range of windows and doors.
How do you evaluate your decision at this point?
We are very happy with our choice. The expectations have been confirmed, and we consider them ‘perfect’. As I have just pointed out, we appreciated the speed of delivery, because we needed the machine quickly, as the new window range was already on the market.
Could you tell us about this new window frame you are launching?
Of course, it is a high-end wood-aluminium window frame with a minimal profile.
How is the French wood market doing?
The wood market is stable, with a slight growth. The overall market for windows and doors (wood, aluminium and PVC) decreased by 8%, but wooden windows and doors increased by 11%. We target both retailers (B2B) and private individuals (B2C) and have a factory ‘shop’ that sells directly to customers.
We specialise in windows for historic buildings: we have five production lines, three of which are high-end for historic buildings and two standard.
What are your main objectives with the introduction of the new machine?
The main goal is to increase productivity while maintaining and improving the quality of the windows. The new machine will help us consolidate our position in the market for wooden and wood-aluminium windows.
