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Buzzing Into Buzzard As Dunstable Is Downed
Kombimatec, manufacturer of window making machines, is moving its production and offices from Dunstable to a new facility in Leighton Buzzard as demands...
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J&K reduces routing time with Kombimatec
Kombimatec says it is continuing to demonstrate how the right machinery investment, backed by practical support and expertise, can help fabricators improve efficiency, accuracy and profitability. This follows a successful partnership with Norfolk-based fabricator J&K Glass and Glazing. The family-run business first partnered with Kombimatec through the installation of a CR5650 Trickle Vent Router, which reduced routing times by 50%.
The success of that investment, coupled with the hands-on support provided by Kombimatec managing director David Parsons, led J&K to return to the machinery specialist when it came time to upgrade its mitre saw.
“Accessibility to David and his knowledge is second to none,” says Andrew Chilvers, general manager. “So when we identified the need to update our mitre saw a year after the installation of the vent router, we went straight back to see what Kombimatec could offer.”
David Parsons suggested Kombimatec's DGS500 electronic double mitre saw.
“I admit that when we spoke about it over the phone, it sounded quite complicated,” says Chilvers. “But travelling down to view the machine at Kombimatec’s Leighton Buzzard HQ, I could appreciate its inherent simplicity and its ease of use. It was clear that it would give us great accuracy and efficiency. Add to that the price tag and Kombimatec’s customer service, the decision was a fait accompli before I had even arrived back in Norfolk.”
Since its installation earlier this year, the DGS500 has gained a real fan club across the J&K’s production team, many of whom are family members.
“Not only is the machine more accurate, but its ease of use is a hit across all the operatives no matter how experienced they are, or not”, says Chilvers. “There is a flow to the way it carries out each process – accommodating the different ways each operator handles the profile to create a consistent and uniformed result.”
Lauren Chilvers, director of J&K and daughter of founder John Engledow says: “Bending with the market is crucial to our evolution and survival, but not at the expense of our core values – that of focusing on the true craft of making a window or door. A major part of this is having that trust in our suppliers, most of whom have been with us over the decades. Our hinge supplier, for example, has been supplying us for over 20 years. We would rather have the confidence and trust, which is then communicated in the same way to our customers.
“The market is changing, but that does not mean we will compromise on our commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Most recently the company has noticed that it is getting more and more enquiries coming through from general builders, rather than specialised window fitters, who are retiring without being replaced. Volumes may be reducing, but the orders that are coming in have higher premiums with more bespoke requirements.
“Business is as a result remaining relatively steady, and giving us the space to focus on that quality and craftsmanship. Kombimatec gives us that sense of confidence to create product which is that little bit special, that elevates the finished look of an installation job, and that will carry J&K through to the next generation of family making windows and doors for this corner of the country.”
Article written by John Roper
23rd July 2026