The beginning of a new year is a great time to consider optimizing your production line, and Stiles Machinery is here to help. Stiles has been at the forefront of the United States woodworking industry for over six decades, partnering with manufacturers to provide efficiency-focused solutions built around them. A proud member of the HOMAG Group, we are the exclusive provider of WEINMANN machines in North America, offering best-in-class German engineering for off-site construction.
I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Blake Schwieters from JL Schwieters Construction. As the plant manager of Schwieters in Hugo, Minnesota, Blake plays a critical role in implementing continuous improvement strategies. The success story of JL Schwieters, an industry leader in turnkey framing solutions, is a great example of the benefits automation can bring to off-site construction. [For all photos, See PDF or View in Full Issue.]
My Q&A with Blake Schwieters
How did you learn about Stiles and WEINMANN equipment for your business?
Before engaging with Stiles, I had limited knowledge about WEINMANN equipment. JL Schwieters has been producing wall panels for 20 years and has been in the industry for 40 years. I became a part of the team in 2013, and being an engineer, I was naturally interested in the machines and equipment we use. I researched to find the best wall panel line. However, limited options were available in the market. Although some US manufacturers had been around for a while, I didn’t find their level of automation to be on par with what we had in our facility. Then, I found WEINMANN through an internet search on wall panel lines and watched several videos about the equipment. That’s when it all began.
When you first connected with Stiles, what were your impressions of us as a distributor of WEINMANN equipment?
My initial perception of Stiles was based on the equipment. To me, I don’t differentiate between Stiles and WEINMANN. In my mind, they are the same, and I associate the quality of the WEINMANN equipment directly with Stiles. Unlike some equipment distributors who take an arm’s length approach, selling you the product but refusing to support it, Stiles stands out as different. Regarding the product, it was clear that Stiles is the only one doing that level of service and automation. I wasn’t entirely aware of the scope until I entered the sales cycle and understood how big WEINMANN is in Europe and how many lines are operating there. But after talking to people in the industry, it was evident that if you want that level of quality and precision, WEINMANN is the answer.
How did you compare different equipment brands before selecting WEINMANN?
Our new manufacturing facility comprised seven buildings, covering almost 500,000 square feet. Half of the facility was constructed before the recession, while the other half was built post-recession in the spring of 2019. We expanded into truss manufacturing and added another wall panel line. Unfortunately, we didn’t have the budget for a WEINMANN line then, so we opted for a local wall panel line instead. It is a great entry-level line with good value for the price. However, I always knew I wanted to invest in a WEINMANN line for additional automation. I know that many other manufacturers are in a similar position when considering taking the next step in the automation curve.
Based on Stiles’ service and the reputation of the WEINMANN brand, the decision was easy to make, despite other equipment options available on the market. Other equipment suppliers lack a significant presence in the US, and we wanted a well-developed support structure for our equipment. Schwieters has been in manufacturing for many years, and we understand the importance of having a solid support structure. At the end of the day, we are carpenters and wall panel manufacturers dedicated to producing high-quality products for our customers. We prioritize our craftsmanship and rely on Stiles for support and service to ensure our equipment runs smoothly.
The Benefits of Partnering with Stiles
The partnership between Schwieters and Stiles, featuring WEINMANN wall panel equipment, marks a significant boost in Schwieters’ off-site construction capabilities. By partnering with Stiles Machinery and integrating automated WEINMANN equipment, the company has set itself up for success now and many years into the future.
The benefits of this partnership are clear:
- Labor requirements reduced by 25%
- Performance outputs increased by 20%
- Improved quality and less rework through higher automation
- Higher safety standards through eliminating manual processes.
These advantages Schwieters has experienced can be yours, too. It’s never been a better time to consider new automated solutions for your manufacturing processes, and it all starts with a conversation. We at Stiles Machinery are dedicated to working alongside you, understanding your specific challenges, and delivering technology that propels your business to the next level. With Stiles’ expertise and WEINMANN’s state-of-the-art equipment, we’re ready to help you build a smarter, safer, and more efficient future for your business.
Visit StilesMachinery.com/OSC to learn more or call us at (616) 698-7500.