Bespoke Lamont matrix clamp for Andoras Ltd

The bespoke matrix clamp purchased by Andoras Ltd.

ANDORAS LTD, in Southern Ireland, is a leading bespoke furniture manufacturer, whose recently launched Aisling Furniture range exemplifies the company’s high standards: the website, aislingfurniture.com, says that the company’s quest “is to satisfy each and every customer’s individual needs and desires, resulting in furniture that is unparalleled in terms of design, construction and finish.”

To meet these high standards, the company recently purchased a bespoke matrix clamp from Lamont.

“All our kitchens are high end, solid timber at the highest quality, the majority is hand built in-frame construction,” technical manager Anthony Douglas told PW&SS. “Usually the solid frame is 37 mm in size and implants directly onto the edge of the carcass. Our production is increasing: we are expanding and there is definitely an upward trend on how many pieces we are creating per week.  The clamps we had previously were not efficient enough to be able to clamp the 600 frames we needed clamped per week.

“I had always had in my head that a peg board system is the way to go: a matrix of holes where clamps can be fitted would be very versatile in all the sizes we do. We do not manufacture stock or set sizes: a customer can have any height, any width of frame or door that they wish. We needed as versatile a clamp as possible for these sizes.

“As I went through looking for peg boards, I found Alan Lamont. Where other manufacturers produced boards of set sizes, Alan was able to cater for everything I wanted on size. Although the table is reconditioned, there is no sign of this: it is practically brand new.

“I also needed an oversized machine: Alan had one that fitted the bill for me. Originally, it had only operated as a left hand side machine: I needed to have both sides operational. By talking with Alan and him understanding what I needed, he was able to manufacture for me exactly the shape and size of clamp we required. He was very helpful and the service was very good, he really stepped up for the mark.

“We have only had the table a few weeks and it is definitely paying dividends and increasing production. It has brought speed and efficiency. I used to have a clamp that only one operator at a time could use. Now you can have two operators working at the same time, an advantage of the left and right hand operation. Anyone can use it without much training: it is also a safe machine. It came very easy to install: it has four wheels on the bottom to manoeuvre into position, as well as a facility to easily take it off the lorry with the forklift very safely. Alan has thought of everything!

“We are using the matrix table to assemble frames and doors: it also has the versatility to glue up solid laminate boards. In its simplistic design (in the best sense) there is very, very little that can go wrong with it: it is very maintenance free! It only uses seven bar air pressure, which is not difficult for any workshop to achieve.”

When asked if he would recommend it, Anthony replied, “Definitely! It was a very pleasant buying experience. It was a bespoke machine Alan made for me, anything I asked for he did without any issue at all. I would definitely go back to him!”

This article first appeared in the Oct/Nov issue of Panel, Wood & Solid Surface.