Panel & Joinery Production

19/06/2026

Discover how Western Postform Ltd take the leap with Biesse and Maginn Machinery to expand their potential with automating their growing production line.

Over the last 40 years, Western Postform developed a nationwide reputation across residential, education, commercial, hospitality, healthcare & leisure sectors becoming one of Ireland’s largest bespoke furniture manufacturer.

With the support of their investment into machinery, the business has expanded as they widen their opportunities, continuing to focus on timely delivery for their contracts, all within the customers required budget.

10/06/2026

UK Ltd announces leadership transition as Managing Director Craig Daycock prepares for retirement.

🔗 https://p-j-production.com/mirka-uk-craig-daycock-to-retire-at-the-end-of-the-year/

After an outstanding 40-year career with Mirka UK, Managing Director Craig Daycock will retire at the end of 2026. As part of a planned succession, Phil Sandford has been appointed Interim Business Development Director and will assume the role of Managing Director in January 2027.

Reflecting on his career, Craig Daycock said: “I have enjoyed an incredible career with Mirka, which has seen the company’s significant growth and expansion into a world leader in surface finishing technology. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my colleagues, customers and business partners for their support over the past 40 years and I wish everyone well for the future.”

10/06/2026

The latest issue of Professional Joinery Production is now available online.

This edition is packed with industry insight, machinery innovation, manufacturing best practice and exclusive event coverage from across the woodworking, joinery, furniture and KBB sectors.

🟢 Front Cover Story - We sit down with Martin McVicar, Founder of Combilift, for an exclusive Q&A discussing the company’s continued growth and innovation - with a further look at how Combilift’s material handling solutions are helping manufacturers unlock every inch of valuable storage space.

⚫️ Professional Woodworking Expo Preview - with just over a week to go until the industry’s biggest event, discover how PWE 2026 is bringing the UK's wood manufacturing sector together. Including previews from exhibitors Elmbridge UK, showcasing its latest wood coating and finishing technologies, Buttonfix Limited, launching two new products, and Mirka (UK) Ltd, demonstrating the next generation of sanding, abrasive and extraction technology.

⚫️ This issue also features articles from TM Machinery, Extractly, Biesse, TAKA-WPR, Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence, Hoffmann GmbH Maschinenbau, HOMAG UK, Chemique Adhesives and Sealants Limited, The Decorative Panels Group Ltd, SICAM Pordenone, DVP Vacuum Technology and more. Exploring some of the key challenges and opportunities facing manufacturers today, from improving production efficiency and dust extraction performance to advances in CNC technology, machinery safety, adhesives, automation and finishing. Readers can also discover how businesses are embracing digital workflows, investing in workforce development, optimising machining processes and implementing smarter production solutions to remain competitive in an evolving market.

⚫️ Additional Industry updates from Brio, Forza Doors Ltd, BJ Waller, James Latham, Leitz Tooling UK Ltd and Powder Coatings by AkzoNobel, covering everything from concealed hardware and fire door innovation to warehouse expansion, bespoke projects and sustainable finishing solutions.

16/04/2026

The kbb Birmingham 2026 Innovation Awards, held in partnership with Blum UK, celebrated cutting-edge product development across the sector.

2026 award winners included:
⚫️ Finsa UK, for its sustainable Fimapan Bio BDecor (Sustainability Award)
⚫️ Sensio Lighting Ltd, for its Affinity Magnetic Track Lighting System (People’s Choice)
⚫️ Flova UK, for its DripFree® Rainshower (Judge’s Choice)

🔗 https://p-j-production.com/kbb-birmingham-marks-40-years-with-a-standout-edition-milestone-year/

“Announcing the Innovation Award winners live at the show always makes for an exciting moment, and this year the shortlist is as strong as ever. It’s encouraging to see that year after year, this sector continually develops solutions that really do push the boundaries of creativity and genuinely spark excitement in the industry and with the consumer,” commented Sam Fisher, Event Director.

Each entry was judged on its levels of innovation, functionality and commercial viability with four industry experts on the judging panel, including Diane Berry, Managing Director, Diane Berry Kitchens and Toby Russell, Head of Sales at Blum UK, Andrew Davies, Managing Editor, Taylist Media and Emma Hedges, Editor, KBBFocus.

16/04/2026

kbb Birmingham marked its 40th anniversary with a standout 2026 show, welcoming nearly 16,000 visitors and 320 exhibitors across 26 product categories.

The event once again reinforced its position as the UK’s leading platform for the kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms sector - bringing together professionals for product launches, networking and industry recognition at scale.

💬 Event Director Sam Fisher noted "I’m so proud to be celebrating four decades of kbb Birmingham as the industry’s meeting place for KBB professionals. We look forward to building on this proud legacy and welcoming everyone back for the 2028 edition!"

The milestone reflects four decades of industry evolution, with eyes already on the 2028 return to the NEC.

14/04/2026

Elmbridge UK acquires Minden Dust Extraction Systems to strengthen technical offering and drive growth.

🔗 Read the full article to learn more about the acquisition and what it means for customers - https://p-j-production.com/elmbridge-uk-acquires-minden-systems-2/

Barrie Freeman commented: “This marks a significant investment, both personally and professionally. We feel very privileged to take on this well established brand in the UK. The prospects and opportunities are exciting, and we look forward to seeing where this journey takes us!”

The acquisition brings together complementary strengths in coatings, spray equipment and extraction solutions, enhancing the overall offering available to the market.

The business will continue to operate independently under it's previous name with the same experienced team delivering the same high level of service and support that customers know and trust.

13/04/2026

Extractly UK confirms board change as new leadership looks ahead to continued growth.

Following the resignation of Jake Oldfield, Extractly UK will continue under the leadership of Directors Graham Day and William Kenyon.

🔗 https://p-j-production.com/extractly-uk-looks-ahead-following-board-change/

With an experienced leadership team in place, the business remains focused on sustainable growth, innovation, and supporting the evolving needs of the UK woodworking sector.

💬 William Kenyon commented: “We will continue to support businesses across the UK with reliable, compliant and effective extraction solutions. We’re committed to improving what we do, strengthening our relationships, and making sure our customers can depend on us in a changing regulatory and commercial environment.

“We’d like to take this opportunity to wish Jake all the very best for the future. His contributions have been truly valued, and he leaves with our sincere thanks.”

Ecogate

07/04/2026

The latest issue of Panel & Joinery Production is available to read online – bringing you updates on the latest industry events and stories from various sectors shaping our industry.

🔗 https://p-j-production.com/march-april-2026/

This issue covers key event highlights from kbb Birmingham 2026, marking its 40th anniversary, alongside insights from Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence connected workflows and Finsa UK's award winning interior solutions. Including updates from upcoming events such as the Professional Woodworking Expo 2026.

The edition covers cabinet hardware expert the launch of Titus Group online shop for small manufacturers, as well as updates from leading brands including HOMAG, Leitz Tooling UK Ltd, Michael Weinig - UK Ltd, Merino Laminates and Makita UK, alongside coverage of manufacturing innovation, finishing processes and tooling developments.

With contributions spanning machinery, materials, software and production strategies, this issue provides a comprehensive snapshot of the trends and technologies shaping modern woodworking, furniture manufacturing and the wider KBB sector.

📩 For those you didn’t receive a copy of our latest issue, make sure you check it out online - https://p-j-production.com/bi-weekly-newsletter/

07/04/2026

No CGI Needed: Elmbridge UK shows how special effect finishes can be delivered consistently in production.

Developed by ADLER Farben-Lacke-Holzschutz and supported in the UK by Elmbridge, modern decorative coating systems are now designed for controlled, repeatable application. With defined processes and technical support, manufacturers can integrate special effects into existing workflows—reducing risk while meeting growing design demand.

🔗 Read the full article to learn how decorative finishes can move from concept to production with confidence: https://p-j-production.com/no-cgi-needed-special-effect-finishes-for-wood/

Decorative finishes are increasingly specified across commercial interiors and bespoke joinery, but for many manufacturers the challenge has been achieving consistency at scale. Historically treated as one-off applications, these finishes often struggled to transition from sample boards into live spray shop environments.

24/03/2026

Woodworking Expo enters a new chapter – register for tomorrow’s live webinar, taking place Wednesday 25th March (10:00–11:00am).

This free online webinar will outline the future direction of the Professional Woodworking Expo under Nineteen Group's new management, offering valuable insight for exhibitors and industry professionals alike.

🔗 Register here now: https://www.crowdcast.io/c/e7brlrpc0vlh

The webinar will explore the show’s new co-location with InstallerSHOW and the Painting & Decorating Show, creating a significantly expanded platform that brings together professionals from across construction, interiors and finishing trades. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of how the event is evolving, what changes are planned, and the new commercial opportunities this combined format will unlock.

Open to both existing exhibitors and companies considering participation, the session provides a timely overview of the Expo’s growth strategy and how businesses can position themselves within this next phase.

Register now for The Next Chapter - Professional Woodworking Expo on crowdcast, scheduled to go live on March 25, 2026, 10:00 AM GMT.