In the world of furniture manufacturing, efficiency and sustainability go hand in hand. For Furniture Tech Inc. of NC, a leading producer of CNC-routed wood components in Hickory, NC, managing wood waste was once a costly and labor-intensive challenge. With thousands of parts produced each week, the company spent $21,000 per month just to haul away scrap. That all changed when they invested in a WEIMA WLK 13 single-shaft shredder—a powerful solution that not only cut disposal costs but also transformed waste into a valuable resource. Here’s how WEIMA helped Furniture Tech Inc. of NC shred their expenses and streamline operations.
Shredding Costs: How Furniture Tech Inc. of NC Saves with WEIMA
A Legacy of Innovation in Furniture Manufacturing
Nestled in Hickory, North Carolina—a city renowned for its rich history in furniture manufacturing—Furniture Tech Inc. of NC is a leader in producing high-quality CNC-routed wood components for various furniture manufacturers. With 40 employees running two shifts daily, the company specializes in crafting precision-cut plywood parts, sourced from premium Brazilian imports.
Furniture Technologies, Inc. was founded in Adelanto, California on July 10, 1998, by Kenneth Houston Drum.
About Furniture Tech, Inc. of NC
In 2020 Drum opened Furniture Tech Inc. of NC in Hickory, in an old building where Redi-Frame used to be. The company brought its years of expertise to a region that thrives on woodworking craftsmanship. Today, Furniture Tech Inc. of NC produces enough components for 3,000 pieces of furniture per week—but with high production volumes comes an equally high volume of wood waste.
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The Challenge: A Costly Waste Disposal Process
Before investing in a WLK 13 single-shaft shredder, the furniture company relied on dumpsters to dispose of its wood skeletons and off-cuts. Each CNC router station had a 5-yard bin where workers manually tossed scraps. Once full, these bins were transported to a dumpster.
However, the cost of waste disposal was staggering—the company was spending $700 per day to haul away full dumpsters, totaling approximately $21,000 per month. In addition to the financial burden, the process was inefficient, requiring extensive manual labor and contributing to unnecessary waste.
FTI of NC currently has 7 CNC machines in operation.
The Solution: A WEIMA WLK 13 Single-Shaft Shredder
To tackle their waste management challenge, Furniture Tech Inc. of NC invested in a WEIMA WLK 13 single-shaft shredder—a decision that completely revolutionized their approach to handling scrap materials. Positioned behind the building, the 90-horsepower machine seamlessly integrates into the company’s production flow.
Now, instead of tossing wood waste into dumpsters:
- Workers collect scrap in bins at each CNC router station
- Bins are transported by forklift to the WEIMA shredder
- The material is shredded and automatically conveyed into trucks with “walking floors”
- The shredded wood is sold to a local farmer for animal bedding
With this system in place, they now only need a dumpster haul every three months, generating massive cost savings and making their operation significantly more sustainable.
“The WEIMA shredder has significantly enhanced our company's efficiency, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness.”
– Benito Galvan, General Manager of Furniture Tech Inc. of NC
Optimized for Longevity: A Commitment to Maintenance
Furniture Tech Inc. of NC follows WEIMA’s recommended maintenance schedule to keep their shredder running smoothly. Routine preventive and annual maintenance—advised by WEIMA America’s Service Department—ensures maximum machine longevity and reliability.
By investing in proper maintenance, the company protects its ROI, ensuring that the WEIMA shredder continues to enhance operations for years to come.
Previously, FTI of NC paid approximately $700 each day to dispose of wood waste in dumpsters like this one. Now they only haul this dumpster off about once every three months.
When asked to describe the WEIMA shredder in three words, Benito summed it up: “Efficient. Powerful. Secure.”
The Bottom Line: A Smart Investment with Tangible Results
Since incorporating the WEIMA WLK 13 into their workflow, Furniture Tech Inc. of NC has reduced waste disposal costs, improved efficiency, and embraced sustainability. What once was an expensive and wasteful process is now a cost-effective, environmentally responsible operation—a true testament to the power of innovative shredding solutions.
For this wood component manufacturer, the WEIMA shredder isn’t just a machine— it’s a key asset in their journey toward greater productivity and sustainability.
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