Here at Wittswood we hand make all our products, with real people designing and producing our range of premium quality and bespoke products in Lincolnshire. We focus on the designs, sizes or finishes our customers are looking for at an economical price.

Let's take a look at the process of automated wood manufacturing and why we believe that our handmade approach is far superior to automation.

Automated wood manufacturing, also known as computer numerical control (CNC) woodworking, involves the use of computer-controlled machinery and software to cut, shape, and assemble wood products.

While this technology has many benefits, such as fast efficient processes, there are also some significant cons that need to be considered.

Lack of creativity: While CNC machines can produce highly accurate and consistent products, they can also limit the creative freedom of designers and artisans. This is because the machines are programmed to follow a specific set of instructions, which may not allow for the same level of artistic expression as traditional woodworking methods.

Dependence on technology: Automated wood manufacturing is highly dependent on technology. While the machines are highly efficient and accurate, they are still prone to malfunctions and errors. If the machines break down or encounter software issues, the entire production process can be delayed or even halted entirely. This can be a significant problem for businesses that rely on automated wood manufacturing to produce their products.

Quality Control Issues: Failures in the technology can also result in products that are subpar in terms of quality or accuracy, which can be a significant problem for customers who expect high-quality, custom-made products. Additionally, if the machines are not properly maintained or calibrated, they may produce inconsistent results, which can lead to further quality control issues.

Environmental Concerns: The machines used in this process often consume large amounts of energy. Additionally, the production of the machines themselves and the materials used can also have environmental consequences.

Sustainability: Mass produced automated factories often purchase wood from Asia which has a huge impact on the environment with transport costs. They usually do this because the wood is cheaper than nearer to the UK.

There may be a decrease in the quality of craftsmanship and creativity, as well as a potential loss of jobs and skills in the woodworking industry.

Benefits of manual wood manufacturing in the UK

Flexibility: Bespoke wood manufacturing offers greater flexibility. With manually fed cutters, wood manufacturers can produce a wide range of bespoke wood products to meet the diverse needs of their customers. Our cutters can be set up by experienced professionals to produce different designs and sizes, making it possible to create unique products quickly and efficiently.

Improved Customer Satisfaction: Manual production can help to improve product quality and consistency, which can result in greater customer satisfaction. People are involved in the process at every stage to check quality which can help to improve lead times and reduce production times, resulting in faster delivery of products to customers. This can also contribute to increased customer satisfaction, as customers are more likely to be satisfied with shorter wait times for handmade wooden products.

Customization: An advantage of bespoke wood manufacturing is its ability to customize products. Customers can request unique designs, shapes, and sizes that can be easily accommodated. This means that businesses like ours can offer a wider range of products to their customers and cater to their specific needs.

Sustainability: Finally, bespoke wood manufacturing is a sustainable method of production. We ensure that all our wood purchased is made from sustainable woods in France. This helps reduce the environmental impact of production and promotes sustainability.

Reduced waste: Bespoke manufacturers can optimize material usage, reducing waste and minimizing costs. This is because we can accurately cut pieces to the exact size required, minimizing the amount of scrap material. At Wittswood we do not waste any off cuts. All our shavings are made into brickettes and any off cuts are used on other projects.

If you have any bespoke or standard project requiring and wood manufacturing, please get in touch. We have a team of experts ready to discuss and advise on any designs.

To learn more, you can directly call us at 01205 722 700 or 07377 138 832 or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and a member of our team would be happy to help you out with any of your queries.

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