Robbins Timber Ltd, based in Bristol, has been a specialist supplier of hardwood and softwood timber since 1881. Renowned for precision machining and specialist timber preparation, the company serves sectors ranging from marine and construction to restoration projects. Around 20 percent of its business supports boat building, particularly teak decking and it has contributed to high-profile projects such as Bristol Old Vic and the SS Great Britain.
The business was acquired by the Bagnall family in the mid-1980s and is now led by Ben Bagnall. As Managing Director, he has guided the company through a period of modernisation while maintaining its family-run ethos and a focus on high-value, complex timber projects.
Ben explained, “As a specialist timber company, our focus is on precision machining and high-quality materials, which means investing in technology that allows us to meet exacting standards every time.”
Robbins Timber had long relied on Weinig machines and were very satisfied with their performance over the years. However, with increasing demand for complex, high-precision components, it became clear that the milling process and cutter production needed modernisation.
Ben recognised that upgrading to a more advanced, integrated system would streamline workflow, reduce pressure on the workshop floor, and ensure the business could continue to meet its exacting standards while preparing for future growth and contacted the Weinig UK sales team directly.
Following an extensive consultation with Area Sales Manager Antony Jempson, Robbins Timber decided to invest in the Weinig SYSTEM PLUS solution, a complete package comprising the SOLID PROFILE P1500 moulder, SOLID GRIND 1000P CNC tool grinder, SOLID PRESET 1000 measuring system and Weinig PROFILE MASTER software.
The system enabled Robbins Timber to move from manual cutter production to a fully digital CNC workflow with high-tolerance measuring systems and PowerLock (HSK) tooling, allowing faster, more precise tool changes.
Ben highlighted the positive impact of the investment on operations, explaining, “The new system takes a lot of pressure off the team. Job lists can be managed more efficiently, and everything integrates seamlessly with our software. By moving the software element into the office, our sales team has full visibility, which is already helping us optimise orders and sell more effectively.”
Initial discussions with Weinig to modernise Robbins’ milling processes began in December 2024, followed by a visit to the Weinig UK headquarters in Abingdon to see the SYSTEM PLUS in action.
The team explored how automation and workflow enhancements could streamline production and improve efficiency. By January 2025, Robbins Timber had taken the first step towards modernisation by ordering the SOLID PRESET 1000 measuring stand and PROFILE MASTER software. This key addition transformed tool preparation and laid the groundwork for the arrival of the new P1500 moulder.
Over the following months, Robbins Timber worked closely with Weinig UK to implement the full SYSTEM PLUS solution, including the SOLID PROFILE P1500 moulder with eight spindles, alongside the SOLID GRIND 1000P CNC tool grinder with PROFILE MASTER software.
Weinig engineers carried out the on-site preparations, including the removal of a legacy moulder and the expansion of the tool room to accommodate the new CNC grinder.
Throughout the summer, the Robbins team travelled to Weinig UK for hands-on training in CAD-based cutter design withinthe PROFILE MASTER software. This intensive programme equipped staff to produce cutters to micron-level precision, ensuring the P1500 moulder could deliver the highest standards of accuracy, repeatability and finish from day one.
Ben added, “Setup is now dramatically faster. Previously, everything had to be configured from scratch. The team can now simply take the prepared block and install it. Once in place, the system operates reliably and consistently. It is extremely impressive.”
The investment has helped create one of the most advanced timber milling facilities in the Southwest. Production gradually transitioned from the old moulder while maintaining stock levels, supported throughout by Weinig engineers.
The impact of the investment on Robbins Timber has been immediate. Improved accuracy, repeatability, and efficiency now allow the mill to produce high-quality components consistently, meeting exacting standards with every run.
Ben explained, “The drawings are now more accurate, the cutters are manufactured with precision, and the machine setup is consistently exact. This ensures that the finished product meets the highest of standards and we achieve that quality much more
quickly. The repeatability is a major advantage, allowing us to run the same programme repeatedly with consistent, reliable results every time.”
For Robbins Timber, the upgrade is not only about technology but also about positioning the business for future growth. The combination of precision machining, digital cutter
design, and CNC production enables the company to tackle multiple technically complex, high-value projects more efficiently.
“This upgrade has been truly transformative for Robbins Timber,” said Ben. “By working closely with Weinig and building on our long-standing partnership, we are stronger, more capable, and well positioned to continue delivering exceptional results for many years to come.”
Manufacturers interested in seeing the Weinig SYSTEM PLUS in action can visit the Weinig UK showroom in Abingdon, where the full capabilities of the P1500 moulder and associated digital CNC production systems can be demonstrated.
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