Altendorf innovations at AWISA 2012

27.07.2012

Compared to the 4 years of anticipation leading up to it, the 2012 AWISA show has come and drawn to a close in what seems like a blink of an eye. Spanning across four halls with a new layout, the show was a success with new machinery such as the Altendorf_2 unveiled at the exhibition with positive reception and more than 7,000 visitors attending.

At the heart of the panels section of the show was the Altendorf stand, showcasing various technologies contributing to superior cutting performance. Making an appearance was 8 of the latest versions of the company’s legendary saws, plus a circa 1930’s Altendorf. The old machine was originally traded in for a newer model some 70 years into its service while still in operational condition, a testament to the endurance and quality of Altendorf’s panel saws. Interest on the 1930’s model was evident as visitors lined up to take photos of the aged veteran and its accompanying feature wall, which portrayed the evolution of sliding table saws since Wilhelm Altendorf’s original invention in 1906.

“It’s a panel saw… it’s a beam saw …” was one of the phrases constantly heard around the show, for there was a new machine on the block, the Altendorf_2, an entirely new concept which took the centre stage at the Altendorf stand. Crowds of interested visitors gathered around the new saw, eager to be one of the first to see this new generation machine in action.

In stark contrast to its predecessors, the new saw stands at an impressive 2.2 meters tall by 6 metres long and seems to bear no resemblance to any of the other machines on the market today. Upon closer inspection however, while being a brand new concept, this is a machine which remains familiar in so many ways. At its heart, the Altendorf_2 is created to do everything that all Altendorfs have done since 1906; to cut panels and solid wood to perfection. Despite the size of the Altendorf_2, its space requirements actually turn out to be much closer to the panel saw as we know it. Thanks to its integrated traveling saw carriage, it eliminates the need for an external sliding table and the space required for its travel during operation is thus reduced.

Designed with efficiency, simplicity and ergonomic flexibility in mind, the Altendorf_2 gives the operator the freedom to choose his own way of operation. One can walk the materials through the cut or watch the safety bridge drop and let the machine do the work. The saw can also be operated from either side, there are no limitations, a simple touch of the control panel is all that is needed to change the operation mode.

The Altendorf_2 showcased at the exhibition is the first of its kind to land on Australian shores. Currently, it resides in its new home on the showroom floor of Altendorf Asia Pacific’s Sydney showroom.  If you missed the show or would like to find out more in-depth information on the operation of the new dimension saw, please visit the showroom or contact Altendorf Asia Pacific on 1800 558 258.

Altendorf's Latest Innovations Unveiled at Holz-Handwerk

28.03.2012

The first major trade show of the season has begun in Germany, home of Altendorf Panel Saws. Altendorf Germany was joined by the Altendorf Asia Pacific team at Holz-Handwerk (the European Trade Fair for Machine Technology, Equipment and Supplies for the Wood Crafts) to showcase its latest refinements and industry leading innovations. This time Altendorf has unveiled yet another pioneering breed of cutting machines which will one day usher in an innovative new dimension in panel sizing.

The next major trade show will be arriving in Sydney this year; don’t miss out the AWISA Exhibition at the Sydney Exhibition Center this July!

Altendorf Asia Pacific Technician Training

28.02.2012

Altendorf is committed to ongoing training for its technicians to provide the high quality service that comes with the name.

With Altendorf Germany technician Bjorn Konemann leading the training, these technicians work through a range of new diagnostic technologies and familiarise themselves with the latest innovations to stay ahead of the ever evolving generations of Altendorf Machines. The outcome focused training emphasises cost effective servicing practises, maintenance tailored to meet each customer’s individual requirements and providing maximum utilisation at minimal cost.
In the coming months, Altendorf Asia Pacific technicians will also be travelling to Altendorf Germany headquarters for training among their German counterparts.

“High quality equipment demands high quality support,” says Vit Kafka, general manager of Altendorf Asia Pacific. “We have and will always continue to invest in our technicians to offer unparalleled quality in our after sales support.”

Apart from training days, Altendorf’s technicians are always on the road and provide support for most areas of Australia. To enquire or book a technician to ensure you machine runs at its best condition, please call 1800 558 258.

NEW DEVELOPMENTS SHOWN AT LIGNA 2011

24.06.2011

This year’s Ligna Exhibition in Hanover Germany, saw the world debut of Altendorf 2, the next generation of Altendorf saws.

Altendorf 2 has been billed as a new dimension in sawing for a new generation of users. The brand new concept, remains familiar in so many ways because it is based on many of the principals of the ever-popular sliding table saw. It’s an evolution rather than a revolution. Although it may not have a sliding table, the Altendorf 2 still does everything that all Altendorfs have done since 1906 and continue to do today: cutting solid wood and panels to perfection. Altendorf 2 is set for release in Australia in 2012.

Crowds at the Ligna Exhibition showed up in good numbers throughout the show. Interest on the Altendorf stand reached new highs as visitors clamoured to see the new Altendorf 2. ‘It’s always the case,’ said General Manager, Vit Kafka. ‘When such a new concept is displayed for the first time, you expect to see a huge interest.’ Altendorf 2 was of particular interest to Shopfitters who immediately saw the advantages. ‘We expect it to get the same interest when launched in Australia next year,’ Vit said. ‘It’s exciting to have a really new concept to talk about.’

There were many Australian visitors to the exhibition. Vit Kafka said it was encouraging to see a strong Aussie turn out overseas. ‘It makes you realise how strong our own market is when you see so many Australian visitors making the effort to travel so far,’ he said. ‘It’s also been a great opportunity to take the first steps in our new role as Altendorf Asia Pacific. We met with clients and colleagues from all over the region and gained a valuable insight to these important markets.’

The next Ligna Exhibition will be held in 2013.

REGIONAL RESPONSIBILITY FORMS THE CORNERSTONE OF ALTENDORF RESTRUCTURE

20.06.2011

Altendorf Australia will become Altendorf Asia Pacific in a move that recognises the important strategic position of Australia in the Asia Pacific region.  In recent years, global marketing has broken down the age-old borders between nations, traditionally based on local geographic markets.  For International trading companies such as Altendorf, all local markets were managed through a centralised head office, which often resulted in a fragmented approach to market requirements.   Communications technology has drastically changed the dynamics of world trade making it possible to conduct business across the globe using very different business structures. 

Australia is uniquely placed to serve Asia and the Pacific markets.  The newly established Altendorf Asia Pacific will take responsibility for these markets to maximise the growth potential in a coordinated market approach.  ‘We see a huge opportunity in the region for Altendorf to expand its potential in growing markets,’ said Rick Lee, Managing Director of Altendorf Asia Pacific.  ‘The team in Australia has a wealth of expertise that can be utilised to assist local markets, helping them optimise opportunities.  Establishing sound distribution networks in the region is a priority for the new business format.’

The expanded scope of business does not mean Australian clients will receive less attention.  ‘On the contrary,’ Rick Lee said.  ‘New developments at Altendorf have expanded our product range significantly.  There are at least two new machine formats coming to Australia in the near future and more exciting products on the drawing board.  We have always been leaders in panel sizing and have a reputation as specialists in this field.  In light of this we have made a decision to go back to our core in order to do justice to the expanded product range and to service our clients more effectively.’

From July 1st Altendorf Australia will become Altendorf Asia Pacific.  In conjunction with this the company will cease its cooperation with Holz-Her in Australia.  From that date Holz-Her will be sold and serviced through Weinig Australia Pty Ltd.  Weinig will take over all warranty obligations for Holz-Her machines as well as providing sales and service for both machines and spare parts.  ‘Holz-Her has been our strategic partner for the last ten years in Australia and we have had a very successful collaboration,’ Rick Lee said.  ‘Good relations between the two companies will mean a smooth transition for our clients and a minimum impact on their business.  Some Altendorf staff will move over to the Weinig organisation ensuring the skills are available for continuous customer service.’

The new company structure marks an exciting change in the way Altendorf does business in Australia and the Asia Pacific region.  It’s a change that will benefit clients and Altendorf alike.

ALTENDORF AT LIGNA HANNOVER

14.02.2011

One of the largest international tradeshows for the woodworking industry, LIGNA is the central hub for information and discovering what the industry has to offer for your business. Join us at LIGNA Hannover this year from the 30th of May to the 3rd of June. We will be located in Hall 11 Stand B38.

Come and visit us at the show for a range of cutting solutions on display. Altendorf offers a wide range of woodworking machinery, from basic workhorse units such as the WA 6 to the full fledged, PC connected Elmo IV flagship.

ALTENDORF SOFTLINK'S SPAZIO3D AT DESIGNEX 2011

21.01.2011

Altendorf Asia Pacific is thrilled to announce that we will be showcasing our Spazio 3D software at one of the most prestigious design exhibitions in Australia. Whether you are looking for an intuitive design software for your business or looking to revamp your productivity with nested based manufacturing, Spazio 3D is designed to be customisable to suit the needs of a variety of industries and applications. This modular concept offers the powerful features of a premium design and cam solution without the premium price tag. Everything you need to make your design a reality is covered with Spazio 3D, with features such as complete design and visual generation, panel optimisation, nesting, cutting lists, exploded view and intelligent labelling to just name a few. Come and visit us at DesignEX 2011 to see Spazio3D in action from the 13th to the 15th of April at Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre.

Alternatively, contact us now and book a personal showcase of Spazio3D absolutely free!

2010 CMA TRADESHOW – SEE YOU THERE!

13.09.2010

We are proud to announce that Altendorf will be exhibiting our outstanding collection of leading European brands at the CMA Trade Show in Western Australia. Representing the forefront of panel processing technology, we will be showcasing our comprehensive woodworking solutions ranging from our legendary ELMO IV panel saw to our modular SPAZIO3D software solution tailored to suit your business needs. Join us at the trade night on the 21st and 22nd of September from 4pm to 9pm at Balga TAFE!

GRAND EUROPEAN TOUR WINNER ANNOUNCED!

30.07.2010

Troy Notman is that lucky winner and attended the Sydney show on Friday 17th July. The tour aptly kicks off in Minden Germany, home to Altendorf Head Quarters since 1919 when Wilhelm Altendorf first relocated from Berlin. The tour will then take Troy and guest to Munich, Vienna Austria and finally picturesque Venice Italy.

The celebrations kicked off in Melbourne, moved to Brisbane and finally Sydney. Altendorf Open House 2010 proved to be a sucess featuring the latest in European technology and promoted Altendorf’s quality line of Panel Saws, Edgebanders, Beamsaws as well as the latest and greatest in CNC technology. The MasterClass software demonstrations featuring Spazio3D CAD CAM software were popular with visitors and were held periodically during the course of the day at all events.
A unique piece of Altendorf history was also presented to visitors. The first was a 1959 WA80 which at the time was the world’s first Aluminium sliding table. Also on display was a 1935 WA8 which had been in continous use for 75 years in a workshop until 2009 when it was traded in (still working!) for a new Altendorf panel saw.

OPEN HOUSE 2010 - WIN A EURO TOUR BY ATTENDING!

09.06.2010

This year Altendorf Asia Pacific celebrates 10,000 machines into Australia, a monumental milestone we are celebrating by opening our doors nationwide and giving away a European Tour for two.

To validate your entry, simply visit any event held in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane on the dates specified.

We will be demonstrating the latest in panel processing technology and based on popular demand, will be conducting Software integration workshops.