Langs Building Supplies has always looked ahead. As a long-term MiTek customer – nearly 40 years and counting – the business has built a strong foundation with an eye to the future. For Chief Manufacturing Officer Neil Whinton, that future is all about preparing the next generation with the right tools, systems and technology to succeed.
That’s where the MatchPoint® Blade™ II comes in.
Langs is currently installing six Blade II saws as part of a broader automation strategy – one that’s centred around safety, efficiency and the need to reduce manual handling. “We’ve got some senior staff getting close to retirement, so we’re future proofing the business now,” Neil explains. “The goal is to leave a solid base for those coming behind us.”
Why Blade II?
With outdated machinery and growing demand, the need for a smarter, safer way to cut timber became clear. MiTek’s Blade II – a fully automated linear saw designed to handle highly variable truss jobs – was offered as part of the solution.
“It made sense,” Neil says. “We’re a committed MiTek customer, and Blade II was a key part of the package. We didn’t see the point in looking outside when all our software and systems are MiTek.”
The team now has six Blade II saws on site – five are operational and the sixth is being installed. Langs also has one Blade I saw still in use, which gives them a clear point of comparison. “The Blade II is leaps and bounds ahead,” says Neil. “The accuracy, the consistency, the way they’re built – we’re really happy with the results.”
Designed for Safety, Built for Efficiency
Health and safety was a key driver behind the investment. “We want to reduce the danger to our staff and lower the risk of injury. That’s the main thing,” Neil says. “But there’s also an efficiency benefit. The Blade II lets us do more with less manual handling.”
The saw features advanced safety systems including guarding, emergency stops and electrical certifications. Its cutting accuracy – within ±0.8 mm on centreline and 0.1° on angles – helps improve build quality and reduce waste. That matters in a high-volume environment where precision and speed are essential.
The Blade II also adjusts for warped or crooked timber, keeping it “in grip” during cuts. “We’re seeing a noticeable improvement in cut quality,” Neil says. “We’re handling timber less, and we’re expecting a lift in productivity once the full system is up and running.”
More Than a Saw – A Complete System
Langs has built a fully automated cutting and delivery system around the Blade II. Timber is delivered to the saws by a MiTek Ranger – a robotic timber picker – and the cut parts are then moved to assembly by a MiTek Flomax delivery system.
“The first time a human touches the timber is when the truss is being assembled,” says Neil. “That’s a big shift from how we’ve worked in the past.”
Though the full automation setup is still being finalised, Langs expects to start seeing return on investment within the next six months. “We’ve modelled the efficiencies and we’re confident,” says Neil. “We know we’ll see the benefits in reduced handling and better throughput.”
Advice for Other Fabricators
Neil’s message to other businesses considering the Blade II is simple: “I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending it. If you’re looking for an accurate, consistent saw that fits into a modern automated setup, this is it.” He adds that the Blade II’s performance as a cutting tool is unmatched. “For cutting timber components, I haven’t seen anything more accurate or more consistent.”
