2025/05/01   |   Corby, Northamptonshire   |   United Kingdom

Established in 1999, AJB Group has built a reputation for delivering high-quality internal joinery, external doorsets, windows, composite doors, and mouldings. From its 40,000-square-foot factory in Corby, the business serves residential, commercial, and new-build developments across the UK. Sustainability is at the core of AJB’s ethos: the factory generates 2.6 million kW of renewable energy each year using a wood combustion biomass system, resulting in zero fossil fuel use and zero waste to landfill.

With an expert team, cutting-edge technology, and a commitment to engineering excellence, AJB continues to set itself apart. Most recently, the company made the strategic decision to enter the fire door market – a move that required investment in new machinery.

Behind the scenes of the best-kept secret

“Historically, we were a solid timber joinery manufacturer,” explains Amarjit Binji, Managing Director at AJB. “When it came to fire doors, we only made the frames, specifically for a very high-end fire door manufacturer. We did this for 23 years and, being behind the scenes for that amount of time, naturally we learned a thing or two – including what was probably the best-kept secret in the industry.”

When that client unexpectedly ceased trading in 2024, AJB saw an opportunity to utilise their knowledge and step forward. “Rather than look for another fire door customer, we decided to take control and manufacture our own fire doors. To do that, we needed the right kit.”

A consistent, high-performance solution

Although AJB had used another CNC brand for 15 years, this time they wanted a full package from a single manufacturer: a beam saw, an edge bander, and a CNC machine.

“Everyone spoke very highly of HOMAG and its machines,” says Amarjit. “And we liked the idea of a consistent setup across all three machines.” After consulting with HOMAG and visiting their Castle Donington showroom, AJB opted for the SAWTEQ S-300 panel dividing saw, the EDGETEQ S-500 edge bander, and the CENTATEQ P-110 CNC machine. 

“We were certain about the saw and the edge bander,” Amarjit shares. “The big decision was switching CNC brands – we were used to a different setup. But we knew that for this to work, we needed all three machines under one brand… and anyway, the CENTATEQ P-110 looked impressive to say the least, so in the end it wasn’t too difficult of a decision."

Excellent training and smooth transition

The transition to the HOMAG CNC was made easier by HOMAG’s comprehensive training programme. “Essentially we were novices with all three machines,” says Amarjit, “but the training got us up to speed quickly. Two of our team spent a couple of days at Castle Donington, and they came back confident and ready to go.”

Installation was just as smooth. “They came in, installed everything, levelled it all, commissioned it, and came back to make sure everything was running as it should.”

Must-have machines for fire doors

Each machine plays a critical role in AJB’s fire door production line. “The SAWTEQ S-300 is an absolute must for its speed and accuracy. The EDGETEQ S-500 replaces the old-school process of gluing and clamping – and does so in style. And the CNC is essential for routing the lock boxes, cutting the pockets, and rebating around the doors. Without it, the precision and efficiency just wouldn’t be there.”

Although AJB is new to fire door manufacturing, Amarjit is impressed. “We can’t compare these to other fire door machines, but based on our experience so far, this is the pinnacle of woodworking.”

The right recommendation

Looking back, Amarjit is pleased with how HOMAG supported the transition. “They weren’t trying to sell us the most expensive options. They recommended a package that suited our business, and they got it right.”

With AJB expecting a return on investment within three years, the future looks bright. “We wanted to be in control of our future. With these HOMAG machines, we’re confident we can deliver the quality and consistency the fire door market demands.”

If you would like more information or a demonstration of any of the HOMAG machinery and software, please contact HOMAG UK on 01332 856500 or email info-uk@homag.com