Talent, tech and teamwork: Robbie Loomer’s new chapter

The secret to exceptional joinery is the perfect balance between talent, tech and teamwork. Robbie Loomer is stepping into his new role as Group Joinery Production Manager with a clear mission: to integrate advanced SolidWorks programming with our workshop expertise to ensure every project is as efficient as it is unique.

You’ve recently stepped into the role of Group Joinery Production Manager. What does a typical day look like for you now and what are your responsibilities?

My main focus has shifted to the early stages of joinery design before manufacturing begins. I work closely with the internal team to develop standard construction methods and ensure designs reflect how our workshop operates. Thanks to my understanding of how the team builds joinery, I can feed practical insights back into the design process.

I’m also working with SolidWorks, a 3D modelling tool that allows us to visualise joinery before it’s manufactured – from parametric units to integrated MEP cut-outs – helping ensure a smooth transition from design to production. We’re continuing to integrate and tailor it to suit our way of working.

You’ve worked across several areas of the workshop over the years. How does that experience help you lead production today?

Having worked closely with many people across the business, I understand that everyone has different needs, so I adapt my management style to get the best out of each individual. My experience across multiple departments has given me a broad understanding of the workshop too, helping me identify what teams need, whether that’s time, tools, machinery or materials. Our aim is to produce high-quality joinery in the simplest and most efficient way.

We have a number of specialist services in-house. How does having these capabilities under one roof benefit the production process?

Having all specialist joinery services under one roof gives us ultimate control over the process, from design and manufacturing through to veneering, finishing and despatch. This allows us to consistently achieve the highest quality and it makes us more agile. Changes are common in joinery projects, so being able to adapt quickly without relying on external suppliers makes us far more efficient.

Communication is another key benefit. Instead of dealing with third parties, our teams can talk directly to each other about their needs, which speeds up decision-making and keeps projects moving.

You’ve got a keen eye over the tech advancements in our workshop. How do systems like CNC machining and digital programming support the way the workshop operates?

In recent years, we’ve invested heavily in modern machinery, with CNC at the centre of our group workshop. As commercial joinery is largely panel-based, CNC allows us to achieve high levels of accuracy and output. We’ve also recently purchased a new CNC machine to further enhance our capabilities.

Our CNC programming software links with SolidWorks, so we’ve been aligning the two systems to suit our manufacturing processes. Technology helps us improve efficiency and maintain the high standards we’re known for.

Back to the people at the heart of exceptional joinery, what do you think makes a strong workshop team?

A strong team starts with a positive culture built on trust. People need to feel valued, supported and confident in their day-to-day work, with the right tools, environment and safety standards in place. Trust and communication are essential. It’s important that everyone feels heard and supported by management and their colleagues.

The leadership team holds regular meetings to share how the business is performing and ensure everyone feels recognised for their contribution. Roles like mine help connect all teams and ensure information flows. We’re fortunate to have a team with a great attitude, always willing to go above and beyond.

Looking ahead, what would you like to continue improving or developing within the workshop?

My main goal is continuing to embed SolidWorks across both design and joinery manufacturing. It’s a powerful tool and we already have some experts in our team, but it takes time to get everyone fully trained and confident using it. At the moment, we’re building libraries to standardise processes and improve efficiency as we take on more complex projects. We’re on the right track.

What are you most looking forward to in this new role?

I look forward to seeing the full impact of SolidWorks as it becomes fully integrated into our operations. We’re already seeing improvements in output, and I’m confident there’s more to come. I’m also learning more about the financial side of the business, which helps me understand how design and manufacturing decisions affect the business performance.

Having come through the joinery journey myself, I enjoy sharing my experience with the next generation and showing apprentices the opportunities available to them. There’s so much potential to grow and specialise in different fields here, and I want them to know that.