The jointer and thicknesser are running simultaneously at Manufakturhof Alsenz in Alsenz in the Palatinate region. Production Manager Horst Hebel is jointing straightened and parallel-cut barrel staves on the jointer. The two managing directors are operating the thicknesser; Michael Messinger (Operations Manager) feeds the staves in and Rüdiger Gries (Sales and Finance) receives them.
But there's even more happening in the 1,000 m² workshop; Iryna Hnechka is taking care of the supply of barrel staves. On her table lies a disused red wine barrel that can be rotated on rollers. With a hammer and a small chisel, she knocks the barrel hoops off to the side until they come loose. She then stacks the individual barrel staves and the heads on dollies. The bench room is also bustling with activity. In the center stands a huge table where several people are working; one is assembling a plywood box with a sliding lid for a large wine bottle, another is gluing planed barrel staves into solid wood panels on a "Multipress".
Furniture from Barrel Staves
Interesting things are also happening in the second hall. Here, somewhat hidden behind a wood store, lies the actual heart of the operation. It consists of a steam chamber, an ancient three-spindle veneer press, a small vacuum wood kiln from Kronseder, and a self-built, climate-controlled conditioning chamber.
The Hidden Heart
The steam chamber heats and plasticizes the curved barrel staves, and the press bends them back into the flat shape they once had before their life as part of a wooden barrel. Afterwards, the staves run through the program in the vacuum kiln. To ensure the wood retains its straight form in the long term, it is conditioned in the chamber.
The conditioned staves are now taken to the Mayer panel saw, where each one receives an edge trim and a parallel cut. From this material, the joinery then produces tabletops, furniture, frame furniture, or accessories. In addition to the barrel stave wood products, Manufakturhof also handles completely normal custom cabinetry work and occasionally builds a classic fitted kitchen.
Versatile Management Team
Rüdiger Gries worked for 29 years as a tax consultant and bought the inventory of the deceased inventor of barrel stave furniture. His goal was to produce and market a high-quality range of furniture, restaurant and bar furnishings, and accessories related to the theme of wine under the brand name "Vinligna". He asked Michael Messinger if he would join as a partner. He had previously started a joinery apprenticeship but had dropped out. His instructor was Michael Messinger. In Alsenz, they found a suitable property. They replaced the old machines with new ones from Format4 and Mayer, because Messinger had been very satisfied with his first Felder sliding table saw back when he was a journeyman.
A Brand and Technology with a Future
Rüdiger Gries says: "The Vinligna brand is receiving a positive response in the market, which motivates us." And Michael Messinger adds: "We also have production under control, despite some difficult processes. With the Felder Group as our general supplier for the machines and the dust extraction system, we are excellently positioned."
