Neuburg an der Donau: Between the large shop windows, two steps lead you directly into a stimulating sense of space. In the inviting atmosphere of the showroom and meeting area, which seamlessly connects to an open-plan office, it quickly becomes clear: this is a place for custom, high-quality furniture and interior fittings with a modern design. Master carpenter Bernhard Fortner visibly enjoys creative interior design and is very approachable: "This is where we advise and inspire our customers, sometimes encouraging them to explore entirely new avenues."

After completing his master craftsman training in Garmisch and during a subsequent architectural internship, Fortner came across his first commission for a villa in Starnberg more or less by chance. To handle the project, he initially rented space in a colleague's workshop.

With just 2000 DM …

"In 2001, I fulfilled a childhood dream by opening my own workshop, starting my business with just 2000 Deutsche Marks," he reveals with a wink. He moved forward step by step, finally relocating to the company's current building in 2005. Today, a highly qualified team of twelve employees designs and builds the full spectrum of furniture and interior fittings for private and commercial clients in a family-like atmosphere. Speaking of family: Bernhard Fortner's wife, Sabine, is not only a valuable all-rounder in the office but, as a trained media designer, is also responsible for their very successful website and marketing, among other things. More and more time is being invested in this area: "Social media is becoming increasingly important, and of course, that needs to be maintained," she comments on the permanent state of change with its ever-new challenges. A particular strength of the carpentry business is its comprehensive range of services, from ambitious design to complete, high-quality furnishing solutions. To achieve this, Fortner maintains a collaborative network with other trades.

Investing in powerful technology

Bernhard Fortner always puts a lot of thought into the careful use of resources like time, machinery, and personnel. "The prerequisite for precise and efficient work is the use of modern technologies," emphasizes the master carpenter, pointing to regular updates in both technology and organization. With this in mind, he has invested heavily in digitalization and automation in recent years. His thinking: "To handle complete machining at the fewest possible stations, I'm prepared to make a major investment."

Integrated CAD/CAM

First and foremost, the software: The AutoCAD-based planning and production software from CAD+T laid the foundation for seamless data management. Two modules from the experienced software provider's portfolio particularly stand out at Fortner: The "Engineer Classic" design module impresses with its intuitive user interface. The integrated creation of sections and views enables time-saving 2D design with automated generation of 3D data, including corresponding visualizations. The automatic hardware placement, drawing from a large database of leading manufacturers, supports the user in creating custom designs. The results include parts lists and the complete data basis for connection to all machines.

The "CAM Interface" module from CAD+T acts as an intelligent interface, ensuring seamless data transfer to 3- to 5-axis CNC machines. This CAM system features intelligent machining logic regarding materials, tool selection, and the definition of manufacturing steps. The CNC programs it provides for multiple machines simultaneously thus take into account not only the geometry but also the material properties of the components.

Bernhard Fortner: "The decision to go with CAD+T software and the seamless data flow right through to the machine that we achieved with it was a real quantum leap for us." He adds: "The modular structure of CAD+T's software solutions also allows for step-by-step expansion without major effort."

High performance in a compact space

Within a compact 600 m2 of production space, just a few automated machines carry the load of efficient manufacturing. This reduction to the essentials is part of the Fortner concept. A telling example of this is the decision to forgo a panel saw. Instead, Fortner acquired the so-called "Schreinertraum" (Carpenter's Dream) from Grupp Maschinen in Nattheim.

The outstanding feature of this SCM CNC machining center is its nesting capability, which includes horizontal machining on the workpiece edges, thus enabling complete machining (except for edge banding) of components like carcass parts with all drillings and routings. Furthermore, the nesting CNC at Fortner is also used for panel cutting for all other components.

Versatile machining with five axes

One of the most recent investments is the Profit H 350 5-axis CNC machining center from Format 4. This flexible all-round machine offers great machining versatility and handles a wide variety of production tasks with short processing times. This was important to Fortner: "With the five-axis spindle, we can also structure surfaces and machine solid surface materials in 3D. Plus, we save money on expensive special aggregates."

The advantages of the company's integrated data flow are also evident with this CNC. The machine works perfectly with the CAD+T software. The CNC programs generated in the CAM Interface are transferred to the machine online and retrieved via the touchscreen or by scanning the QR code on the workpiece label. For shop floor programming, the control unit also offers a whole range of practical software tools.

Fully controlled edge processing

Bernhard Fortner calls edge processing one of the most sensitive disciplines when it comes to high-quality finishing. With the investment in the Tempora 800 from Format4, the premium brand of the Felder Group, he is perfectly equipped in this regard. Featuring the E-Motion package and motor-driven units, this machine provides automated complete edge processing.

Operation on the large touchscreen with graphical support is very simple: The machine is set up very quickly by selecting pre-defined programs via touch or by entering the desired parameters. Here, too, Fortner focuses on simplified and time-saving workflows: "We exclusively use PUR adhesive. This ensures high edge quality and simplifies the processes. We only have to clean it once a week." With high-quality machine engineering and the advantEdge zero-joint unit, Fortner achieves top results with high repeat accuracy.

Fortner appreciates the personal, all-round support from the experts at the Felder Group. Not only in terms of qualified advice and good service, but also regarding the trade-in of used machines and individual financing models: "Felder also actively supported us in applying for funding," he comments.

“We don't need anything more”

With end-to-end data management and automated machine technology in key positions, the Fortner carpentry business has undoubtedly achieved a very high standard of efficiency. Bernhard Fortner wants to stay on the ball: "In the future, it will be about further refining and maintaining this level." But of course: a sliding table saw, a high-quality wide-belt sander from Weber, a vacuum press, and a well-equipped finishing room are also part of the equipment at the Neuburg workshop. Fortner: "We don't really need much more than that."

Despite all the digitalization and modern technology, Bernhard Fortner repeatedly points to the top performance of his employees, whom he always brings on board when making investment decisions. Furthermore, promoting young talent—the company constantly has three apprentices—is particularly important to the Fortners. And with this topic, my on-site research comes to an end, because the boss has another important appointment: he's on his way to an "apprentice screening" event at the Paul-Winter-Realschule in Neuburg. That, too, is what you would call securing the future!