Key Takeaways:
- Cabinotch Innovative Solutions aims to make life easier for custom cabinet makers by providing custom-sized, ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinet boxes and components.
- The company uses a patented joinery system and CNC machinery to produce precision-cut parts from American-made, formaldehyde-free plywood.
- Cabinotch has invested in a new 77,000-square-foot factory and strategic acquisitions to increase production capacity and improve efficiency.
- The company’s goal is to grow to 1,100 to 1,200 cabinets a day, with a focus on providing innovative solutions and supporting cabinet makers in their businesses.
- Cabinotch has acquired KCD Software and CADCode Systems to enhance its software portfolio and deliver cutting-edge tool options for the woodworking and manufacturing industries.
Introduction to Cabinotch
Cabinotch Innovative Solutions was founded by Phillip Crabtree II with the goal of making life easier for custom cabinet makers. As the owner of Phill’s Custom Cabinets, Crabtree was his own first customer, and he has since expanded the company to serve over 2,000 customers nationwide. Cabinotch manufactures and sells custom-sized, ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinet boxes and components, using a patented joinery system and CNC machinery to produce precision-cut parts from American-made, formaldehyde-free plywood.
The Joinery System and Production Process
The Cabinotch joinery system, which won a Challengers award in 2010, uses patented interlocking, sliding wood-to-wood connections for face-frame cabinets and Lamello P-14 clips for frameless cabinets. This system allows for precision-cut, flat-packed components that snap together quickly, making assembly easier for cabinet makers. The company’s production process involves cutting parts specifically for each customer’s design and shipping them across the country in 5 to 7 business days. With the help of CNC routers and robotic panel lifts and retrieval systems, Cabinotch is able to produce about 550 cabinets a day.
Increasing Capacity and Efficiency
To increase production capacity and improve efficiency, Cabinotch has invested in a new 77,000-square-foot factory, which houses rows of CNC router technology and sophisticated, robotic panel lifts and retrieval systems. The company has also implemented an automated, intelligent storage and retrieval system, which optimizes material flow and ensures that all parts are shipped to the customer. With 13 Homag CNC routers running 15 hours a day, Cabinotch is able to produce a high volume of custom parts while providing redundancy when machines undergo scheduled maintenance.
Supporting Cabinet Makers
Cabinotch’s goal is not only to produce high-quality custom parts but also to support cabinet makers in their businesses. Phillip Crabtree wants to ensure that his customers have a partner they can depend on, especially during busy periods or when labor is scarce. By providing innovative solutions and prompt shipping, Cabinotch aims to help cabinet makers enjoy the process of cabinet building again and to be successful business people. As Crabtree puts it, "I want to make sure that the cabinetmakers know they don’t have to do this alone… We want to be a partner with you in your cabinet business to bring solutions that are innovative, that are forward-thinking."
Growth through Acquisition
In addition to its factory expansion, Cabinotch has made two significant acquisitions in the past year. The company acquired KCD Software, an award-winning custom design-to-CNC manufacturing software, and CADCode Systems, an advanced CNC machining software developed by cabinetmaker and industry pioneer Ned Brown. These acquisitions have enhanced Cabinotch’s software portfolio and solidified its commitment to delivering cutting-edge tool options for the woodworking and manufacturing industries. With these new technologies, Cabinotch is able to provide a more streamlined and efficient solution for its customers, from design to delivery.
Future Innovations
Cabinotch is committed to continuing to innovate and improve its solutions for cabinet makers. The company is rolling out e-commerce solutions that will streamline its processes and make it even easier for customers to order and receive custom parts. With its focus on innovation, customer support, and efficiency, Cabinotch is well-positioned to continue growing and succeeding in the custom cabinet making industry. As Phillip Crabtree looks to the future, he is excited to see the impact that Cabinotch can have on the industry and on the lives of cabinet makers.
