Start-up hits the ground running with Vollmer machine

The Vollmer CS860 with the Loroch machine alongside

Since it was founded in 2013, Anchor Fixings has built a reputation as a trusted supplier of fixings and fittings to the construction and engineering sectors across Ireland and the UK. Yet behind its traditional trade profile lies a company with deep industrial roots and a forward-looking strategy that spans multiple sectors.

This heritage has shaped a culture of investing in the latest technologies. Business development director Guy Walker said: “If you put in the best machinery, you get fewer problems and better quality — and the reason why we bought Vollmer machines.”

That philosophy has now driven the Antrim-based firm to launch a new precision blade-sharpening service under the Bladetorq brand, backed by a major technology investment. Mr Walker explained: “The opportunity took shape at the beginning of 2025, during a recruitment drive. The industry insight proved illuminating — we identified an opportunity to offer the quality and service required by putting the right machinery in place.

Strategic decision
The move aligned naturally with Anchor Fixings’ existing customer base in the joinery sector, particularly kitchen manufacturers and bespoke workshops. “The strategic decision crystallised when we employed our own saw doctor.”

Pictured right: the Vollmer CHHF 21H side dressing machine in the Anchor Fixing saw shop

Between March and June 2025, the company installed a full Vollmer technology suite — a CS860 with ND 230 automated loader, a Loroch K850T for steel blades, a CHHF 21H side dresser, and a Gockel knife grinder for blades up to 3m. Mr Walker added: “We did our research on the best machines, and Vollmer came out top — the quality of sharpening is second to none.”

Saw doctor Gavin Fleming said: “The CS860, an eight-axis machine, automates blade sharpening with precision. “You input the diameter and the number of teeth, and once you have done that, the machine does the rest. It probes and checks the gullet and the angle. The machine is very smart – it does a lot of the work itself.”

Training was straightforward as Mr Fleming explained: “It took about a week to get up to speed, and Vollmer were very supportive.” Furthermore, the machine’s throughput is impressive: “In a 24hr period, we will produce approximately 80 blades. You could get that up to around 100 blades if it wasn’t doing bevels.”

Quality control
Automation also extends to quality control. Mr Fleming added: “If something is not right with a blade, the machine will take the blade off, mark it, and continue with the rest. The control system tells you why that blade hasn't been sharpened.”

Pictured left: a selection of saw blades on the Vollmer ND230 automation system awaiting processing in the connected Vollmer CS860

Customer feedback has been immediate and positive. Mr Walker recalled: “The feedback from the first customer was outstanding. He said his panel saw is now running quieter.” Mr Fleming noted: “The blades last longer and they run a lot more quieter as well — customers will notice straight away.”

Furthermore, the sharpening process often exceeds original manufacturing standards. Mr Fleming added" “Depending on blade price, manufacturers might check one in 100 cheap blades, or one in 10 high-quality blades. When we are sharpening, every blade gets checked.” Vollmer’s wheel compensation system ensures consistent results, checking grinding wheel dimensions after every blade — something other brands do not offer.

Anchor Fixings has also rolled out a smart distribution model to make its blade sharpening service straightforward. Mr Walker said: “We have set up service centres with retail customers, like builders’ merchants. The DIY customer leaves his blade at a merchant, and we collect and return blades in batches. We have about 12 service centres set up so far.” This approach enhances customer convenience and streamlines logistics, reinforcing Anchor Fixings’ commitment to quality, service, and strategic growth.