California Closets steps into computerized production

Dan Radusinovich, a product manager for Biesse America, has overseen installation of numerically controlled boring and cutting machines in plenty of high-production manufacturers of wood products.

But the installation of Biesse manufacturing equipment he oversaw at California Closets of Northern Nevada marks one of his company's first forays into smaller shops.

It's not a small deal at all to David Wilhoyte, owner of the franchised company that manufactures storage systems, home offices and the like.

Wilhoyte invested nearly $250,000 in the Biesse system, which automates much of the cutting and boring of wood panels used by California Closets.

The payoff, he figures, will come in about 18 months.A wood shop that previously required three employees now can be handled by a single worker no small consideration in a tight labor market.

About a third of the company's 15-person workforce is being trained to operate the new gear.

He expects the payoff will be turbocharged as the company, which has seen double-digit annual growth for the past three years, is able to move increased production through the new equipment without investing in more equipment or production staff.

Adding to the payoff,Wilhoyte says, is dramatic reduction in waste the Biesse system calculates the best possible way to cut wood for each job and reduced costs to carry inventory.

And with a vacuum system handling 95- pound components that previously were lifted by hand, California Closets expects to improve the safety of its shop.

The Reno franchise of California Closets is the first in the company to make the investment in numerically controlled equipment to cut panels and drill holes, and Radusinovich says Biesse hopes to use the Reno shop to gain a foothold with other closet stores.

"David is on the leading edge," he says.

Biesse, an Italian company, installs 200 or more systems worldwide annually.