A focus on making self-build simpler led Fleming Homes to invest in the Essetre Techno Saw CNC, the first of its kind supplied to the UK through the respected Weinig UK sales network.
Fleming Homes, founded in 1986 by Thomas Fleming, has grown into a trusted provider of bespoke timber frame homes for self-builders and developers across the UK. Managing Director Hayden Martin, who began his career at Fleming Homes as a panel fabricator and later trained as a construction design technician, led a management buy-out in 2013.
Sarah Mathieson, who had previously advised the company, joined the board and was appointed Managing Director in 2017. Hayden now serves as Operations Director, and together they are committed to making self-build more straightforward, helping more people gain the confidence to create their own homes.
Selected for its precision and performance rather than following industry convention, the machine works seamlessly with Fleming Homes’ design software to cut components directly from digital models. It is ideal for smaller cross-section timber elements such as trusses, frames and roof cassettes, while also offering the flexibility to produce carports, playground structures and other garden features.
Fleming Homes recently opened the doors of its new factory, Platform 1, which has provided the perfect backdrop for this investment. The facility expands offsite manufacturing with enhanced prefabricated solutions, including closed panels with factoryinstalled insulation, airtight membranes and service cavities for wiring and plumbing.
Roof cassettes are manufactured offsite, allowing vaulted ceilings to be prefabricated in the factory. By increasing offsite construction, Fleming Homes reduces on-site work, shortens build timelines and improves consistency for customers, architects and contractors alike.
“This investment is making self-building far more straightforward,” says Sarah Mathieson. “When we can complete more of the work in the factory, we reduce complexity onsite, shorten build programmes and help customers move through the process with greater confidence. The Essetre Techno Saw speeds up production and allows us to prefabricate more structural detail. That efficiency directly benefits our customers.”
Hayden adds: “We chose the machine that best suited our needs. Rather than being led by industry convention we are leading the way with decision making driven by what delivers the best outcomes for our customers.”
Fleming Homes worked closely with Damon Harris, UK Sales Manager for Essetre, and benefited from an extensive training programme delivered by Weinig UK technician Steven Brockie, ensuring the team could fully integrate the machine into production. Visiting Essetre’s Italian facility also gave the team firsthand insight into the machine’s precision and capabilities.
Hayden Martin says: “Working with Weinig UK has been a very positive experience. From initial discussions through to installation and training, the process has been straightforward and well supported, giving us confidence that we could integrate the technology effectively into our production.”
With the Techno Saw fully operational, Fleming Homes reports faster, more consistent production, reduced on-site work and the ability to take on more complex architectural features, all while maintaining the company’s reputation for quality and attention to detail. The Weinig-Essetre partnership is playing an important role in advancing offsite construction in the UK, equipping manufacturers with high-performance technology and dependable support to meet growing demand for faster, more efficient building solutions.
