Meet Norbert Losionek: CNC Programmer/Operator
Following our article where we introduced the technicians and artisans who transform furniture at our award-winning Renew Centre, it’s time to take a deeper dive into those experts, and discover what they do on a day-to-day basis at Crown Workspace.
Norbert is Crown Workspace’s expert in programming and operating CNC machines.
CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control and these complex machines, controlled by a computer, are used to help manufacture and refurbish furniture.
“We use the machine to cut pieces of wood for desks or cupboards,” he said. “So, I’ll take the technical drawings and then programme the machine to cut the shapes correctly.
“Sometimes I might also be involved in the design process. It’s a great feeling when a client wants you to make something different from old furniture, because you’re doing something good for them and for the environment, too.”
Norbert has four years of experience using the machinery and highlights the variety of his job at the Renew Centre as a reason he loves it so much.
“There are always new projects coming in and every day is different,” he said.
“I’ve seen a lot of changes over four years because it has got busier and busier. More and more clients are concerned about the environment and want to refurbish or restore old furniture rather than throw it away. They are definitely thinking about it more than before and that’s a positive thing.”
One particular project stands out for Norbert when summing up the ethos of the Renew Centre.
He said: “We had a client who was stripping out a lot of Trespa strips but didn’t want to send them to refill. These panels are manufactured under high pressure and high temperature, and it takes a lot of energy to make them. So, it’s really bad for the environment if they are not re-used and it’s been a conundrum for many companies recently.
“I worked on a project to turn them into coffee tables and lap-top tables. It wasn’t easy because the material is difficult to cut and needs special tools, and I don’t think many other companies are doing this kind of work. But everyone was really pleased with how they turned out and it felt like we solved a problem as well as designing something attractive.”
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