by Industrial Print Magazine
Wren Kitchens, based out of the U.K., is well known worldwide thanks to its ability to make bespoke kitchen design affordable. U.S. manufacturing and distribution is based out of PA. It offers over 35 years of experience crafting modern- to country-stylized kitchen cabinets, doors, and worktops.
Above: Example of a kitchen designed and produced by Wren Kitchens.
While the kitchen manufacturer’s dedication to the customer’s vision of their new kitchen hasn’t changed in decades, what has transformed is the technology used to create these well-crafted, durable pieces.
In 2023, Wren Kitchens’ U.K. facility implemented Calender Coating Inert (CCI) technology from Hymmen GmbH Maschinen- und Anlagenbau, which is a lacquering technology for mirror high gloss and super matte surfaces. Its CCI production line includes portals for loading and stacking, several transport units as well as roller application machines to apply primer and base coats to MDF and/or chipboard surfaces.
Further explanation of the line is included here, as cited from Hymmen’s internal case study on the project, titled Wren Kitchens counts on high end lacquer finishes with the CCI technology of Hymmen.
“In the CCI process for gloss surfaces a functional foil is laid onto the lacquer coat, which is not cured yet. The lacquer film is cured through the foil with an UV module under inert conditions. For matte surfaces an excimer is used. In this case the CCI calender is raised so that the lacquer is pre-gelled with a LED UV module before it is then matted with the excimer. For both processes then the final curing takes place with UV modules. Not all the machines are in use for every end product. Depending on the color, level of gloss, and the finish requirements Wren Kitchens uses different recipes.”
Hitting All the Marks
The kitchen manufacturer needed a technology that was flexible—customers are able to choose from upwards of 40 colors when designing their kitchens; economical—the production process must reflect savings which can be passed on to the customer; and high in quality.
With Hymmen’s CCI technology flexibility is easily met. Lacquer colors can be swapped out and any change of gloss grade is possible without converting the lacquer system. Economically, the CCI line’s working width of 2,300 millimeters and the corresponding speed allows it to reach industrial capacities.
Hymmen’s CCI technology proves its worth. “The success at the market proves that we meet the highest quality standards combined with an attractive price strategy,” shares Raf Klimek, manufacturing and logistics director, Wren Kitchens.
Oct2025, Industrial Print Magazine
