"The joins eventually shows up as a visible glue joint that over time can become dirty. And the ability of that joint to keep moisture out is only as good as the quality of the adhesive used. It also took more time in the production process."
The new process, called Lazer Edge, incorporated both laser and hot air technology, and was adhesive-free, Mr Mackay said.
It involves using a two-layer edge band which is made up of a decorative layer and a "functional" layer. It's this functional layer, with its special polymer, which is joined on to the edge of the board during the process.
Using laser or hot air technology, the machine essentially welds the colour-matched functional layer to the edge of the board.
"As well as doing away with conventional adhesives the laser bond creates a permanently invisible bond.
"Importantly, it makes the joint much more moisture-resistant and that in itself creates a more hygienic bond.
"It has greatly speeded up this part of our joinery process."
He said his company jumped at the opportunity to get the new equipment.
"We thought it's good for us because our opposition won't have it. It's also saving us in time and money."
While not wanting to reveal the price of the new machine, Mr Mackay said it was "significant".
He said there was potential for other manufacturers to use his company's machine.
"A local importer is bringing in bathroom vanities from China. They've had an issue with water-proofing some parts of the vanities so are going to look at our laser edging machine to see what we can do for them.
"So its applications go beyond just what we need it for."
