When Diamond CNC set out to become Canada’s first fully automated woodworking facility, they chose Nanxing Machinery as the backbone of their transformation. This case study explores how a family-owned business in Nanticoke, Ontario, leveraged Nanxing’s end-to-end automation solutions to revolutionize its production capabilities and set a new standard for the Canadian woodworking industry.
The Customer:Diamond CNC
Founded by Mike and Rob Clare, Diamond CNC has evolved from a small family operation into a leading provider of high-quality wood products, supplying dealers across Canada and the USA. The company’s commitment to innovation and efficiency has driven its continuous growth and investment in cutting-edge technology.
The Challenge:Scaling Production Without Compromising Quality
As demand grew, Diamond CNC faced a critical challenge: how to significantly increase production capacity while maintaining the quality standards that had built their reputation. The solution required more than just adding machines — it demanded a complete rethinking of the production workflow.
“Our partnership with CNC Automation is a key step in achieving our vision of unmatched efficiency and precision,” said Mike Clare, CFO of Diamond CNC. “With this advanced Nanxing technology, we’re not just transforming our operations; we’re setting a new benchmark for the entire Canadian woodworking industry.”
The Solution:A Two-Phase Automation Rollout
Working with CNC Automation, Nanxing’s exclusive Canadian distributor, Diamond CNC implemented a comprehensive two-phase automation project:
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Phase
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Timeline
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Key Deliverables
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Phase 1
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Completed by end of December
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Core automation infrastructure, automated panel storage warehouse, twin gantry CNC, two edgebanders
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Phase 2
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Completed by end of July 2025
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Six-sided drilling station, automated dowelling operation, kitting operation for cabinet assembly, robotic arms
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The Technology Stack:End-to-End Automation
The Diamond CNC facility features a comprehensive automation ecosystem, all driven by state-of-the-art software:
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Automated Panel Storage Warehouse — Intelligent inventory management from raw material intake
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Twin Gantry CNC Nesting Machine — High-precision panel cutting and machining
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Two Edgebanders — Automated edge finishing for cabinet components
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Six-Sided Drilling Station — Complete hole pattern processing in a single setup
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Automated Dowelling Operation — Precision joinery for cabinet assembly
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Kitting Operation — Automated sorting and preparation for cabinet assembly
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Robotic Arms — Material handling and process automation throughout the line
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State-of-the-Art Software — Complete production management and control system
This end-to-end automation enables Diamond CNC to process materials with zero physical interaction from the moment inventory is dropped off until the final assembly stage where hardware is attached to cabinetry.
The Results:Measurable Impact
The project has delivered significant results, further validated by government investment:
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160% increase in production output
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Improved quality control through automation
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3 new jobs created
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5 existing roles retained
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Nearly $4 million in new annual purchases across Ontario’s wood product supply chain
In October 2025, the Ontario government invested over $1 million in Diamond CNC through the Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program, recognizing the project’s contribution to the province’s wood manufacturing sector.
“Diamond CNC is proud to showcase our advancements in manufacturing with the establishment of Canada’s first fully automated woodworking facility,” said Mike Clare. “This achievement is made possible through our strategic partnership with CNC Automation and a significant investment in cutting-edge Nanxing machinery, revolutionizing our production efficiency and quality.”
The Journery:Documented for the Industry
Diamond CNC is documenting its automation transformation on its YouTube channel, offering industry professionals and enthusiasts an inside look at the implementation process, challenges, and outcomes of building Canada’s first fully automated woodworking facility.
Looking Ahead:The Road to 2026
Diamond CNC plans to further enhance its automation capabilities by adding automated hardware installation by 2026, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in fully automated cabinet production.
Why Nanxing Worked for Diamond CNC
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Comprehensive Product Range — From nesting to edgebanding to drilling, Nanxing provided every machine needed for a complete production line
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Proven Reliability — With 916+ patents and customers in 90+ countries, Nanxing’s technology has been tested across diverse manufacturing environments
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Integration Support — Through CNC Automation, Diamond CNC received comprehensive integration, training, and ongoing support
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Scalable Architecture — The two-phase approach allowed Diamond CNC to implement automation incrementally without disrupting ongoing operations