Closets by Design-Charlotte
Scaling Success Through CNC Automation with DES
Closets by Design – Charlotte has spent over 20 years helping homeowners across the Carolinas get beautifully organized. From custom closets to garage systems and home offices, their local production model has kept quality high and customers happy. When co-owner Eric Van Sickle looked at his growing operation, one thing was clear: the shop needed a better way to keep up with demand without compromising quality.
“When I met Jim we were pretty much under the gun because we had one machine that was down so we were having to pull double duty on one until we could get another installed."
Bridging the Gap Between Custom and Efficient
Eric had seen CNC technology in action at other franchise locations and knew it could make a difference—but he wanted a solution that matched his specific shop layout and workflow. That’s where Diversified Equipment and Supply stepped in.
“They weren’t just trying to sell a machine. They were asking the right questions about how we work and what we needed.” Eric said.
Working together, DES helped Closets by Design choose and install an Anderson Stratos Pro CNC router that complemented their existing software and helped them maintain their custom-built quality while improving production speed. It was a move that would quickly redefine their production capacity.
“Jim was instrumental. He came in here and laid out the floor plan.The install went smoother than I expected,” Eric said. “Our guys were trained and running jobs on it within a few days. That level of service made a huge difference.”
From Backlog to Flow
Since adding the CNC, the team has:
- Accelerated production with more accurate and consistent cuts
- Reduced overtime and labor strain
- Improved workflow across the shop floor
“The precision and speed—it was night and day,” Eric noted. “We're producing at a level now that just wasn't possible before. And the consistency? That’s been a game changer for quality control.”
Better Use of Space
Beyond equipment selection, DES played a hands-on role in preparing the shop floor for automation. With limited space and a busy production environment, Eric needed to be strategic about layout—and DES stepped in with practical guidance.
“We didn’t have a lot of extra room to work with, so figuring out where the CNC would go—and how to keep the flow efficient—was a big concern,” Eric said. “Jim actually came out, looked at our layout, and helped us figure out how to make it work without disrupting everything else."
The result was a clean, functional setup that not only accommodated the new router, but also improved the overall efficiency of the shop.
Support That Doesn’t Stop at the Sale
Eric emphasized that the real value of working with DES goes far beyond the machine itself.
“Jim would take calls after hours, even on weekends—he made himself available. That kind of commitment is what set Diversified apart.”
From delivery and setup to training and continued support, DES made the transition to CNC seamless.
“They’ve stayed involved the whole way,” Eric added. “Whether it’s a question, a part, or an upgrade—they’ve got our back. It’s not just a purchase; it’s a true partnership.”
Thinking About CNC for Your Shop?
If your team is juggling growth and labor challenges, CNC automation might be the missing piece. Closets by Design Charlotte took the leap—and with DES as a partner, they’re running more efficiently and profitably than ever.
Talk to the DES team today to explore how CNC technology can transform your shop.
