March 2026 Component Manufacturing Advertiser Magazine by Component Manufacturing Advertiser

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Software. Equipment. Hardware. Service.

Transform your truss operation with an integrated solution from Simpson Strong-Tie. The industry leader in truss plates now brings you a full suite of software, equipment, hardware and services to drive truss component manufacturing from idea to installation. Start with CS Director™, CS Truss Studio™, CS EWP Studio ™ and CS Producer™ for design, layout, production and project management. Use our powerful Monet DeSauw industrial saws to cut webs, chords, stair stringers, rafters and wedges with speed and precision. Specify the optimal connectors, anchors and Strong-Drive ® structural fasteners for every project. You can also complement your team with our professional truss design services at any time. Altogether, you have a smart solution made to increase productivity, ensure high quality and take your business to the next level.

To learn more, contact your representative at (800) 999-5099 or visit us online.

A dverti $ er Component manufaCturing

Anna Stamm – Advertiser Forum: Where You’re Among Friends

Joe Kannapell: Home Building Technology, Part XV: The Rebirth of Wood

Glenn Traylor & Donna Marino: Do You Know That Plate Rotation has a Significant Impact on Load Transfer?

Wendy Boyd – Spida Machinery: Building Capacity Without Breaking Workflow

Ed Lim – LimTek Solutions: Automation for Greenfield OR Retrofit Truss Plants

Todd Drummond Consulting, LLC: Board Foot and Work Minutes Can Coexist

Paragon Team: A Small Booth in a Big Industry: Why Exhibit?

Paul B. Schmidt – TechWood: Building Homes for Heros in Florida

Craig Webb – Webb Analytics: Deals Report 2025: Tracking the Openings, Closings, and Acquisitions

Thomas McAnally – TheJobLine: Change Orders: The Discipline That Protects Your Bottom Line

Geordie Secord – Design Connections: Prevent Scope Creep Becoming “Just the Way We Do Things”

MSR Lumber Producers Council: Where MSR Expertise Meets RealWorld Application

Frank Woeste & Marvin Strzyzewski: Interpreting the Snow Load Thermal Factor

Marvin Strzyzewski, P.E. – MiTek: Lumber Substitutions in Trusses

Simpson Strong-Tie Staff: CS Producer: Continual Improvements and Enhancements

Thomas McAnally – TheJobLine: Rediscovering Automated Builder

Ashley Baker – SBCA: Building Safer and Smarter with BCSI

Joe Kannapell – The Last Word: Truss Math on Your Phone

Elevate Your Wall Panel, Floor Truss or Roof Truss Manufacturing with 4Ward Design Solutions’ Precision Component Design Services!

Extend your existing capabilities with 4Ward’s design expertise. Without the hassle and expense of training your own designers, partnering with us guarantees that each wall panel, floor truss or roof truss will be designed for structural integrity and production and field efficiency.

Achieve cost efficiency without compromising on excellence.

Our cost sensitive approach ensures maximum value for your investment.

Build Smarter

Leverage our expertise, ensuring every component is attentively designed for optimal performance and durability.

A dverti $ er Component manufaCturing

Serving the Structural Building componentS induStry

New & Used Equipment

Saws

Truss Equipment

Panel Equipment

Trucks & Trailers

Misc. Equipment

Door | Stair | Window Equipment

Calendar of Events

Safety First

TheJobLine - Jobs & Candidates

Industry News

Advertiser Forum

Where You’re Among Friends

As we focus on our daily work tasks, it’s very easy (too easy) for us to forget how we’re simultaneously in an industry where we have not just colleagues but friends. We concentrate on specific projects and deadlines, blocking out distractions that could seemingly slow down our progress. But, at industry gatherings, we can be reminded of the connections we’ve made over the years and the people whose lives have intersected with ours.

Another Reason for Meetings

Yes, of course, industry meetings provide significant opportunities to discuss pressing issues. But, the social component is important too, whether we realize that or not. It may sound trivial, but connecting with others in settings that include socializing is the best way to expand our personal networks and enrich our lives. In effect, meetings can be a counterpoint (or antidote) to the otherwise solitary tasks and burdens of our jobs.

From national meetings to regional conferences to local chapter events, a multitude of options occur throughout the year. The calendar of events in these pages tracks meetings from many organizations, and everyone is always invited to submit additional items they’d like to publicize.

Time Flies…

…whether you’re having fun or not! So, the real question is – do we allow ourselves enough time to mix in a little fun with our business? If we stay too focused on the daily tasks, we may miss social opportunities and the benefits they can bring.

The next time you’re trying to decide if you have “time” for nonwork activities that also involve your job, think twice about what you might gain by participating. Consider going to an SBCA Chapter meeting. Sign up for the MSRLPC Annual Workshop (see page 106 for details). Start making plans to attend BCMC in September in Columbus. Because they’re not strictly business, there’s even more to be gained by attending.

Advertiser contributors Geordie Secord and Ed Lim at the OSWA meeting

PROTECT PROFITS & SAFEGUARD SCHEDULES

New! MiTek® Guardian™ is a preventative maintenance program that helps you protect your operations from disruption caused by out-of-service machines.

Includes:

ü Scheduled service calls by trained technicians

ü Routine mechanical inspections

ü Operation and maintenance training

ü Minor repairs and more

Keep your MiTek equipment green-lit for the work ahead!

Monet DeSauw FWA 500 Floor Web Cutter

• Push Button Powered Blade Angulations

• Single Push Button Setting for 2 Blades per Side

• Electronic Digital Readouts

• Backup Mechanical Indicators

• Cuts 4 Angle Webs, Cantilever Webs (2 piece webs) & Square Blocks

• Magazine Lumber Feed for 3x2, 4x2 and 6x2 Lumber 12 1/2” to 48 1/2” Length Capacity (7” Minimum on Square Blocks)

• 60 Pieces per Minute

• (4) Internal 16” Blades & (1) External 16” Cut-Off Blade

• Pneumatic Blade Brake on External Blade

• Dust Hoods

• Belt Waste Conveyor (under saw)

• Add $4,300 for 12’ Incline Waste Conveyor (adjacent to saw)

• Add $2,100 for Extra Set of Blades

• 480 Volt / 3 Phase FOBMO Call For Pricing

• Automated (Truss Design Software Download) or SemiAutomated (Touch Screen Entry) Operation

• All Movements are Computer & PLC Controlled

• Comprehensive Setup Screens Display Each Piece with Setup Data

• 22” x 40 Tooth Blade on PAE Cut 1 or 2 Boards up to 20’ (2 Second Plunge Cut)

• Cut Chords, Webs, Rafters, Wedges & Stair Stringers

• Cut Long Scarfs by MultiPlunging

• Servo Positioning on Infeed, Angle & Outfeed Pusher

• Over Travel Protection

• Ink Jet Printer

• Lumber Optimization Program

• Belt Waste Conveyor

• 480 Volt / 3 Phase / 60 Amp

• Includes 5 Day Onsite Installation & Training

• Optional Monet DeSauw Live Deck, Bunk Feeder & Incline Belt Waste Conveyor FOB MO Call For Pricing

• Touch Screen User Interface with Backup Mechanical Controls

• 3 Operating Modes: Auto, SemiAuto & Manual

• All 20 Axes of Movements are Computer & PLC Controlled

• Comprehensive Setup Screens Display Each Piece with Setup Data

• Anti-Collision & Optimizing Programming

• Auto Calibration Productivity & Time Tracking

• Maintenance Diagnostics

• Variable Speed Conveyor (0-50 Flights per Minute)with Powered Hold Downs

• (1) 30” x 80 Tooth Blade (27 3/4” Scarf on PAE)

• (4) 16” x 40 Tooth Blades (13 1/2” Scarf on Centerline)

• Pneumatic Blade Brakes on all 5 Blades

• 16 1/2” to 20’ Length Capacity (11” Minimum on Square End Blocks)

• Vibrating Waste Conveyor Under Saw

• 480 Volt / 3 Phase

• Includes 4 Day Onsite Installation & Training

• Add $2,900 for Extra Set of Blades

• Optional Live Deck, Label Printer, Ink Jet Printer, Catcher Display & Incline Belt Waste Conveyor.

Monet DeSauw DeRobo Linear Saw

Monet DeSauw DeSawyer 2000 Automated Saw

By Joe Kannapell

Home Building Technology, Part XV: The Rebirth of Wood

Wood was not held in high regard in the truss drafting department where I began working. Our fabricator customers often wanted their trusses designed with “old lumber,” meaning the obsolete size of 1-5/8” x 3-5/8”, even though the 1.5” x 3.5” size had been in force for several years. Not only did this imply “cheating” to gain the 12% higher values for their truss designs, but it also made extra work for the draftsmen, causing them to remark, “One day the 2x4 will shrink to nothing.” This dismissive view of the product we staked our reputation upon was compounded by them having to rework designs due to the unavailability of the Douglas Fir lumber that customers had originally specified. Moreover, this situation was not likely to improve, as Congress had resoundingly defeated a 1970 bill to increase logging in national forests. None of the alternate species that fabricators suggested would work nearly as well, especially Spruce, which the draftsmen agreed was “junk.” As a last resort, fabricators would hesitatingly suggest Yellow Pine, which they feared “would go wild” as soon as they broke the bands on a unit. In short, if you listened to the cacophony at Hydro-Air Engineering in 1970, lumber was bad and getting worse.

That made sense, since my structural engineering classes made no mention of wood, which seemed to be a relic of the past. Even though the workability of wood enabled settlers to erect great cities in record times, and was currently the staple of housing construction, its relatively low strength and its vulnerability to fire apparently outweighed its usefulness as a structural material. Most of my classmates wanted to work in the nice offices of a Civil or Structural Engineering firm, as I had at two firms during school. One designed mainly steel-reinforced concrete structures, while the other designed steel buildings. Apparently, that was where actual engineering was.

I got the same feeling when I had first reported for work in the dingy, industrial space occupied by Hydro-Air, a stone’s throw from a junkyard. I worked as a programmer behind a dozen men at drafting boards, near the back of a large open room, upstairs from a hydraulic machinery operation. Our one registered engineer and his two senior designers sat behind windowed partitions against the back wall of the room, chain smoking.

Later, I tested trusses in our basement stamping plant underneath the heavy wood beams and plank flooring of an early century mill building. This type of antiquated structure once housed the bulk of manufacturing and warehousing and was not required to have fire sprinklers. Nevertheless, our owner, Walter Moehlenpah, was deathly afraid that one of our workers would start a conflagration with a lit cigarette and we’d be out of business. That’s why he moved us to a modern concrete and steel bar joist building as soon as he had the money, in another, and ironic, deprecation of wood construction.

As housing starts doubled in the early 1970s, more lumber supply disruptions occurred, and along with them, more concerns about lumber quality arose. The specified moisture content of Southern Pine lumber was increased from 15% to 19%, which seemed to increase the propensity of bow, warp, and twist. As housing starts waned in the mid1970s, fabricators sought commercial jobs and a few of them found themselves in litigation arising from first-generation fire treatments that corroded connector plates. Then, in 1977, a severe and sudden reduction of 2x8, 2x10, and 2x12 lumber values rocked the truss industry, creating even more skepticism around the product we were certifying. Fortunately, the lumber producers were beginning to address the challenges faced by our industry.

In the same year I started at Hydro-Air, Kay Kahus began working in the field for the Western Wood Products Association (WWPA). There he learned the ineffectiveness of visually graded lumber, and this experience prompted his later move to Weyerhaeuser to market a promising new product, machine stress rated (MSR) lumber. After several years of testing and evaluation, Weyerhaeuser installed its first MSR machine in 1979 to supply chord material for TrusJoist’s TJL product. Subsequently, I invited Kay to speak with Hydro-Air fabricators, and he was enthusiastically received. He also met separately with the Component Manufacturing Council (CMC), including Jack Littfin of Littfin Lumber and Dave Chambers of TruTrus, as well as other truss-related suppliers.

Although the engineering community waited in great anticipation for MSR to become widely available, only Spruce-Pine-Fir (SPF) from Canadian mills initially flowed into the U.S. The uniformity and stability of this product quickly won over component manufacturers and addressed many of the quality and strength issues that plagued Spruce and other visually graded species. Particularly significant was the fact that the lumber producers began to listen to the concerns of the truss industry in the 1970s. As reported by the MSR Lumber Producers Council, by 1979, some of the larger producers even sent field engineers to work with truss plants and truss plate designers.

While the development and successful deployment of MSR was a win for a minority of U.S. component manufacturers, it began to reverse some of the negative perceptions about the future of the product upon which our livelihood depended. Although there would be no quick return of lumber framing in heavy industrial structures, wood trusses were increasingly favored over steel joists in commercial and large apartment construction. This rebirth of our wood resource was made possible by the demands of the truss industry and the newly found desire of the lumber industry to develop products to supply those demands. And there would be much more to come.

Next Month: The Reclamation of Southern Pine

EVERY CUT COUNT

High-Volume Precision Crosscutting with Integrated Package Aligner and Loop Bander ®

® High-Volume PET and Market Premium Length Crosscutting with Integrated Power Package Squeeze

Leverage technology to remove bottlenecks, automate manual work, and improve operations.

SYNC MULTIPLE DATABASES SMARTER AUTOMATIONS

Automate handoffs, approvals, alerts to speed production without extra headcount.

DASHBOARD VISIBILITY

See live status, bottlenecks, metrics across shifts, lines, and crews.

DEPLOY AI WORKFLOWS

Sync customer, job, inventory, production data so systems stay consistent. Use Artificial Intelligence to classify files, expedite workflow, and increase efficiency.

BUILD CUSTOM TOOLS INTELLIGENT INTEGRATIONS

Build lightweight apps for your shop, reducing time, errors, delays.

Connect design, ERP, saws, quoting so data flows everywhere automatically.

Are workarounds slowing your shop down and costing you margin?

Sub Component Nailer

IntelliVIEW Suite Manage. Design. Build.

The industry’s most powerful integrated component design, engineering, and management software for steel and wood-framed structures.

iCommand

Manage projects, customers, materials, pricing & inventory

iModel

Design truss layout & profiles

iDesign

Optimize material usage & engineer trusses

iPanel

Design wall layouts, panelize, bundle, break & stack

eShop

Maximize crew productivity & improve manufacturing efficiency

The IntelliVIEW Suite is a fully integrated software solution for the layout and design of a building’s rough framing elements—including roof and floor trusses, wall panels, solid sawn, EWP, sheathing and various ancillaries.

The IntelliVIEW Suite provides the industry’s most complete analysis of the design, cost information and bill of materials—promoting increased profits by reducing plate and lumber use.

Ask those who know. They’ll tell you about the people at Alpine who make a difference.

• Servo Controlled Linear Saw

• Touch Screen Computer (Windows XP)

• Automated Infeed Deck

• Infeed/Outfeed Roller Tables

• Outfeed Queue Rollers

• Ink Jet Printer

• Belt Waste Conveyor

• 230 Volt / 3 Phase

• Available March 2026

• V ideo available upon request $59,500 FOB MN

CT Darnell Construction’s design-build approach delivers:

• Facilities tailored to your operation and equipment

• Smarter layouts for safer load-ins and faster turns

• Integrated storage and optimized SKU management

With nearly 40 years of LBM experience and more than 4,500 completed projects, we build turnkey truss facilities designed to perform from day one.

The truss industry relies on 3rd party quality assurance services to provide random visits to review the plants Quality Assurance program along with their operations. If your plant needs to comply with the IRC, IBC and to those who depend on solid, experienced QA expertise, we ask you to consider selecting Timber Products Inspection, Inc. (TP) as your choice for 3rd party inspections.

Proudly serving the forest products industry for over 50 years, TP brings the expertise you need to ensure your business is successful. As a responsible partner, TP delivers to clients, employees, and the industries we serve the confidence to drive value through the effective use of our diverse professional team.

TP would like to welcome the following authorized agents to our inspection team, each of whom have many years of experience in the truss industry!

• Al Coffman

• Jean Hart • Curt Holler • Chuck Ray

Glenn Traylor • Elliot Wilson

If you have questions about how you can make this selection, please contact your authorized agent above or Glenn Traylor at 919-280-5905 or trusguy@gmail.com. https://www.tpinspection.com/ https://www.tpinspection.com/auditing-services/truss

By Glenn Traylor and Donna Marino, Senior Technical Writer, Simpson Strong-Tie

ODo You Know That Plate Rotation has a Significant Impact on Load Transfer?

ur industry design standard, ANSI/TPI 1, regulates numerous elements in constructing roof and floor trusses. The following is a brief non-exhaustive summary:

1. Lumber grades and moisture content

2. Pedigree of lumber grades and lumber management

3. Controls on truss profiles

4. Verification of plate size, gauge, and type

5. Plate embedment requirements

6. Plate placement

7. Gaps between connected members

8. Detection of defects within plated areas, along with other potentially harmful flaws

9. Rotation of plates.

Among these nine items, the rotation of the connector—and potentially the location of the plate—exerts a significant influence on design that is frequently underestimated.

The Critical Role of Truss Plate Placement and Tooth Orientation

In the world of engineered wood trusses, the placement of metal connector plates at joints is far more than a manufacturing detail—it is a structural necessity. Proper plate positioning ensures that loads are transferred efficiently and that the truss performs as intended under design conditions. Quality Control (QC) factors such as plate offsets, embedment depth, and alignment are essential to meeting ANSI/TPI 1 standards. Shown in the image is Figure 5.3-2 from Chapter 5.

Equally important, yet often overlooked, is the orientation of the plate teeth relative to the lumber grain. This relationship directly influences joint capacity and lateral resistance. Industry standards define four key conditions for plate and grain alignment:

•

AA: Plate parallel to load, grain parallel to load

EA: Plate perpendicular to load, grain parallel to load

AE: Plate parallel to load, grain perpendicular to load

• EE: Plate perpendicular to load, grain perpendicular to load.

Understanding these orientations is critical for ensuring structural performance and avoiding costly errors.

Plate Placement Practices in Truss Plants

Modern truss manufacturing facilities commonly utilize automated presses and advanced quality control systems, such as SBCA’s Digital QC, to ensure accurate plate placement. However, technological solutions are not a substitute for diligent oversight. It is essential to consider whether regular manual inspections are conducted and whether fabrication teams fully understand the importance of correct plate orientation.

While shop drawings typically provide clear direction on the orientation of non-square connectors, the rotational flexibility inherent to square plates can often be overlooked by truss assemblers. This flexibility may result in misalignment, particularly if operators are unaware of the implications of plate rotation. Orientation is significant due to its effect on tooth-to-grain engagement; testing demonstrates that misaligned plates can diminish joint strength by 30%–40%, as documented by ICC-ES evaluation data.

Consequently, it is imperative for engineers and plant managers to assess whether their teams can distinguish between optimal and suboptimal plate orientations—and whether they are consistently verifying this during production.

Photo courtesy of LimTek Solutions

The Benefits of Visualizing Tooth Orientation

Visual inspection of plate tooth orientation during QC offers clear advantages:

• Immediate validation that plates are rotated for optimal grip.

• Assurance against splitting or premature joint failure from misalignment.

• Effective training for new fabricators and QC staff.

• Confidence that trusses meet ANSI/TPI 1 and ICC-ES standards.

Directly seeing orientation helps prevent costly errors. For instance, Simpson’s design software displays tooth placement in Truss Studio and CS Producer reports to support proper installation. Shown are three images from Simpson Strong-Tie.

The Bottom Line

In summary, plate placement and tooth orientation are critical aspects of truss performance. As automation becomes increasingly prevalent within the industry, quality control conducted by skilled personnel continues to be essential. It is imperative that designers and builders give priority to orientation verification in order to ensure structural integrity and regulatory compliance.

Maintaining the quality of your products will produce a better outcome for you, your customer, and the end user.

An ANSI/TPI 1 3rd Party Quality Assurance Authorized Agent covering the Southeastern United States, Glenn Traylor is an independent consultant with over four decades of experience in the structural building components industry. Glenn serves as a trainer-evaluator-auditor covering sales, design, PM, QA, customer service, and production elements of the truss industry. He also provides project management specifically pertaining to structural building components, including on-site inspections, expert witness and ANSI/TPI 1 compliance assessments. Glenn provides new plant and retrofit designs, equipment evaluations, ROI, capacity analysis, and CPM analysis.

Reimagine Your Line With Smarter Upgrades

Unlock your line’s potential with affordable, cutting-edge solutions to keep your truss production running smoothly. From New-Legacy Gantries to WizardPDS® Retrofits, we specialize in complete line upgrades & expansions with custom material handling configurations.

Reinvent your operations with our specialty support, three generations of expertise, and 99 years of trusted service in the Wood Product and Fabrication Industries. Eide Machinery: where productivity meets affordability. Let’s build your success together!

Perfect Your Line With Expert Solutions.

2002 Monet B500 five-blade component saw – Single Sided Setup includes digital readouts, push-button movement controls for angles, manual movement for length, mechanical backup counters, (1) 30″ diameter blade, (2) 18″ diameter blades, (2) 16″ diameter blades, powered chain infeed with upper hold-downs and shaker pan waste conveyor. Cuts angles from 8 to 115 degree angles. Minimum 90/90 cut is 10 inches and shortest angle cut is 18 inches. Cuts 2×4 through 2×12 lumber up to 20 feet in length. Includes horizontal shaker-pan waste conveyor, spare set of blades, any available spare parts. 480 V, 3 Ph, 100 Amp electrical.

a blending of excellent services and products, with answers that work...!© Not producing the results you need or want – getting conflicting info about what to do and the equipment and the systems you may need?

Before you Buy - Ask yourself –do I need a salesman or a guide?

If you want an Independent Guide that has your bottom-line results as the #1 priority, Call Me. If the salesman will do - we'll talk later...

Also, don't let Financing Deals influence your best solution. FitzGroup can arrange – Zero down & No payments for 90 Days!

Please be assured that your investment with any of our selected partners will not cost one penny more with the Fitzgerald Group as your purchasing contact. In addition, you will receive the full advantage of our Partner Relationships and Services NOT offered elsewhere.

TRUSS TRAILER MANUFACTURING

EZ-SET AUTO JIGGING EXCLUSIVE & PATENTED DESIGN

Automatic Truss Jigging System to drastically reduce setup times. Allows for 100% embedment on the table, with top & bottom chord pucks in the same slot. TopSider or standard configurations available for conventional kick-leg, walk-thru, or our new trackless 8' and 10' continuous table systems. Systems for other roller & hydraulic gantries are coming soon. Available in new machine installations or for retro-fitting your existing table. The TopSider is exclusively applicable for “kick or flip leg” style truss presses such as the Tri-Axis & Lumbermater®

FEATURES / APPLICATIONS

• Capable of 100% On-Table Nail Plate Embedment

• Two Pucks Per Slot

• 24", 26", and/or 30" Spacing

• Compatible with all current major design software

• Multiple Simultaneous Layouts

• 10 HP (480 Volt/3 Phase) Lauderdale Hamilton Up-Cut Saw with 24” Blade

• 6” x 13 1/2” Capacity

• Foot Pedal Operation

• Dust Outlet

• TigerStop 16’ Programmable Stop

• Automatic Positioning of Stop via Simple and Intuitive Controls

• Infeed/Outfeed Plastic Top Tables with stands

• Excludes: Dust Collector and Adjacent Computer in Orange Cabinet $13,500 NOW $12,000 FOB NE Wasserman & Associates 800-382-0329 www.wasserman-associates.com

shaker side-pans. 460 volt, 3 phase, 60 Amp electrical required. As-is, Where-is

$29,997 NOW $26,997 FOB MB Wood Tech Systems 765-751-9990 www.woodtechsystems.com

Experience High Output Roof Truss Production with our Roller Plant

The robust Roller Plant streamlines the assembly of roof trusses – combining technology, precision and efficiency to produce high quality trusses!

INCREASED PRODUCTION

EASE OF OPERATION REMOVES MANUAL HANDLING +

With the Roller Plant you’ll gain more than a press, you’ll get a whole truss manufacturing system that will make a world of difference to your production numbers!

Wendy Boyd Chief Customer Officer Machinery Group Spida Machinery

Building Capacity Without Breaking Workflow

Let’s face it: growth is exciting, scary, and a great problem to tackle. But in component manufacturing, increased demand can quickly expose pressure points on the floor. What once felt smooth starts to feel tight. Work in progress (WIP) builds up and becomes expensive. Teams must work harder, but the day feels less predictable.

Often, it’s not the people or the effort – it’s the system reaching its limit.

Capacity is About Balance

When manufacturers look to increase output, the focus often goes straight to speed – a faster saw, a larger roller plant, more labor on the floor. But capacity isn’t just about how fast one machine can run; it’s about how well each stage supports the next.

Material handling, cutting, assembly, pressing, finishing, and dispatch all need to move at a comparable pace. If one part runs ahead or falls behind, the entire line feels it.

Capacity is based on operational strategy as opposed to a purchasing decision. Balanced systems create steady production. Steady production builds reliable output.

Small Inefficiencies Add Up

On busy days, small interruptions compound:

• Waiting for material replenishment

• Extra forklift movements

• Manual adjustments between jobs

• Components staged in the wrong place.

Individually, they seem manageable. Over a week or a month, they quietly reduce true capacity. Sometimes improving output isn’t about adding more, it’s about refining technique and flow –adjusting layout, improving integration between cutting and assembly, and reducing unnecessary handling.

Clarity around this entire process often reveals capacity that was already there.

Continued next page

Planning for the Next Stage

The strongest plants don’t overhaul everything at once, they evolve. That might mean:

• Installing equipment that integrates easily with future automation

• Allowing floor space for the next upgrade

• Introducing better or more crucial data visibility

• Phasing improvements so production continues uninterrupted.

One of the most common mistakes in expansion is solving yesterday’s bottleneck without anticipating tomorrow’s constraint – that’s why staged growth is beneficial. Staged growth also reduces disruption and protects team confidence, because when upgrades feel manageable, adoption is smoother – and performance stays consistent.

Keeping the System Cohesive

As new machinery is introduced, the goal isn’t simply more output – although that’s highly desirable – it’s about maintaining balance across the entire operation.

Cutting systems need to align with roller plant capacity, wall framing and sheathing processes need to integrate smoothly with material handling, and floor truss production must connect logically to dispatch flow. When equipment works as part of a cohesive system, growth feels intentional rather than reactive.

Supporting Sustainable Expansion

Sustainable growth isn’t achieved by pushing harder. It’s achieved by designing systems where all parts work seamlessly together. When capacity is approached as a strategic balance rather than a race for speed, expansion is controlled. At Spida Machinery, we work alongside component manufacturers to plan machinery as part of an integrated production journey.

From linear saws and manual or automated truss plants to wall framing systems, sheathing solutions and floor truss manufacturing, our focus is on helping factories grow in stages – aligning investment with operational readiness. Because increasing capacity shouldn’t mean increasing pressure.

Of course, we are well equipped to supply a new factory with all parts of the frame and truss business, it’s what we do. Whatever your situation, with the right planning and the right equipment, growth becomes an extension of your flow – not a disruption to it. As always –let’s talk about your plans, Wendy

Expert Advisement for Wood Component Manufacturing

Lean Best Practices

Labor Time Studies

Full/Non-Automated Building Designs

Across All Areas Manufacturing, Sales, Design, and Administration

√ Productivity Improvement for every departments.

√ Reliable Proven Time Units R.E., S.U., Work Minutes.

√ Employee Optimization reduce costs, turnover, & vacancies.

√ Equipment & Facility Design Recommendations for maximum efficiency.

“This information allowed us to estimate our jobs with a dramatically increased level of accuracy on each project, regardless of its level of complexity. The time standards also gave us the information to measure our production and establish target output for each workstation in our shop.”

Gordon Tober, Leduc Truss Inc.

Sound advisement should be honest, direct, and completely unbiased delivered in just four days with a clear roadmap of actionable solutions, not after endless weeks of continued billings.

For more than 20 years, TDC has helped CMs cut costs, optimize automation that truly fits their needs, and boost profits through clear, independent expertise. TDC focuses on what matters most: your performance, your ROI, and your success.

Trusted by Industry Leaders

Ryan Lodermeier, Kamloops Truss Ltd. “Your expertise in this industry will be greatly beneficial to us as a company as we continue to grow this relationship. We look forward to the future and are excited to have someone with your knowledge working with us."

John Hall, Mathew Hall Lumber

“There are no words to express how thankful we are that we chose to start changing our business with assistance from Todd Drummond. The moment he walked through our doors, he immediately began to gain our trust and open our eyes to the areas upon which we needed to focus our attention. ”

NEW INNOVATION

FOR TRADE STORES & FABRICATION PLANTS

Slowly gathering and organizing loose lumber manually is now a thing of the past. Stand-alone automated picking is here!

With a compact footprint and newly developed software, Vekta’s fully customizable PickFeeder system is built to fit your needs

It intelligently scans, selects, and delivers lumber to the stack at lightning speed – eliminating downtime, fatigue, and costly errors.

You can even combine multiple PackFeeders into your PickFeeder system to increase volume or range of product.

2018 Spida Plate Marker with DeWalt Saw

• 20' of Steel Framed Table with Plastic Top

• Spida Automated 20' Length Stop/ Plate Positioner

• Auto Plate Positioning with Manual Marking

• Control Cabinet Enclosure with Touch Screen Computer

• DeWalt Model DWS780 Miter Saw

• Support Table for DeWalt Saw

• 10' Infeed Roller Conveyor

• Excludes Dust Collector & Spida Annual Support Fee

$19,900 FOB ND

Wasserman & Associates

800-382-0329

www.wasserman-associates.com

2024 ASI Chop Saw Automation

Wall panel cutting station with conveyors. Cuts and marks wall panel pieces up to (2) 2x-boards high. Includes a DeWalt 12″ dia. blade mitre saw, 20-ft long length measure, 16-ft long outfeed conveyor, ASI “Basic” wall panel cutting software with Lenovo PC, plate marker on two 1.5″ edges/1 edge per board and manual. Software reads EHX, TRS, Sapphire XML, EZY, CYB, WCD, ASI, BTL & BTLx files. HMI display available in English, Spanish & French. 120 volt, 1 phase electrical required.

$39,997 FOB NY Wood Tech Systems 765-751-9990 www.woodtechsystems.com

1994 Timbermill Model MH5G-20 Component Saw

Five blades cut lumber from 2″ x 4″ through 2″ x 12″, 4″ x 2″ lengths from 12 inches to 20 feet, including four-angle floor webs from 18 inches. All powered movements. Saw includes (1) 30″, (2) 20″ and (2) 14″ blades, analog scales, chain-drag scrap conveyor with chain-drag scrap incline, and an extra set of blades. Additionally this saw includes an extensive spare parts inventory including: Contacts/Starters, fuses, push buttons, limit switches, crank handles, scales/rulers/dials, angulation, conveyor, and saw motors, universal joints, and arms for outfeeds. 480 volt, 3 phase electrical required. $17-924 FOB NC

Wood Tech Systems 765-751-9990

www.woodtechsystems.com

Idaco Webmatic Saw

• Roof & Floor Web Saw

• Four 5 HP Saw Motors

• Cuts 2x4, 4x2 and 2x6

• Manual Angulation & Carriage

• Belt Waste Conveyor (under saw)

• Incline Belt Waste Conveyor (adjacent to saw)

• Skatewheel Receivers

• Add $10,500 for Used PCS 5 Chain Live Deck

• Buyer to dismantle/load the saw. The seller will provide a forklift. $10,000 FOB WI Wasserman & Associates 800-382-0329 www.wasserman-associates.com

• Automated Truss Length and Angle Cutting as directed by Truss Design Software Output

• Di rect Drive 7.5 HP Motor with Automated 160 Degree Angulation & 18" Blade

• Minumum Angle of 10 Degrees with 36" Stroke for Long Scarf Cuts

• Braked Saw Motor, Safe Grip, Variable Stroke Limiter & Plexiglass Shield for Operator Safety

• 20' of Steel Framed/MDF Table with Automated 20' Length Stop & 10'

Conveyor • Workstation,

• Kufo Dust Collector

• Spare Parts

• Truss Cutting Operating Software

• 480 Volt / 3 Phase

• Lighty Used

• Excludes: Installation/Training & Annual Technical Support Fee

$39,990 FOB OH

Cuts wall and truss parts from lumber depths 2×4 through 2×12, 60”+ scarf cuts, internally optimizes material (up to 11 7/8″ x 1.5″ EWP) Includes 20 foot OEM auto-infeed conveyor and 15 foot OEM outfeed conveyor, and under-saw scrap conveyor with belt-type incline. All servo controlled functions, Microsoft Windows XP OS, 7.5 hp motor with 20” carbide tipped blade. Includes spare infeed/outfeed belt and any available spare parts. No printer is included. The door latch needs to be repaired. 220v / 3 ph power, 125 PSI air required.

The Auto-Feeding RetroC

The Amazing RetroC by Enventek

A complete wood processing system proven to profitably feed cut lumber to truss plants of all sizes.

Easy to use, simple robust automation that is scalable with less labor. A RetroC holds calibration.

Out Produces Any Saw in Batch Cut or Cut by Truss Mode

Auto-Feeding, no upper hold-downs (just 15 automation axes) with electronic braking. Efficient material handling that will significantly increase cut piece production with reduced operating costs and improve truss build times with consistently accurate cut pieces.

The Magic of SpeedCatch - No Catching Labor

Catching labor is eliminated with our optional SpeedCatch cart system. Sophisticated SpeedCatch software enhances the efficiency of truss production by effectively collating and organizing the lumber at the truss tables. SpeedCatch upgrades the RetroC to a comprehensive one-person (sawyer) wood processing system.

Hain Systems Framer

The Hain Systems Framer (HSF) will help you build square and accurate wall panels for residential or commercial construction applications. It will help you cut building costs by saving time and improving your quality. It’s a reliable, efficient and proven system that features a ruggedly simple design. The HSF is based on a proven design with over 20 years of actual production use and maintenance experience. It comes fully assembled and is designed for portable job site framing or in-plant permanent installation. The table has many optional attachments and will support Mylar Tape wall layout or any other type of layout. The optional gun rails can also be retro-fit to any table.

Details:

Table Construction: Thick-wall Structural Steel Tubing, Jig Welded for Accuracy

Height: 12 inches

feet (720”)

Air Supply: 90 psi (10 CFM Air Flow Recommended)

Depth: 12 inches

Electrical Supply: 120 VAC

Powder Coat: Industrial Gray

Dimensions: Height: 43”

Length: 16’ or 20’

Width: Adjustable 8’ to 10’ or 8’ to 12’

Shipping Weight: 3000 lbs

If you are looking for the fastest, most consistent way to measure and cut your product, then the Hain Measuring System (MEA) is your answer. The MEA changes from one length t any length instantly, up to 60’, without changing the operator’s position on the line. It is also highly accurate (+/- .010) and quickly moves from one length to the next in seconds. The MEA is designed for quick and easy setup and is simple to use. Even a first time user will be productive with little or no training required. It can adapt to any saw and can be mounted to any surface so that you can integrate the MEA with your existing setup. The MEA is versatile allowing “left” or “right” handed operation and measurement in “feet and inches” or “inches” depending on your preference. The MEA is also available in a “Skid Mounted” version. 2

Edmond Lim, P.Eng. LimTek Solutions Inc.

Automation for Greenfield OR Retrofit Truss Plants

For inspiration to Feed the Beast! in 2026, the mandate is clear to automate, however, the path to automation looks different depending on your starting point. Let’s compare two standout 2025 LimTek installations—a greenfield plant and a modernizing retrofit—to see how Enventek’s Lumber PickLine and amazing RetroC systems redefine production and increase operating profits.

LimTek Process Organization Technology will help you deliver quality trusses with shorter lead times to better service your customers and maximize your investment in automation. A greenfield truss plant is a rare opportunity to implement processes as designed within start-up constraints without the push-back of change by existing plant personnel. It is a breeze to teach and train new people to follow our process organization technology as laid out in a brand new plant.

Choosing the fully loaded RetroC for a new greenfield facility ensures a seamless start-up with built-in efficiency. This in-line production system doesn’t just save on labor; it fundamentally redefines the plant’s cost structure, providing a long-term strategic edge especially when entering a competitive market.

While a greenfield installation is technically more straightforward, it introduces the unique pressure of orchestrating multiple trades and building elements simultaneously. Furthermore, a lack of established onsite services is a common hurdle— but it is one that an experienced crew is well-equipped to manage.

Modernizing an active plant requires a “surgical” approach to safeguard daily production. For this 2025 project, we executed a successful two-stage strategy to keep the lumber moving:

Phase 1: The PickLine and RetroC were installed and made fully operational. To keep the existing Monet DeRobo linear saw running, we pivoted to sideloading via forklift, as the new PickLine trough obstructed traditional end-feeding.

Phase 2: We completed the Double PickLine trough and integrated SmartConveyors. This fully automated the feeding process for the DeRobo.

This phased rollout allowed the plant to more than double its cutting output with excess capacity to support additional truss tables in the future.

Whether building a greenfield plant or retrofitting an existing plant, the Enventek PickLine is designed for maximum ROI flexibility. While new facilities may choose to install the PickLine on fresh concrete if the budget allows, existing plants can gain an immediate advantage by utilizing their established driveways and forklift paths. This eliminates unnecessary costs and prevents production delays.

By separating picking lumber from dense lumber storage, both plant types can leverage existing forklift paths for a faster return on investment. The PickLine’s robust automation optimizes yard space, slashes forklift operating costs, and reduces equipment wear and tear. Pick lumber more efficiently to drive truss-building productivity—a benefit that scales rapidly when feeding multiple saws from the same bunks of lumber.

When you’re ready to see how LimTek Process Organization Technology can help maximize your truss production, please let us know! https://limteksolutions.com/#solutions.

GOING FORWARD, COSTLY SERVICE AGREEMENTS ARE A

THING OF THE PAST.

To see meaningful labor savings, quality improvement and production gains, SL Lasers with their easyto-see green light are nothing short of illuminating. They enhance worker accuracy and productivity, regardless of experience or primary language. They can reduce tedious setup time by up to 70%. No complex training or costly service agreements are required. And SL Lasers integrate seamlessly with any component design software and are quickly installed over existing equipment. We’ve been trailblazers in wood component laser projection since its very beginning, and we’re still delivering more rapid ROI for roof truss, wall and floor panel producers every day. Contact our enlightening team at Wood Tech Systems to see how SL Laser can deliver for you.

2000 Alpine AutoMill Component Saw 2000 Alpine AutoMill model 343H, (5) blade component saw, cuts lumber from 2×3 through 2×12, from 18″ to 20′, 4-angle floor webs from 18″. Includes powered length and angulation, digital readouts, (1) 32″, (3) 18″ & (1) 20″ blade, shaker under-saw scrap conveyor, incline, PC with Windows 98 o/s, and outfeed conveyor. Decommissioned in 2018. Stored indoors. 480 volt ,3 phase electrical required.

$10,497 FOB ON Wood Tech Systems

765-751-9990

www.woodtechsystems.com

Striebig Optisaw, model

Optisaw Automatic (Type # 5164) vertical panel saw station, with angled frame supporting material being cut: Max. cutting height (vertical) 5′-4″, max. cutting length (horizontal) 15′-1″, max. cutting thickness 2.36″. Both vertical and horizontal analog measuring scales on frame. Cutting head manually rotates from ve rtically t o horizontally for rip vs. cross-cutting, adjustable spacers for repetitive cuts, 5.25 HP saw motor, 9.84″ diameter blade, guide bearings for travel , push button controls, e-stop button and dust extraction hose (no vacuum included). Overall footprint of station 19′-1″ wide x 4′7″ deep x 7′-10″ height. Sold for $36,000 new. 208 volt, 3 phase electrical required.

$14,490 FOB AZ Wood Tech Systems 765-751-9990

www.woodtechsystems.com

Alpine AutoMill RS Parts

Alpine AutoMill RS Parts per Uploaded PDF

$23,500 NOW $19,500 FOB GA Wasserman & Associates 800-382-0329 www.wasserman-associates.com

NEW Hain 20' Powered Measuring System

Adapts to Any Saw. Left or Right Hand Operation. Feet & Inches System (Stops at 12” Centers) or Inches System (Stops at 10” Centers). Motor: 1/4 HP Linear Actuator (110 Volt). Stop Rail: 2 x 4 x 1/4” Aluminum Extrusion. Stops: Jig Bored Steel. Stop Blocks: Machine Billet Aluminum. Optional Lengths from 5’ to 60’. Optional Gang Stop. Add $890 per 10’ Section of Heavy Duty Roller Conveyor with Stands

$8,990

Wasserman & Associates

800-382-0329

www.wasserman-associates.com

2024 Hundegger Turbo Drive II Linear Saw

Configured for I-joist cutting of material 2×3 through 2×12, and EWP up to 17″ in width in lengths from 6′ to 32′. Saw includes Cadmium software and PC, outfeed monitor, UPS, frame for future install of tool carrier & motor in the future, central lube, bronze gilding, 5-arm infeed with additional 3 arms for loading EWP, extendable infeed supports, outfeed conveyor with storage arms, OEM waste system with controller, rear Ink-Jet printing, stacked timber processing, remote monitor, etc. Sold for over $410.000 new + freight and duty. Ready for immediate shipment. OEM Installation required.

Truss & Wall Panel Design Staff

EWP Layouts and much more!

Sub Component Nailer

Block Sizes: 2x4 & 2x6 framing lumber, any length

Nail Cycle Time: 1 nail 1 sec; 2 nail 2 sec; 3 nail 3 sec

Machine Set Up Time: 1 sec from any prior set up

Air Supply: 125 psi at 30 CFM, nothing less

Electrical Supply: 120 VAC

Frame: 1/4” steel plates mounted to heavy duty roll top tables and 2x2 skids mounted no install

HUNDEGGER

lnnovationen fur den Holzbau

HUNDEGGER

Hundegger leads the way in automation innovation for the truss component industry. Our advanced CAMBIUM software offers cutting-edge automation and digitalization solutions, revolutionizing operations, boosting productivity, and driving sustainable growth for manufacturers like you.

We go beyond standard mechanization; we champion true Automation. The Hundegger TD-II isn't just a saw-it's a transformative, comprehensive solution designed to streamline your production process. From retrieving lumber to optimizing, nesting, stacking, destacking, sorting, buffering, and precise delivery, our system ensures peak efficiency and productivity, tailored specifically to truss component manufacturing.

REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR TRUSS MANUFACTURING WITH THE HUNDEGGER TD-II

Harness the power of data with Hundegger's advanced CAMBIUM TACTICAL software. It meticulously tracks and optimizes your production, ensuring more automated operations and significant productivity gains.

We provide state-of-the-art automation and control solutions that set the industry standard. Our focus on industrial automation and robotics positions Hundegger as the leader in enhancing performance and efficiency in truss component manufacturing and beyond.

Hundegger products are essential for future-proofing your business. Elevate your productivity and secure your competitive edge with our advanced technologies and automation solutions, meticulously designed to meet the unique demands of component manufacturers today and tomorrow.

Don't get left behind. Invest in the future with true automation from Hundegger and see your business thrive.

$118,997 FOB GA

2014 Monet DeSawyer 2000

(Non-servo) five-blade, automated component saw using a touch screen interface and Windows 10 OS for direct input. Operates in automated or manual input mode. (1) 10 h.p., 30″ diameter blade with PAE setup & (4) 5 h.p. 16″ diameter blades with center line setup. 16″ blades cut angles from 3º to 115º, 30″ blade from 3º to 100º . Minimum 90/90 cut is 10 inches and shortest 4-angle cut is 18 inches. Cuts 2×4 through 2×12 lumber up to 20 feet in length.

2018 Hornet MC-20 Chop Saw Automation

2018 Hornet Model MC-20 Chop Saw Automation station – Chop-saw version cutting & marking system with push arm, automated touchscreen controls and “CutBuilder Automation” software for cutting wall parts. Cuts and marks two (2) stacked boards at a time on the 1.5″ edge, to 19′-0″ lengths and 45 degree cuts. Includes chop saw with 12″ blade, cartridge printing attachment, Windows 10 Pro operating system,19-ft long infeed and 10-ft long outfeed. Reads .XML or .EHX files. 110 volt, 1 phase 20 Amp electrical required.

$49,997 FOB

CA

Saws

• Automated Component & Linear Saws (2010 & Newer)

• Monet DeSauw or TimberMill Manual Component Saws

• Floor Web Saws

• Spida (Apollo) Saws with Truss Automation

• Bunk Cutters

Truss Equipment

• Roller Gantry & Hydraulic Press Systems

• Finish Rollers

• Truss Stackers

• Floor Truss Machines

• Lumber Splicers

• Jack Tables

• C-Clamp Presses

Trucks & Trailers

• Stretch Roll-Off Trailers

• Go oseneck Roll-Off Trailers

Modular Equipment

• Pacific Automation or MiTek Mobile Home Press

Refurbished 2000 MangoTech Saw with Truss Automation

Refurbished 2000 MangoTech saw with Automation, featuring direct drive 5.5 HP, cuts 4×2, 2×3 through 2×12 material, max angle 11 degrees, up to 37″ scarf cuts with 18″ carbide-tip blade. Includes stroke limiter, Plexiglass shield, 20-ft Mango Automation with 15″ touch screen input. PC has Windows 11 operating system

$64,997

with truss software. System includes 20-ft infeed conveyor and 5-ft outfeed conveyor. Saw has 3-month wear parts warranty after installation. 230 volt-30 Amp / 440 volt15 Amp, 3 phase electrical required for saw, 110 volt-20 Amp, 1 phase electrical required for PC.

FOB IA

2014 Monet DeSawyer ESC Component Saw

Enhanced servo-controlled (ESC) component saw with touchscreen user interface and backup mechanical controls. Includes three operating modes: Auto (download setups from LAN or USB), Semi-auto (touch screen setup entry), and Manual (backup push-button switches for powering all movements). Includes Windows 11 operating system, over-travel protection, setup screens, auto sequencing, auto-calibration, and pneumatic brakes on all five (5) blades; one (1) 30” blade and four (4) 16” blades. Manual cut limits are 18” min. angled roof web, 11” min. square edge blocks, 20’ max cut length. Belt under-saw waste conveyor. $79,997 FOB CO

Todd Drummond

Board Foot and Work Minutes Can Coexist

Board foot has been used for decades in component manufacturing, and it still serves its purpose for sales reporting, legacy KPIs, and corporate roll ups. There is no need to abandon it. But for scheduling, pricing, and determining how much work a plant can actually handle, board foot alone will always fall short. It cannot show the true labor content of the work. That is where engineered work minutes become essential. Board foot and work minutes can coexist—because each belongs in a different decision lane. This article shows a practical coexistence method: keep board foot for reporting, add engineered minutes for decisions, and prove minutes in parallel without disrupting current routines.

Work Minutes Reveal What Board Foot Cannot: the real setup, handling, and process time required at each work center under the conditions the job will run. They turn load into something measurable, predictable, and grounded in actual behavior, not assumptions. They also expose variation hidden inside similar looking BF jobs, such as automation availability, run length impacts, manual handling, and the “If conditions” that change how work is performed.

Let Board Foot Do What It Does Best: Board foot is still a useful measure of volume. It works for sales reporting, legacy KPIs, and corporate rollups because it’s consistent and widely understood.

Work minutes serve a different purpose. Minutes exist to run the plant: loading, scheduling, capacity planning, and protecting margins by aligning commitments to real labor content.

When leaders use board foot to make planning promises, the schedule becomes opinion. When they use engineered minutes for planning and keep board foot for reporting, both measures stay honest and both remain valuable.

The Coexistence Method: In practice, both metrics can coexist smoothly. Most wood truss software can be set up to run work minutes alongside existing board-foot practices, so you can test, compare, and validate minutes in real production without disrupting current reporting, KPIs, or quoting routines. That parallel run is often the fastest way to prove accuracy and build trust because the numbers are evaluated against actual performance, not theory. Board foot can stay in its traditional role, while work minutes guide the operational decisions that determine throughput, schedule stability, and margin protection. In most plants, trust builds quickly because minutes are judged against actual performance, not opinion.

Where Teams Go Wrong When They Try to Add Minutes:

1. The most common failure is treating work minutes like a replacement project instead of a parallel run. That turns a practical improvement into a culture fight.

2. Using broad averages is another failure. If minutes don’t reflect real methods and real “If conditions,” teams quickly learn they can’t trust the number.

3. Skipping validation is next. If minutes are not tested against actual production, they remain theoretical and get dismissed the moment pressure hits.

4. Using paid time as available time is another common miss. If the availableminutes number can’t be defended on the floor, the plan will never match reality.

The fix is not complicated: keep board foot in place, run minutes in parallel, and let real production validate what’s true.

Why Minutes Bring Clarity: When board foot stays in its reporting lane and minutes take the planning lane, “busy” becomes measurable and decisions become calmer.

Defined work minutes capture the effort at each work center for a defined method under defined conditions, with appropriate allowances. Capacity planning then compares required minutes to available minutes to confirm whether the system can actually carry the load.

Most plants struggle because work content is not stable—mix shifts, setups vary, and staffing fluctuates. Plans built on averages can look reasonable on paper while the floor experiences congestion and missed commitments. The issue is usually not performance; it’s overload that minutes can reveal. Board foot did not fail—it was never designed to carry planning responsibility.

When planning is anchored in defined minutes, you stop over-releasing work, you protect the true constraint, and you stabilize cadence while reducing overtime spikes, expediting, and quality drift.

How to Prove Minutes Without Disrupting Board Foot: Start with a planning window your team already lives in—daily or weekly—and run minutes as a parallel “truth test,” not as a replacement for existing reports.

Then calculate true available production time—not paid time—by subtracting breaks, startup losses, routine stoppages, and planned maintenance. If that number can’t be defended on the floor, it will undermine trust in minutes before minutes ever get a fair test.

Next, translate demand into required minutes using standards that reflect how the work is actually performed. This is where “If conditions” prevent standards from drifting into averages by selecting the correct time standard as reality changes. The goal is practical accuracy that holds under real “If conditions,” not a fragile average that collapses under pressure.

For example:

• If a setup change is required, the setup burden changes with run length.

• If automation is available, use the automated standard.

• If automation is not available, use the manual standard tied to those conditions.

With credible minutes, planning becomes straightforward: compare required minutes to available minutes at the constraint. This is where coexistence pays off—board foot continues to describe volume, while minutes tell you whether the constraint can actually carry that volume this window.

Building condition-based work minutes requires solid industrial engineering capability, especially in mixed automation where variation is uneven. That’s what TDC provides engineered standards with practical “If conditions” that hold up in real production so leaders can price, schedule, and load the plant with confidence.

A Simple Proof Loop That Builds Trust: Start with the constraint work center and one upstream step. Run engineered minutes in parallel while board foot reporting remains unchanged.

Each week, compare planned minutes to what actually happened and correct only what changed in the method, conditions, or allowances. Do not “force-fit” minutes to match a bad week.

When the team sees minutes reliably predict load and completion, expand minutes to the next work center. Trust comes from disciplined validation, not from asking people to believe.

When minutes guide planning decisions while board foot remains the reporting measure, profitability improves for practical reasons: better job selection, steadier schedules, fewer disruptions, less overtime and expediting, and more predictable throughput. Even modest margin protection adds up quickly because decisions are finally anchored to the true labor content of the work.

Scheduling as a Leadership Behavior: Board foot can’t enforce release discipline, but minutes can, because minutes show when you’ve already spent tomorrow’s capacity today. Once the constraint plan is honest, release must match it. Work must be released at the rate the constraint can complete it, not the rate that keeps upstream teams busy. When required minutes exceed available minutes, leaders must decide what to protect, what to delay, and what to adjust.

This is where Swap Not Stack becomes an essential habit. When a hot job appears, many operations simply stack it on top of the existing release, expecting the floor to complete tomorrow’s work in today’s minutes. That approach creates overtime, shortcuts, and missed commitments.

Swap Not Stack keeps the system stable: if a new priority enters, something of equal minutes must move out or move to the next window. This protects both the people doing the work and the commitments made to customers.

Swap Not Stack is from my pending new book, “Lean Manufacturing Made Obvious for Leaders,” being published this spring.

Bottom Line With Changing Markets: In changing markets, the margin for error shrinks fast. Demand shifts, mix shifts, staffing shifts, and the jobs that used to “average out” start punishing the schedule and the P&L. Board foot can still describe volume, but only engineered minutes can tell you what that volume will cost in time at the work centers that govern throughput. When leaders keep board foot for reporting and use validated minutes for planning, they protect the constraint, make tradeoffs earlier, and keep profit from leaking out through overload, overtime, and quiet drift.

If this article resonates, here’s the practical next step. At Todd Drummond Consulting (TDC), I help truss and component manufacturers replace “pretty good averages” with defensible, engineered work minutes that hold up when mix, run length, staffing, and automation availability change. My Truss Manufacturing Time Standards (ManMinutes) have been tested and validated inside 100+ wood truss operations and are built using proper industrial engineering motion and time study methods, not vendor benchmarks or guesswork.

When your standards are grounded in real methods and “If conditions,” you can convert demand into required minutes, load the constraint honestly, and protect schedule stability without living in overtime and expediting. Client feedback is available on the Testimonials page, including measurable gains and clear operational direction from operators and owners.

Website: www.todd-drummond.com • Phone (USA): 603-748-1051

Industry Best Practice: SBCA’s Jobsite Packages

With the new BCSI-2025, all B Series Documents have been updated

There are four different Jobsite Packages available:

• Jobsite Package

• Floor Truss Jobsite Package

• Long Span Jobsite Package

• Wall Panel Jobsite Package

Includes the Component Warning Notice Sheet for installers.

Also available as part of SBCA’s Electronic Jobsite Package subscription!

NEW!

Terminailer

Price: $237,900

FOB: ND

The Terminailer all but shatters the stereotypical myth that sub-component equipment is essentially peripheral – unimportant. And it does so by quickly and accurately driving far more framing nails in your wall panel jobs than ever before. Whether in your shop or in the field, one operator sets the pace for production and quality, which reduces labor costs and other aspects of overhead.

The new Terminailer V.8 improves on the previous generation Terminailer in several key ways:

All new HMI/Software

• Siemens Pivoting HMI Touchscreen display to operate from either side

• On-screen tutorial for all menu items

• Operator now controls functions such as process speed, nail spacing, nail patterns, etc.

• Simplified input commands

Nail Feed Complete Redesign

• All new frame to allow for redesigned nail coil placement with direct feed path

• EverWin PN90-PAL industrial tools now standard equipment

• New nail guides with spring-loaded tensioners

• Nail coils move with vertical travel of the nail guns

Reengineered air system

• SMC “Soft–Start” Pneumatics

• Simplified air for control to all components: lift–cylinders, triggers, stop–gate, etc.

• Direct air supply to each nail gun for improved nailing performance

• All pneumatic elements are clearly labeled for EZ service and adjustment

Overall Features

• Pharmaceutical grade assembly, industrial grade durability

• “Block–wheel” redesign for 3X increased applied force

• Approximately 1,200# of applied clamping force resulting in straighter finished

• Subcomponents from even the poorest lumber

• Larger doors for easier access to interior elements including coil–nail spools

Terminailer is an event-driven, sub-component assembler that will quickly and accurately drive 30% to 70% of the framing nails in any wall panel job. In your shop or in the field, one operator sets the pace for production and quality. The Terminailer functions independent of design software, requires zero set-up time when switching between any configuration, and requires no special operator training.

The Terminailer is easy to move around the shop so its location can evolve as your shop evolves. With all of the nailing occurring in the closed main chamber, nail injuries and nail location misfires are eliminated, making your plant that much safer.

With nearly ten years of development from people that know machinery, it is assembled to exacting standards, well supported, and it is easily maintained with shelf-item parts. Terminailer: vetted, tested, and ready to drive maximum productivity for you. Be sure to check out our videos below for a quick review of this revolutionary machine!

208 volt, 3-phase, 21 (full load) Amps, 60 Hz electrical required. 50 SCFM @ 100 PSI air required. Net weight 7,000 lbs..

New! SQUOTE LAYOUT

Get your engineered design-based floor and roof truss quote in minutes, not hours. Save designer time and save money!

Based on the major plate suppliers' engineering

& Plane Input Updating Quotes Squote PDF Export

1999 Alpine SpeedCut

Centerline Pull-Arm Saw

1999 Alpine Metra Cut, model SSA-17, pull arm, centerline saw. 16″ blade, maximum cutting depth of 6″, maximum scarf length of 31″, 164 deg. cutting range and 5 HP motor. Includes push-button on/off controls and analog angle measure on turntable. Need re-assembly. 220/440 volt, 3 phase electrical required.

Call For Pricing, FOB OR Wood Tech Systems

765-751-9990

www.woodtechsystems.com

2023 Northfield Model 410 Upcut Saw NEW 2023 Northfield model 410 upcut saw available for immediate shipment. 90/90 degree cuts to 4″ x 10″ capacity (fence forward position) to 2″ x 14″ (fence rearward position). Saw is configured for material from left to right, with 3″ x 6″ air operated cylinder, filter, regulator, lubricator, 10 HP motor, enclosed steel base with cast iron table, magnetic starter and adjustable operating speed from 20 to 60 CPM. Includes optional two-palm controls, additional 4″ dust outlet, NEMA 12 electrics with fused disconnect and two 18″ diameter 60 tooth blades with 1″ diameter bore. 460 volt, 3 phase electrical required.

$18,630 FOB MN Wood Tech Systems

765-751-9990 www.woodtechsystems.com

2005 Alpine ALS 276C Linear Saw

2005 Alpine ALS 276C linear-feed saw (Refurbished in 2015). Cuts wall and truss parts from lumber depths 2×4 through 2×12, 60”+ scarf cuts, internally optimizes material (up to 11 7/8″ x 1.5″ EWP). Includes 15-foot idler roller infeed conveyor, 15-foot idler roller outfeed conveyor, and under-saw scrap conveyor with belt-type incline. All servo-controlled functions, Microsoft Windows 10 OS, 7.5 hp motor with 20” carbide tipped blade. Includes any available spare parts. No printer is included. 230v, 3 ph power, 70A electrical required. Includes step-down transformer. 125 PSI air required.

$39,991 FOB OR Wood Tech Systems

765-751-9990

www.woodtechsystems.com

1982 SpeedCut MetraCut Centerline Saw

GOOSENECK ROLL OFF TRUSS TRAILERS

1982 Speed Cut Metra Cut, model SSA-11, centerline saw, 16″ blade, maximum cutting depth of 6″, maximum cut length of 31″, 164 deg. cutting range and 5 HP motor. Includes push-button on/off controls and analog angle measure on turntable with air stop, 20′ long infeed conveyor with OEM SpeedMeasure, 20′ long outfeed conveyor and one (1) spare blade. 208 volt, 3 phase electrical required (can be converted to 240v/440v).

$6,990 FOB WY Wood Tech Systems 765-751-9990

www.woodtechsystems.com

New Monet DeRobo Linear Saw

New, DeRobo linear saw by Monet organizes "fill" boards to increase optimization of each board, can produce unlimited scarf cuts, cuts 1 or 2 boards at a time and cuts webs, chords, wedges, rafters and open-stair stringers. Works with all major connector plate manufacturer's software. Features include 22 inch blade, left-to-right feed direction standard, lumber push and pull grippers for more accuracy, ink marking on the 1 1/2" face of the incoming boards and small piece capture and delivery to the front of the saw for easy access. Infeed deck and bunk feed are shown as options only. 480 volt, 3phase.

$257,000 FOB MO.

(Shown with Additional Top Roller option)

Truss solutions from idea to installation.

Transform your truss operation with an integrated solution from Simpson Strong-Tie. The industry leader in truss plates now brings you a full suite of software, equipment, hardware and services to drive truss component manufacturing from idea to installation. Start with CS Director™ , CS Truss Studio™ , CS EWP Studio™ and CS Producer™ for design, layout, production and project management. Use our powerful Monet DeSauw industrial saws to cut webs, chords, stair stringers, rafters and wedges with speed and precision. Specify the optimal connectors, anchors and Strong-Drive ® structural fasteners for every project. You can also complement your team with our professional truss design services at any time. Altogether, you have a smart solution made to increase productivity, ensure high quality and take your business to the next level.

To learn more, contact your representative at (800) 999-5099 or visit us

2012 Vista "Angle Boss" Saw with 20' TigerStop

• 2012 Vista Model M-20 AutoSet Cut-Off Saw

• 0 to 75 Degree Left & Right Blade Rotation

• 10 HP/460 Volt Motor with 20" Blade

• 10' Infeed Roller Conveyor & 20' Outfeed Roller Conveyor

• 2012 TigerStop (250" Cut Length)

• TigerStop Software Version 5.30

• Excludes Dust Collector

• Video available upon request

• Price in US Dollars

$18,880 NOW $17,000 FOB MB Wasserman & Associates 800-382-0329 www.wasserman-associates.com

2004 Manual Apollo Saw

• 5.5 HP Motor (3 Phase) with 18" Blade

• 6" Maximum Cut Depth with 36" Stroke for Long Scarf Cuts

• Minimum Angle of 10 Degress (160 Degree Angular Movement)

• Turntable Air Brake

• Variable Stroke Limiter & Saw Barrier Guard for Safety

• 15' of Roller Conveyor with Stands

• New Blade Guard (in box) $11,500 FOB NE Wasserman & Associates 800-382-0329 www.wasserman-associates.com

Safety Speed Cut Model 7000 Panel Saw

Safety Speed Manufacturing model 7000, vertical panel saw, 3 HP induction motor, 64 inch crosscut, 2-inch maximum thickness, accuracy within 1/64th of an inch, 96" tall x 10-foot-wide welded steel frame with integrated stand and linear V-guides, enclosed counterweight system, adjustable vertical and horizontal rules. Quick changes from vertical to horizontal cutting. Includes machined aluminum material rollers, hold down bar, wheels, quick stop gauges and material hold downs. Dust collection ready. Options available include lower frame width extension to 13-ft, digital readouts, laser guide, stop bar, vacuum, and midway fence.

2007 Alpine ALS 276 Linear Saw

Cuts wall and truss parts from lumber depths 2×4 through 2×12, cuts bevels from 90 to 25 degrees, 60”+ scarf cuts, optimizes material, production rates +2000 pieces per 8 hr. shift. Includes 16- foot ICC-brand infeed deck, 20-foot-long infeed roller and 16-foot powered outfeed conveyor, Matthews “Mperia V” series 8000 printer (one 3

½” face) added in 2022, and undersaw belt scrap conveyor. All servo controlled functions. Windows 10 o/s. Includes Servotronix upgrade, recent saw head bushing, bevel motor and gearbox installed in 2024, spare blade, all available spare parts and digital operator’s manual.

FL

• New saw design with double slide minimizing footprint

• Roller slide reducing risks of injury by lowering the effort pulling the saw

• Hybrid aluminum-steel construction combining the robustness of steel for the frame with the lightness of aluminum for the moving head

• High resistance powder coat paint surface finish

• Blade travel adjusts automatically depending on the saw angle

• Saw arbor type 5 HP motor with integrated mechanical brake

• (575 Volts – 3 phases)

• Angles from 10° to 110°

• Head overall travel length of 26in

• 18in saw blade

• 5.5in cutting height

• Complete « wrap-around » blade guard

• 4in dust collector connection

By the Paragon Team

IA Small Booth in a Big Industry: Why Exhibit?

n the middle of the largest residential construction show in the world, wedged between estimating software and the kitchen and bath aisle, our small booth was focused on one question: where do structural components truly fit in the future of homebuilding?

The International Builders Show (IBS) brings together builders, architects, developers, component manufacturers, LBM dealers, software providers, and industry associations under one roof. It was a concentrated snapshot of the entire residential supply chain, and component systems were not on the sidelines, but rather embedded in several conversations about efficiency, cost, and buildability.

There is a meaningful difference between walking the floor and standing in a booth for three days having back-toback conversations. Exhibiting forces you to articulate your position in the market, listen carefully to what customers are asking for, and engage directly in the conversations shaping how components are sourced.

What We Observed on the Show Floor

If there was one dominant theme across the show floor, it was estimation. From AI-driven takeoff platforms to predictive cost tools, there were several solutions promising faster answers and better numbers. Builders are clearly under pressure to provide earlier pricing details and faster commitments to owners and lenders. What became apparent in our conversations is that while many parts of the project lifecycle are becoming increasingly digitized and streamlined, there is still a noticeable gap in the efficiency between conceptual design and structural confirmation. For truss manufacturers, that gap represents both a challenge and an opportunity: the faster structural feasibility can be understood upstream, the more intentionally components can be specified downstream.

The Practical Pain Points Builders Shared

From the builder’s side of the aisle, the request sounds simple: can we get this turned around faster? From the component manufacturer’s side, the answer is rarely that simple. Structural design is only as clear as the plans it is built on. When layouts are still shifting, loads are incomplete, or architectural details remain fluid, acceleration often means iteration rather than execution. Manufacturers are navigating a constant balancing act: being responsive and relationship-driven while also managing their designer’s time, plant capacity, and profitability. The market’s demand for speed is intensifying, but the complexity behind component design makes that a formidable challenge. At Paragon, we are working towards a vision where truss design is more accessible and transparent, so that more people understand how it works and where it adds value.

Connecting with SBCA and Industry Leaders

One of the strengths of IBS is the education that the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) facilitates throughout the week, with sessions taking place across multiple rooms focused on everything from building science to business strategy. We enjoyed spending time in the Building Systems Council room, where the Structural Building Components Association (SBCA) had a table and participated in ongoing discussions and sessions centered on building systems.

The conversations were less about individual products and more about how homes are built and how systems thinking can bring practical benefits to builders and suppliers alike. We also hosted several conversations with industry leaders for our show, “The Common Chord,” so be on the lookout for these episodes to publish soon. Much of the real work in our industry happens through relationships. It helps to have national organizations investing time, resources, and leadership to support component manufacturers and strengthen their connections through the entire building community.

Access and Transparency: Builders’ Interest in Structural Exploration

Builders want to understand whether a concept is reasonable, whether the structure is feasible, and whether small changes could have an outsized effect on the project’s cost and cycle time. The earlier these insights are available, the more they build trust and position the component supplier as a proactive partner rather than a reactive problem-solver.

Walking the show floor is a reminder of how competitive and dynamic the housing supply chain truly is. Every aisle features companies promising faster solutions, tighter budgets, smarter software, better materials, or a different approach. From equipment manufacturers to specialty product suppliers, the underlying message is consistent: the industry is under pressure to improve efficiency at every stage. In that environment, components cannot afford to operate in isolation. If the broader housing conversation is centered on speed, clarity, and risk reduction, structural systems must be clearly positioned as part of that solution. Paragon is focused on ensuring that component design plays a critical role in those larger market forces rather than reacting to them from the sidelines.

What This Means for Component Manufacturers

For component manufacturers, the takeaway from IBS is not to change who you are, but to consider how you engage earlier and more visibly in the process. Builders are actively searching for partners who help them with speed and clarity, and many are open to deeper conversations about how structural decisions impact cost and schedule. Education remains critical, whether through local relationships, industry associations, or national events. The more components are understood as strategic systems rather than line items, the stronger the entire segment becomes.

Our 10x10 booth may have been small, but the conversations we had reinforced that components belong at the center of the housing efficiency conversation. Showing up in spaces like IBS shows that our industry is engaged, collaborative, and invested in the future of homebuilding. Relationships are what ultimately expand adoption. If we want more components in the world, then we have to continue participating in the broader dialogue shaping how homes are designed and delivered.

“We’ve worked with Alpine in creating top quality products surpassing customer expectations since 1984. Over the years Alpine team members have become more like family and we couldn’t do this without them!”

— Tolga Adak Florida Quality Truss Inc.

Alpine has it all—the right equipment, user-friendly software and dependable hardware to improve your teams efficiency. Alpine delivers the complete package for success—including comprehensive support and service that sets us apart within our industry.

Ask those who know. They’ll tell you about the people at Alpine who make a difference.

Used Hain Quick Rafter Cutter

• Reconditioned in December 2020

• Board Sizes: 2x4 and 2x6

• Motors: Two 1 HP / 220 Volt or 440 Volt / 3 Phase

• Saw Blades: 7 1/4" Carbide Tipped (set at 45 degrees)

• Angle Adjustment: Manual Rotation with Air Brake

• Air Supply: 90 PSI

• Carriage: Steel Rails with Steel Dual V Rollers

• Pedestal: 3/16" Formed Steel

• Saw Housing: 1/2" Billet Aluminum

• Covers: 10 Gauge (1/8" thick) Steel

• Fully Enclosed for Safety

$12,500 NOW $9,900 FOB AZ Wasserman & Associates 800-382-0329 www.wasserman-associates.com

not work)

• 230 Volt / 3 Phase

• Excludes: Outfeed Queue Rollers & Waste Conveyor

$29,900 NOW $14,900 FOB AZ Wasserman & Associates 800-382-0329 www.wasserman-associates.com

In answer to the demands of high-volume customers comes the Monet DeSauw FWA 500 CA (Automated Controls) floor web saw. The 500 CA is perfect for component manufacturers who routinely run floor trusses in high volumes with variable web geometry. Another primary feature is enhanced safety through automation which eliminates the need to open the saw motor cabinets other than for periodic service. The 500 CA includes automation for all blades, including the fixed cut-off blade for minimal waste. Lumber infeed speed is variable up to sixty (60) boards per minute, while the powered carriage utilizes rack and pinion drive with airlock for set accuracy throughout the production run. Your operator will easily download batches to the 500 CA saw from your design software via an ethernet connection to a MS Windows 10 industrial PC with a 17″ monitor housed in a stand-alone console. If you frequently batch floor web cutting, and if enhanced safety with increased productivity are a concern, then an automated Monet FWA 500 CA may be the right selection for you. More information click Here

Price based on configuration.

Work Smar ter 2Seconds

That'sallthetimeittakes todrillstudsforrunningRomexorotherelectricalwireinthewallpanels

Motor: HeavyDuty5HP-3phase-220vor440v(Pleasespecifywhenordering)

MotorcarriagebearingandspindleassemblymountedonBlanchardgroundsteelplate LinealmotionishardenedandgroundVbearingsandrails

BlockSizes: 2x4through2x12infiniteheightsettingtocenter

AirSupply: 100psi10CFM

Drills: 2wing3/4'”CarbideTippedcanaccommodatesmallerorlarger

Spindles: AlloySteelpolishedandgroundprecisionshafting

Frame: 2"SteelWithPowderCoatFinish

Covers: 10Gauge(1/8"Thick)Aluminumremovable

Dimensions: Height-60inches,Width-33inches,Depth-33inches

Shippingweight: 750lbs.-(Includingcrate)

MADEINAMERICABYAMERICANS

Together the PieceGiver and PieceMaker streamline production, boost efficiency and reduce manual labor – all with just ONE operator.

Is truss cutting your bottleneck? Get in touch to learn how the power duo can transform your workflow!

The PieceMaker

An automated linear saw that cuts, prints and optimizes.

The PieceGiver

A high speed, fully automatic lumber loading system.

• 5

•

• Computer, Enclosure & Stand

• Waste Conveyor (under saw)

• E xcludes Incline Waste Conveyor (adjacent to saw)

• Video available upon request

• Add $12,500 for 6 Chain Live Deck $16,500 NOW $14,900 FOB ND Wasserman & Associates 800-382-0329 www.wasserman-associates.com

$15,399

Safety Speed Manufacturing Model 7400 XL Panel Saw

Ready for long hours of accurately cutting OSB, fiberglass reinforced sheathing, and virtually any other sheathing material specified. The 7400 XL features a quiet 3 HP induction motor, 64 inch crosscut, 2 1/8″ maximum thickness, accuracy within 0.005 inches, 96" tall x 13-foot-wide welded steel frame with integrated stand and linear V-guides, enclosed counterweight system, adjustable vertical and horizontal rules. Quick changes from vertical to horizontal cutting. Includes machined aluminum material rollers, hold down bar, wheels, quick stop gauges and material hold downs. The 7400 XL is dust-collection-ready for easy connection. Options available include digital readouts for vertical cuts, laser guide, stop bar, dust vacuum and midway fence.

16 Truss Plate Hoppers per 8ft L x 6ft W Rack Up to 5 Racks for 80 Truss Plate SKUs

Plates Dispensed in Collated Layers by Truss (one truss per bin) or One Bin per Joint 4ft x 6ft Wide Control Rack with Bin Feeder, Touchscreen, Printer and Custom Outfeed Automated Plate Picking

Plate Hopper Specs

Minimum 1.5” x 3” plates

Maximum 12” x 18” plates

16, 18 and 20 gauge plates

Load 100 tooth-to-tooth

Plate Pairs per Hopper

Stock more SKUs And Eliminate Overplating

Distribute

Speed

$355,000 Location: MO

New, Monet DeSawyer 2000, computerized, five-bladed component saw, sets up in 15 to 17 seconds, can run in manual mode, downloads projects from a network or manually using display screen controls. Features all powered movements, cuts from 15" 90/90 cuts to 20 foot length, 2 x 3" to 2 x 12" lumber depths and internal brakes are standard. Options include enhanced servo controls featuring autocalibration, catcher's display and either shaker or belt scrap conveyor and incline. 440 volt, 3 phase electrical.

By Paul B. Schmidt Chief Marketing Officer

ABuilding Homes for Heros in Florida

lthough all of our companies are focused on their bottom lines, many of us also welcome opportunities to give back to our communities. TechWood had one such opportunity this year, when we partnered with Global Fireproof Solutions, Inc. to support the construction and renovation of a mortgage-free home for U.S. Army Veteran Patricia Golden in Eatonville, Florida. The initiative is part of a collaborative effort led by the Greater Orlando Builders Association (GOBA) in partnership with Building Homes for Heroes.

This project, which began last year, brings together GOBA members – including builders, contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers – who are donating labor, materials, and expertise to restore and enhance Ms. Golden’s home after it sustained significant damage during Hurricane Ian. The effort reflects a unified commitment to providing veterans with safe, secure, and accessible housing.

As the leading provider of advanced protective lumber treatment solutions serving the building and construction industry, TechWood is contributing its proprietary lumber treatment solutions designed to enhance durability, structural integrity, and long-term protection of wood building materials. Global Fireproof Solutions provides advanced passive fire protection solutions to enhance the safety and resilience of structures, partnering with builders, developers, and industry experts to deliver high-performance fire safety solutions for residential and commercial buildings. For this project, GFS is contributing the certified application to all of the structural wood, which includes the roof decking, trusses, and interior/exterior wall assemblies, to further enhance the safety and resilience of the home.

As stated by TechWood CEO Irv Minnaker, “We are honored to support this important project alongside GOBA and Building Homes for Heroes. At TechWood, protection is at the core of everything we do. Contributing our technology to help safeguard the home of a veteran who has served our country is both a responsibility and a privilege.”

Added Global Fireproof Solutions Inc. CEO Chris Birchfield, “This collaboration demonstrates what our industry can accomplish when we combine expertise with purpose. By incorporating advanced fire protection solutions into the build, we are helping create a home that offers not only comfort but also confidence and security for years to come.”

The project embodies the broader mission of Building Homes for Heroes, which is dedicated to constructing and renovating mortgage-free homes for injured veterans and their families. Through strong community collaboration, GOBA members and partners assist in providing stability and a renewed sense of independence for those who have sacrificed in service to the country.

As part of the build process, a “Wall of Honor” ceremony was held on February 10th, giving contributors the opportunity to sign the interior walls of the home before completion – symbolizing the collective commitment of the community to support Ms. Golden and honor her service.

“These projects are about more than construction,” said Andrew Dingman, Executive Vice President for TechWood. “They represent a fresh start and a tangible expression of gratitude for our veterans. The involvement of companies like TechWood and Global Fireproof Solutions demonstrates the strength of our industry and our community.”

The Eatonville home is expected to be completed in May 2026, but TechWood lumber treatment is available across the country through a nationwide network of licensed applicators.

To learn more about TechWood, you can find Technical Evaluation Reports, Safety Data Sheets, and UL Green Guard certifications for all TechWood products available for download from www. techwoodtreatments.com. To contact TechWood directly, call 1-833-TEKWOOD or email connect@ techwoodtreatments.com

OPTIMIZE WITH THE INNOVATORS

REAL-TIME OPTIMIZATION IS HERE

Vekta’s innovative Real-Time Optimization software leverages decades of technology advancements and intelligent algorithm development to provide unparalleled flexibility and control of your cutting and production planning.

RTO is designed specifically to make considerable improvements to operational and material efficiencies in plants with a direct delivery system, but can also benefit smaller setups as well.

KEY FEATURES:

• SIMULTANEOUS OPTIMIZATION – instantly optimize multiple jobs across assembly stations, minimizing waste.

• REAL-TIME ADJUSTMENTS – adapt cutting volumes and flow to meet dynamic point-of-use demand.

• DECENTRALIZED INTERFACE – empower your operators with the ability to schedule zero-disruption recuts directly from the point-of-use. Load, adjust, reorder and reroute in real-time from any network device.

• MULTI-SAW MANAGEMENT – efficient single operator control of multiple saws, reducing labor requirements and costs.

• CONTINUOUS CUTTING LISTS – eliminate end-of-file waste through seamless job transitions, optimizing material usage.

Simply put, RTO is a comprehensive solution to provide significant improvements in productivity and waste reduction.

2006 Alpine Speed Rafter Cutter

• Simplified compound cutting for hip, valley and jack rafters (double & single compound cuts)

• Two Worm-Drive Circular Saws (110 Volt / 30 Amps)

• Saw Turntable (for angle cutting)

• Saw Carriage (for up to 45 degree bevel cutting)

• Infeed & Outfeed Roller Conveyor with Stands

$4,900 NOW $4,250 FOB CA Wasserman & Associates 800-382-0329 www.wasserman-associates.com

Used - Metra Cut Radial Arm Saw (2x) Parts Machine

$500 – Make Offer

Eide Machinery Sales, Inc. 612-521-9193 www.eidemachinery.com

Used - 2005 Model 305 Infeed Conveyor Designed for use with all component saws. To include: Soft Start ~ Soft Stop Inverter System. Programmable load sensing; Overload / Jamb sensing shut down feature. Gear motor providing conveyor speed of 36' per minute. Forward and reversing controls for location at both ends of conveyor unit. Material capacity range - 4' through 24' lumber. Chain deck pedestals 20' long with cross bracing. Staging area at the saw independent of the live deck system. 30,000lb. Deck capacity. Call for pricing

Eide Machinery Sales, Inc. 612-521-9193

www.eidemachinery.com

Safety Speed Manufacturing

Gypsum Cutter

Lose the dust and noise for processing material such as DensGlass®, or other gypsum products with the Safety Speed model VGC 515 cartridge cutting system. Easily process full sheets of gypsum wall panel sheathing of material in widths up to 64". Fully portable, and with NO power or air required, the VGC 515 is dust and noise free to easily score gypsum material that rolls effortlessly to an integral edge used for breaking scored material. Features blade cartridges for quick exchange in less than a minute and uses off-the-shelf utility knife blades. Includes two cutting/scoring cartridges, removable clamping bar, integral counterweight, both left & right measuring tapes, wheels for portability, free-standing 90" tall x 10-ft wide frame and 5-foot Quick Stop system for accurate, repetitive cutting.$6,399 FOB MN Wood Tech Systems 765-751-9990 www.woodtechsystems.com

019 Holz-Her Sector 1260 Vertical Panel Saw

• 4.0 kW Motor with 10” Blade (2.36 cutting depth)

• 230 Volt / 3 Phase

• Cutting Length: 14’ / Cutting Height:

• Automatic Mode: Plunge, Saw & Return with Variable Speed Control

• Top & Bottom Sawing Beams with Pneumatic Arrest

• Digital Horizontal Cutting with Motor-Driven Precision Adjustment

• Digital Longitudinal Stop with Fine Adjustment

• Pneumatic Support Grid

• Dust Extraction Port

• Like New Condition

• A 2016 COIMA FI6000 Dust Collector is available at additonal expense FOB CA Wasserman & Associates 800-382-0329 www.wasserman-associates.com

NEW!

New SpeedWorx Automated Sheathing Station

Reduce labor and operator fatigue by taking advantage of the SpeedWorx automated vertical panel saw. This one-person station cuts wood sheathing sheets up to 50 inches x 10 feet, and up to 2-inch thickness, using a fast 1-button cutting setup with CNC accuracy to 1/32 of an inch (0.03125″). The usage of each sheet is optimized through automated sequencing. The photos of raw materials illustrate the drastic reduction of scrap material thanks to implementing the Rogworx saw station.

Visual user interface with standard ‘Auto Fill’ feature makes choosing the job and sheet-cutting order easy to determine. Files are downloadable allowing for minimum waste. Saw station reads WBX file format (Alpine) or EHX file format (MiTek) or CSV files with manipulation. System offers full optimization and sequence panel parts, looking ahead through the job based on your specification. The cutting chamber automatically switches from rip to cross-cutting. All this in a 100-square-foot footprint, approximately 25′ long x 4′ deep, so it can fit within existing facilities. Includes advanced dust collection. Integrated printing for labeling parts is available as an option (additional $14,000).

$143,500 (Base)

FOB MN

New Monet DeSawyer ESC (Servo Controlled) Component Saw

Monet DeSauw model Desawyer ESC enhanced servo-controlled ( ESC) component saw with touch screen user interface with backup mechanical controls. Includes three operating modes: Auto (download setups from LAN or USB), Semi-auto (touch screen setup entry), and Manual (backup push-button switches for powering all movements). Includes over-travel protection, comprehensive setup screens, auto sequencing, auto-calibration and pneumatic brakes on all five () blades. One (1) 30” blade and four (4) 16” blades. Manual cut limits are 18” min., 11” min. square edge blocks, 20’ max cut. Belt under-saw waste conveyor. Voltage: 480 volt/3 phase/60 Amp. Air: 50 PSI at 5 CFM. One-year warranty included. Can be paired with a model PD-6 lumber feed system at an additional cost. Heavy duty 80 RIV chain feed system. 16’ wide x 20’ long x 36” deck height. Transfers 3’ to 20’ lumber. Includes auto-feed control, foot pedal override, forward & reverse, variable speed control with HD double-bearing construction. Other additional-cost options include, inkjet marking, label printing, backside screen display, spare blades and incline scrap conveyor.

$386,000 FOB MO

2016 Alpine AutoMill HP Component Saw

Alpine AutoMill HP, model 349C component saw. Servo controlled computerized saw sets up in 2 to 19 seconds and downloads from a network, or by using a touch screen for ease of operation. Five-head automated component saw works in both automated (downloading files), semi-automated control (via touch-screen input) or manual mode. It has (23) axes of automated movement, enhanced diagnostics, and auto management reporting.

The HP cuts from 2′-6″ to 20′-0″ long material in size range from 2×3″ through 2×12″, and 4-angle floor webs from 2′-0″. Includes [3] 18″, [1] 20″ and [1] 30″ blades with air brakes, Windows 7 o/s and under-saw scrap conveyor. The Windows 7 o/s can be upgraded to a version of Windows 10 that will be supported until 2032, at an additional expense.

Also includes over $8,000 in spare parts. 480 volt, 3 phase, 100 Amp electrical required. 90 PSI @ 69 SCFM air required.

$129,997 NOW $119,990 - FOB OR

• High Performance Linear Feed Saw (Non-Beveling)

• H igh Performance L1 & L2 Motors and Gear Boxes

• Servo Blade Motor with 20.5" Blade

• Blade Motor was replaced in Late 2024

• Touchscreen Monitor

• Mattthews Ink Jet Printer

• 8' Automated Live Deck

• Outfeed Queue System

• Waste Conveyor

• 230 Volt / 3 Phase

• Excludes Dust Collector

• V ideo available upon request

• Price in in US Dollars

interface and Windows 10 O/S for direct input. The DeSawyer 2K Can operate in automated or manual input mode. (1) 10 h.p., 30″ diameter blade with PAE setup & (4) 5 h.p. 16″ diameter blades with center line setup. Mechanical backup counters and scales, powered chain infeed with upper hold-downs, and shaker pan waste conveyor (no scrape incline). 16″ blades cut angles from 3º to 115º, 30″ blade from 3º to 100º . Minimum 90/90 cut is 10 inches and shortest 4-angle cut is 18 inches. Cuts 2×4 through 2×12 lumber up to 20 feet in length. 480 volt, 3 phase, 60 Amp electrical 90 psi air required. (Seller reserves the right to decline sale based on buyer’s regional trade area).

New

Monet FWA 500 Floor Web Saw

New Monet 5-head, floor truss web saw, cuts 4-angle, 4×2 floor truss webs from 13 inches and 90-90 blocks from 7 inches, to 4 foot long maximum length. Features 10-board magazine feed, powered, fixedquadrant angulation, manual carriage standard, scrap conveyor and cut-off blade. Options available for longer carriage length, incline scrap conveyor, and choice of shaker or belt scrap conveyor. 440 volt, 3 phase, 60 Amp electrical. 50 PSI air at 5 CFM required. $83,000 FOB MO

www.woodtechsystems.com

• 10 Each - Standard 20 Ton Track Mounted Heads with 10" x 10" Platens (refurbished in 2011)

• 6 Each - 2011 Double 40 Ton Track Mounted Heads with 10" x 15" Platens

• 2 Each - 2021 Double 40 Ton Track Mounted Heads with 10" x 15" Platens

• 2 Each - 10 HP Two Stage Hydraulic Systems with Controls (230 Volt / 3 Phase)

• Track System for 55' Scissor & Flat Bottom Trusses

• 1 Each - Peak Head Track (perpendicular to base line)

• 2 Each - Movable Bottom Chord Tracks (to adjust for pitch)

• 8 Each - Floating Tracks for Top Chord Head

• Clamping Package: Peak, End Stop, Camber Stops & Air Clamps

• Air & Hydraulic Manifolds with Quick Connectors for Heads

• Pn eumatic Pop-Up Skatewheel Ejectors (for truss removal)

• 56' Powered Transfer Roller with Stands

• 26 Each - 14' Powered & Idle Exiting Rollers with Stands $89,900 NOW $59,900 FOB AR 765-751-9990

Your Tables. New System Performance!

Retrofit your existing truss tables. WizardPDS® ChannelS® will retrofit most existing lines using a patented open channel design, transforming manual jigging operations to near-ZERO and eliminating setup time.

Retrofit Any Table

Setup in 15 Seconds Or Less

Expert Installation

Add as much automation as you need to any table, even discontinued models.

Set up any simple or complex truss. 100% automated & no manual jigging required!

Installed right in your plant, with training & support included.

Whether you aim to automate a section of your tables or upgrade your entire system, convert setup time to build time.

Your table, automated.

We bring the best together!

Alpine Easy Rider Retrofit

• 14’ x 24” Diameter Gantry Roller (Model 14RT)

• 7 1/2 HP Motor (208 Volt / 3 Phase)

• 14’ x 64’ Steel Slotted Top Table with End Eject Rollers (Raised Track)

• Park Section and Uplift Ramp Section

• Wizard (GEN 1) Automated Jigging (32 Rails)

• Add $40,000 2005 Pacific Automation 14’ Finish Roller

• Prices are in US Dollars

By Craig Webb, President Webb Analytics

TDeals Report 2025: Tracking the Openings, Closings, and Acquisitions

he biggest, deepest report on acquisitions, new-store openings, and closures in construction supply makes clear 2025 simultaneously was both the busiest and slowest year for M&A in this decade. Viewed by the number of facilities acquired, 2025 saw 56% more locations acquired than in 2024 and more than in 2021 through 2023 combined. But the actual number of deals dropped 30% from 2024, and there were fewer companies doing the buying in any year since 2020. These and myriad other details about the lumber and building material (LBM) industry are revealed in the latest edition of Webb Analytics’ annual Deals Report, a 32-page document now available for download.

Even more than in 2024, megadeals skewed the M&A numbers in 2025. Four of the 120 deals by just three of the 75 buyers accounted for 85% of the 1,813 construction supply facilities that changed hands in 2025. Those four deals saw QXO acquire Beacon Building Supply, The Home Depot’s SRS Distribution purchase Gypsum Management & Supply, and Lowe’s absorb both Foundation Building Materials and Artisan Design Group. When you remove those deals, only 269 facilities changed hands—the lowest number since 2019. Buyer interest also has waned, with fewer than 75 companies involved in deals compared with over 80 in 2023 and 2024 and at least 90 in 2021 and 2022.

Webb Analytics’ Deals Report seeks to track all acquisitions, greenfield openings, and closures by lumberyards and specialty construction supply dealers that cater to residential pros, as well as by more consumer-oriented hardware stores and home centers. It focuses on companies selling products used in the building envelope, such as framing lumber, windows, and doors. Dealers specializing in electrical, plumbing, and HVAC products aren’t covered, nor are distributors that sell primarily to dealers rather than to contractors. The information comes from press releases, newspaper articles, e-mail and social media posts, and reports from trusted sources.

Nearly 47% of the facilities acquired specialized in gypsum, while roofing and siding outfits accounted for another 37% of the stores bought. In contrast, only 5.5% of the facilities acquired were lumber or component plants. This was largely because of the four megadeals. On the other hand, if you look at activity in terms of the nearly 120 deals, nearly 40% were for lumberyards or components plants and 28% were for hardware stores.

Lumberyards and Components

Choose your benchmark: Compared with the nearly 850 gypsum and 660 roofing facilities acquired, the 100 lumberyard and components plants purchased in 2025 seems relatively small. But those gypsum and roofing stores changed hands in just a few megadeals. In terms of actual transactions, lumberyard and component dealmaking was far more active, accounting for 53 of the 120 M&A deals accomplished. The biggest single one was in Maine, where Hammond Lumber took over rival Pleasant River Lumber’s 17 yards. Elsewhere, Builders FirstSource expanded to the Lake Tahoe-Reno market by purchasing Truckee-Tahoe Lumber, which has seven locations. BFS also grew in western Pennsylvania by buying O.C. Cluss Lumber’s four yards—two in Pennsylvania, one in Maryland, and one in West Virginia. Also in western Pennsylvania, Lezzer Lumber bought the H.P. Starr locations in Pittsburgh and Zelienople as well as sister company Brookside Lumber in Bethel Park. Koopman Lumber moved into Connecticut by purchasing Lyon & Billiard Lumber, which had four yards in the Nutmeg State. EquipmentShare’s Forge & Build subsidiary took over Mortimer Lumber’s four Michigan-based stores. Iowa’s Spahn and Rose bought three Whit Davis Lumber Plus stores in Arkansas. As for greenfield openings, 84 Lumber certainly was active: It launched new truss and components plants in California, Colorado, Delaware, Ohio, and Texas, plus two showrooms in Maryland and Pennsylvania.

This 32-page 2025 Deals Report also provides: lists of the biggest single deals and dealmakers, as well as the companies that did the most greenfield openings; special looks at Builders FirstSource, US LBM, QXO, ABC Supply, SRS Distribution and The Home Depot, Foundation Building Materials and Lowe’s, Kodiak Building Partners and US LBM, and Decks & Docks; the rundown state by state; close-up reports focusing on Canada, California, Texas, Florida, and the Carolinas; historical perspective going back to 2018; and a sneak peek at what’s happening in 2026.

About Webb Analytics

Webb Analytics is a data and research consultancy that helps executives in construction supply spot the trends, threats, and opportunities that matter most. It’s led by Craig Webb, one of the nation’s best-known industry figures and the former editor-in-chief of ProSales, the construction supply industry’s most honored publication.

Increase Your Market Share by Adding Floor Truss Manufacturing

We have a range of products suitable for floor truss manufacturing and we offer floor truss solutions customized to your requirements too! Choose from side or end eject options to suit your operation and space.

Get in touch to learn more about adding floor trusses to your production line and how it could benefit your factory!

Price Reduction!

Baumeister Lumber Splicer

• Vertical Hydraulic Press with 3"x 12" Platen Size

• 2x3 and 2x4 Lumber Material (3" x 10" maximum plate size)

• Magnetic Platens to hold plates in the correct position

• Working Pressure: 1600 PSI

• Dual press cycle activation for safety

• 208, 240 or 480 Volt / 3 Phase (10 HP)

• Video available upon request

• Excludes: Infeed/Outfeed Roller Conveyor

• Optional 2x6 Capacity (up to 16" long plate) Splicer is available

Call for pricing FOB PA Wasserman & Associates 800-382-0329 www.wasserman-associates.com

Commercial

Machinery

Fabricators

12' Finish Roller

• 12’ Long x 18” Diameter Rollers

• Front and Rear Safety Bars

• Adjustable Roller Height (1 1/2” and 3 1/2”)

$14,900 NOW $13,900 FOB IA Wasserman & Associates 800-382-0329 www.wasserman-associates.com

EMSI Field Repair Press

EMSI 10 Ton Field Repair Truss Press

System. Complete with: 1/2 HP, 115 Volt, 50/60 Cycle Universal Motor – Operates at voltage as low as 60 volts. 10,000 PSI Portable Power Pack with Two Speed Operation – 200 cu in/min @ 0–200 psi, 20 cu in/min @ 200–10,000 psi and Externally Adjustable Relief Valve (unit weight 55 lbs.). C-Clamp Assembly with 8" Maximum Reach, 4" x 5" Pressing Platen (optional platen available for 4” x 2”). Independent 10 Ton Hydraulic Cylinder. 10’ Hydraulic Hose Assembly with Quick Disconnect Coupling. Handle with 24 Volt Remote Electrical Pendant.

Call for Price Eide Machinery Sales, Inc. 612-521-9193 www.eidemachinery.com Four Eagle Production Presses with Jig Table

• (4) Eagle Production Presses (1 new in 2023, 2 with new pumps within the last 3 years, 1 with older Simplex motor)

• (2) TP300 C-Clamps (Roof & Floor Trusses)

• (2) TP600 C-Clamps (Extra Throat Depth for 2x8 & 2x10 Roof Trusses)

• 25 Ton Cylinder

• 5 1/4" x 6 1/4" Platen

• 220 Volt / 1 Phase

• Jig Table

• (2) 40' Steel Beams

• (4) Beam Trolleys

$37,500 FOB CO Wasserman & Associates

800-382-0329

www.wasserman-associates.com

1977 Joos Stand-alone Hydraulic Press

1977 Joos stand-alone hydraulic press, model HP-150, platen is 10-ft wide x 5-ft deep x 2-ft high. Used by seller to press RV trusses. 240 volt, 3 phase, 80 Amp electrical required.

$9,995 NOW $8,499 FOB OR Wood Tech Systems 765-751-9990 www.woodtechsystems.com

2002 Krepl-Stroj End-eject Floor Truss Machine

End-eject floor machine with floor finish roller press, 40-ft working length, builds 12″ to 24″ deep 4×2 floor trusses. Clamping is ontable air cylinders with toggle controls. Includes idler roll leading to floor finish press. Gantry press head has a 7 HP drive motor. Includes electrical panel and inverter installed in 2024. Needs safety bar repairs. Model RF2300. Made in the Czech Republic. Floor finish press, 12″ diameter rolls, 5 HP motor.

$51,997 FOB NH

www.woodtechsystems.com

Klaisler finish roller press, model #: TR21424, 14-ft final roller with 24″ diameter rolls, heavy-duty steel frame, continuous shaft supported by (4) baffles. Twin 5 HP drive systems (10 HP total), with single-safety bar, and chain / sprocket guards. 460v, 3 phase electrical required. Please review this video: $39,997 FOB KY Wood Tech Systems 765-751-9990

www.woodtechsystems.com

New Wescana Floor Truss Finish Roller Press

New Wescana floor finish roller press with push button controls, e-stop, (2) 24″ diameter rolls, continuous 4″ diameter shaft with baffles, 5 HP gear motor with brakes, 3.5″ diameter bearings, taper-lock sprockets, sealed flanged roller bearings, reversing magnetic starters, safety barrier and electric eye. Available in 3-ft, 4-ft and 6-ft throat widths. Speed 2-ft per second. Height to bottom roller 35″. 230/460/575 volt, 3 phase electrical choices.

$46,620 FOB Alberta Wood Tech Systems 765-751-9990

www.woodtechsystems.com

TRUSS EQUIPMENT

Klaisler Finish Roller Press

The TruStance Pedestal Jig System was developed to solve the problems associated with pedestal jig systems, while retaining and enhancing all the advantages. The system features track mounted pedestals with a track and lockdown design, movable pedestals, and a roller lift assembly. The pedestal tops are 30″ above the floor, creating a comfortable working height. The ability to configure the system in a very small footprint makes it ideal for any size truss plant. It is designed to use with a ‘C-clamp’ type press.

With the ability to install the interchangeable crossmembers and angle iron stops on both track mounted and movable pedestals, the system can be configured to meet the needs of even the most complicated truss designs.

Movable pedestals can be moved and locked down efficiently; the 4″ thick steel base provides the weight needed to keep them in position.

Bottom chord pedestals are installed on the steel track mounted to the floor. Pedestals are easy to move and rigidly lock into place with threaded rod locks.

The optional air activated roller lift assembly raises the truss above the jig to be easily ejected. Its versatile design allows it to be configured for any set-up.

TruStance recommends a (16) pedestal system for roof trusses to 60-ft in span. 120 volt, 1 phase, 20 Amp electrical required. 50 PSI air required.

C-Clamp Presses & Unistrut Jig Table

• (2) Truss Component Systems C-Clamp Presses with Beam Trolley

• 10 Ton Cylinder with 6” x 7” Platen

• 2 HP / 1 Phase Motor

• (2) Overhead Steel Beams

• 54’ Unistrut Jig Table

• Pop-Up Rollers (2 at 12’, 2 at 6’)

• Excludes Finish Roller

$29,500 FOB OH Wasserman & Associates 800-382-0329 www.wasserman-associates.com

C-clamp system with strut table, 48-ft maximum span, 14-ft maximum height trusses. Includes 48-ft of stand-alone strut frames, (3) complete boom sub-assemblies with hydraulic fluid reservoirs, (1) boom sub-assembly for parts, (1) ’07 MiTek TK8 clamp with 8″ throat, (1) ’12 MiTek TK6 clamp with 6″ throat, (2) ’23 Eagle TP-300 clamps, and one Eagle clamp for parts. Includes any available spare motors, strut / strut extenders and hardware. Decommissioned January 2025. The MiTek presses are 110 volt, 1-phase. The Eagle presses are 220 volt, 1-phase.

$37,997 FOB TN Wood Tech Systems 765-751-9990 www.woodtechsystems.com

• 24" Diameter Gantry Roller with Safety Bars and Ride Platform

• (2) 7.5 HP Sumitomo Gear Motors (208 Volt / 3 Phase)

• 40' Table with Flip Jig and Pop-Up End Eject Rollers

New Wescana floor truss machine, available in side-eject or end-eject models. Builds floor truss depths from 12 inches to 26 inches, to 40-ft long. Features under-table cylinders powering the clamping system, built-in camber, truss flip arms, truss pop-ups, control valves for clamps, flip arms and pop-ups, with parking stations at each end of the table, and emergency shut-off bars on each side of the press head.

• Clamping Rails and End Stops

• Truss Depths from 9" to 26"

• Raised and Recessed Gantry Rail

• Park Sections, End Masts and Electrical Cable

$70,000 NOW $44,995 FOB KY

• 14' Long x 4" or 5" (Inside Diameter) Schedule 40 Pipe

• Tube Steel Stands (7" Height Adjustment - Height to be Specified)

• 4 Bolt Flange Bearings

• Idle and Motorized Rollers

• 1/4 HP Motors (240/480 Volt-3 Phase) with Controls

• 1" and 1 1/4" Cold Rolled 24" Shafts Baffled

Change Order Discipline to Protect Your Bottom Line

In off-site manufacturing, change is inevitable. What is not inevitable is losing money because of it. The change order is not red tape. It is protection. It protects the company, the client, the project schedule, and even the salesperson who worked hard to land the job.

Consider how a typical project flows. The customer provides specifications. Sales reviews the plans. Takeoff is completed. Pricing is approved. Sales makes a presentation and wins the bid. Internal meetings are held. Design produces sealed truss drawings. Materials are confirmed. Production schedules the job. The project is rolling.

Then, it happens.

The job is almost to production, and the customer asks for a small change. Maybe it is a pitch adjustment. Maybe the gables are framed differently. Maybe a bearing point shifts. It sounds simple. The sales rep walks into design and says, “Can we just tweak this?”

Now the real questions begin. Do we have the correct lumber sizes and grades? Does it require new seals? Do the plates change? Does it disrupt the production schedule? Is engineering affected? If it costs more, who absorbs the cost?

Without a formal change order process, that “small change” can cost real money. Extra lumber. Different or additional plates. Lost labor time. Rework. Schedule disruption. And if pricing or estimating never sees it and costs change, there is no markup. The company eats it.

Worse, if the salesperson is compensated on profitability, that bonus can disappear because of an untracked favor.

Here is another common scenario. Design reviews the customer’s blueprints and determines that the trusses, as drawn, simply will not work in the shop or cannot be delivered as designed. They cannot be built as specified. Sales and design collaborate on a solution. Sales get the customer’s approval. It goes to production. Everything runs smoothly.

Except the fix required five percent more lumber and ten percent more plate weight. Cost accounting catches it after the fact, too late.

If the change did not go through a formal change order process, nobody documented the added cost. Nobody secured approval. Nobody adjusted pricing. The job looks profitable on paper, but it quietly eroded margins.

I recently spoke with a plant manager who shared a real example. A builder requested what he called “a minor adjustment” to raise an interior ceiling height. Sales approved it verbally to keep the relationship smooth. Design reworked several trusses. Production had to set aside a portion of cut lumber, recut, and change plate sizes. The job shipped on time, but the plant absorbed additional material, labor, and engineering time. The total impact was just under four percent of the contract value. On a competitive bid, that was the entire projected profit.

No one intended to give away margin. It simply slipped through without a formal change order.

This is exactly why disciplined change order systems matter.

A proper change order process ensures every department is informed and signs off in sequence. Even if a department is not directly impacted, they have the opportunity to confirm that their scope is unchanged. Purchasing confirms material availability. Production evaluates labor and schedule implications. Engineering confirms structural integrity. Estimating verifies cost impact. Sales secures customer approval and upcharges when appropriate.

It is not about slowing down the job. It is about preventing runaway changes, poor communication, and well-intended giveaways that cost design, production, and materials that were never in the bid.

Yes, implementing and enforcing a change order policy can be uncomfortable at first. It requires discipline. It may feel rigid. But it establishes accountability. It clarifies where the additional cost belongs. It documents delays. It protects the margin.

Most importantly, it keeps everyone in the loop.

In off-site manufacturing, margins are tight, and schedules are tighter. One undocumented change can ripple through the shop and the jobsite. But when every change follows a defined process, most problems are resolved before they ever hit the bottom line.

Change will always happen. Chaos does not have to come with it.

THE MOST TRUSSED NAME IN LUMBER

Why do so many manufacturers rely on West Fraser for mechanically graded lumber? With over 30 North American mills, 14 of which produce MSR, we run a highly dependable supply chain in both SYP and SPF.

Our ability to identify higher grade lumber imparts predictable strength and consistency to high-performing trusses and other products. Why not let our high production standards support yours?

Truss us – we won’t let you down.

• (2) 2024 Mitek RoofTracker III Gantry Rollers with Ride Platform

• 126' of 2000 Mitek Trackless Table with New High Slope Ejectors in 2024

• (77) Wizard Automated Jigging Channels (purchased in 2021 and 2024) with Computer and Stand

• (6) Virtek Laser Projection Heads (5 Heads are 2021, 1 Head is 2024)

• Interior Powered Transfer Roll and Exiting Truss Conveyor

• Non-Powered Outside Truss Conveyor

• Excludes Mitek Finish Roller

• Buyer to dismantle/load the equipment. Seller to supply forklifts. $999,000 FOB

2023 2-Head 30 mW LAP Laser System Condition: As-Is, Where-Is

Set of (2) 30 mW green Cad-Pro LAP Lasers. Includes mounting brackets, distribution box, projector cables, remote control, and all available system hardware and instructions. 30 mW lasers are better suited to Canadian facilities, but could work in a US location with some additional steps due to regulations.

$39,890 FOB BC Wood Tech Systems 765-751-9990 www.woodtechsystems.com

New Wescana Roof Finish Roller Press

New Wescana roof finish roller presses, available in either a 14ft or 16-ft throat models. Travel speed of 2-ft per second. Both models feature 24″ diameter steel rolls with 3 1/2″ diameter shafts with baffles, (2) 5-horsepower drive gear motors with controlled motor drive systems for starting and stopping, along with taperlock sprockets, sealed flange roller bearings and reversing magnetic starters.. Includes safety shutoff bars, electric eyes, amber running light, red reversing light with buzzer, and e-stop module. 240 / 480 /575 volt, 3 phase electrical required.

The SBCA Innovation Grant recognizes bold ideas advancing the structural building components industry—and puts them on the BCMC stage.

SBCA Innovation Grant Recipients Receive

• Showcase opportunity at BCMC 2026

• Up to $5,180 in exhibit and promotion value

• Exposure to over 2,000 industry decision-makers

• Chance to be named People’s Choice Innovator of 2026

Application Deadline is May 15, 2026

Application Form: sbcacomponents.com/innovationgrant

Contact:

Abby Langenberg

Director of Business Development 224-236-3725

2023 Wescana 14' x 84' Roller Gantry System

• Trackless Gantry Roller Press Head

• 14’ x 84’ Steel Slotted Top Tables with Skatewheel Ejectors

• Two 5’ Park Sections

• Transfer Conveyor

• 480 Volt / 3 Phase

• Excludes: Inside Powered Conveyor, 14’ Finish Roller, 60’ Outside Non-Powered Conveyor & SL Laser Projection System

• Price in US Dollars $289,000

HUNDEGGER

lnnovationen fur den Holzbau

HUNDEGGER

REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR TRUSS MANUFACTURING WITH THE HUNDEGGER TD-II

Don't get left behind. Invest in the future with true automation from Hundegger and see your business thrive.

Teelok 115-ft Side-eject Roof Gantry Line

Teelok Roof Gantry -115-ft working length, side-eject system with (18) Tee-Slot tables 6×14′ each, (2) Tee-Lok 14’x18″ dia. roller gantries, (2) 6×8-ft slotted steel parking stations that can be used to build heel conditions, (2) end masts, festoon electrical supply cable and any available jigging hardware. Tables are slotted steel with skate wheel ejectors. Four of the tables are missing ejectors. The center conveyor system and transfer roll shown in some of the photos are not included. 230 / 460 volt 3 phase electrical required.

Design Connections

Prevent Scope Creep Becoming “Just the Way We Do Things”

My December article, “What Does Scope Creep Look Like in Truss Design?,” talks about extra trusses quietly added, parapets suddenly included, and engineering tasks drifting onto your desk because someone else didn’t handle them. None of these start out as big asks. They usually come wrapped in phrases like “It shouldn’t take long” or “You guys are already in there.” And that’s exactly why scope creep is so dangerous. It doesn’t feel like a problem when it starts. It feels like being helpful.

Scope creep happens for predictable reasons. Sales wants to keep the customer happy. Designers don’t want to slow the job down. Managers don’t want friction. And everyone worries that if we push back, the customer will take the work somewhere else. Over time, those good intentions create habits. And once those habits become “normal,” they’re hard to unwind.

Preventing scope creep isn’t about being rigid or saying no to everything. It’s about being clear, consistent, and honest—both with your customers and with yourself.

Get Serious About Defining Scope at the Front End

If your scope isn’t clearly defined at the quoting stage, you’ve already lost the battle. Vague language like “trusses per plan” leaves far too much open to interpretation. When the customer assumes something is included and you assume it’s not, someone ends up frustrated—and it’s usually you.

A clear scope should spell out what is included and what isn’t. Parapets. Bracing material. Revisions after approval. Engineering beyond sealed truss drawings. Fasteners and connection to wall plates. None of this needs to be confrontational. It just needs to be written down. It takes time and feels like an extra burden, especially when you are rushing to finish a quote so you can get on to the next task, but it is necessary.

Here’s the uncomfortable truth: if your scope relies on “we’ll figure it out later,” you’re setting yourself up to give work away for free. Clear scope isn’t just about protecting margin—it’s about protecting your people from constant rework and stress.

Stop Letting Designers Become Project Coordinators

One of the most common scope creep traps is quietly expanding the designer’s role. Designers end up resolving architectural gaps, interpreting intent, or compensating for incomplete drawings. None of that shows up on a quote, but it absolutely shows up in hours burned and frustration levels.

Truss design is not building design. If your designers are routinely filling in gaps that belong to architects or engineers of record, that’s a scope problem—not a productivity problem. This is where leadership matters. Designers need clear boundaries and, just as important, support when they enforce them. If every “exception” gets praised because it kept the job moving, you’re teaching the team that boundaries don’t really matter.

Treat “Small Changes” Like the Real Changes They Are

Scope creep loves the phrase “minor change.” A shifted bearing. A revised overhang. One more mechanical opening. On paper, it looks trivial. In reality, it often triggers redesigning, rechecking, re-engineering, and schedule disruption.

Once a layout or design is approved, changes should be treated as changes—documented, evaluated, and acknowledged. Changes shouldn’t be invisible. And, the worst thing you can do is be inconsistent. If you sometimes charge and sometimes absorb changes, customers quickly learn to push until they get a free pass. Consistency, not toughness, is what earns respect.

Align Sales, Design, and Production—or Expect Problems

Scope creep is rarely caused by one person. It usually slips through the cracks between departments. Sales promises flexibility. Design absorbs the impact. Production scrambles to make it work. Everyone is trying to help, but no one owns the whole picture.

Preventing scope creep requires internal alignment. Sales needs to understand design capacity. Design needs authority to flag out-of-scope work. Production needs stable, predictable inputs. When everyone shares the same definition of scope, it becomes much harder for creep to hide.

Fix the Culture, Not Just the Process

Here’s the part people don’t like to hear: if your company has a reputation for “always throwing it in,” customers didn’t create that expectation—you did. Being helpful is different from being free. If you don’t value your time, your expertise, and your products, your customers won’t either. Respectful boundaries don’t damage relationships; inconsistent ones do.

Scope creep doesn’t disappear overnight. But when you combine clear processes with a culture that supports them, you stop bleeding margin one “small favor” at a time—and you give your team permission to do their jobs without constantly paying for everyone else’s problems.

If you want help finding that next perfect component designer or design job in Canada, please contact me. If your work is in the mass timber world anywhere in North America, I’d love to talk to you about connecting you to that next great job or candidate. You can reach me at secord@ thejobline.com, or 800-289-5627 ext. 2. I’m also happy to engage at: LinkedIn.com/in/geordiesecord www.thejobline.com

CMF "Stealth" 14' x 24" Diameter Gantry Roller (Track on Floor)

(10) 6'-8" Steel Slotted Top Tables with Pop-Up Rollers (for end eject)

Roof Truss Jig Hardware & Bridge Plates

CMF "Stealth" 14' x 24" Diameter Finish Roller

90' Outside Powered Truss Conveyor

Peak-Up Truss Stacker with 4 Lift Arms

Add $55,000 for (5) 2019 SL-Laser ProDirector 6 Heads with (2) Mini PC's & Monitors

Buyer to dismantle/load the equipment

Seller will provide forklift for equipment dismantle/load

80′ Side Eject Klaisler

Tracked gantry System

80′ Side Eject Klaisler Tracked gantry System – 80′ working length side eject gantry system includes (19) 56″ x 14′ plastic top tables, (2) 24″ diameter gantry rollers, Klaisler model #: TR214-24, 14-ft final roller with 24″ diameter rolls, and rail track.

$83,893

FOB KY

Klaisler 40′ Floor Truss Gantry

Klaisler Floor Truss Machine with riding platform and 24″ dia. roller. Builds trusses up to 40′ in length. Side-eject, push-button controls with riding operator’s platform. Twin 5 h.p. gear-drive systems, raised crane rail, 230v, 3 phase, with dual-safety bars.

$44,997

FOB KY

2022 Spida Final Roller

15′, Model 69B0000-15. Dual 24” Diameter Rollers, 1” Wall Minimum Rollers, 4” Diameter Stub Shafts Supported By 4 Baffles, Spherical Roller Bearings, Twin 10 Hp Sumitomo Gear Motors, 20 HP Total, 1” X 4” Steel Support Frame, 32″ Working Height, 114’ Per Minute Fixed Working Speed, Front & Rear Emergency Shut Off Bar, Emergency Stop Button, Emergency Stop Interlock, Chain & Sprocket Guards, Integral Mechanical Brakes, Variable Frequency Drive, low hours, 480v 3ph.

$44,995 FOB KY

Roof Truss, Floor Truss & Wall Panel Plant

• 300' x 80' Building & Adjacent Land (for sale or lease)

• Used CMF 14' x 60' Roller Gantry System

• Powered Transfer Roller & Powered Exiting Conveyor

• Reconditioned Klaisler Finish Roller

• Outside Non-Powered Conveyor

• 2025 3 Head SL Laser Truss Projection System

• 2025 ASI Automated Truss Saw

• 2022 Spida Automated Apollo Saw

• Used CMF Trackless Floor Truss Machine

• 2022 Complete Wall Panel Line (Component Table, Framing Table with Panel Bridge, Conveyor)

• 2022 Craneveyor Crane System with Electric Hoist & Wall Panel Lift

• 2022 Spida Ink Jet Plate Marker

• 2024 Lakeside 40' Gooseneck Roll-Off Trailer

• Material Carts & Wall/Truss Dollies

• Located in Edmond, OK (north side of Oklahoma City)

TruStance Portable Field Repair Press

This is the first, self-contained, truly portable repair unit used to press metal truss plates into dimensional lumber at virtually any location. Wood component (roof and floor truss) manufacturers, as well as builders, frequently require a tool to repair metal plate connected, wood truss components. The complete unit is mounted to a wagon built from square tubular steel. Extremely compact at only 28” wide and about 32” long the wagon features four wheels on soft-rubber solid tires, and a steering axle on the front with a handle that makes the unit easily maneuverable. The wagon contains the hydraulic power unit and an area for a portable gas generator. A rack in the back securely stores the C clamp, a standard 25′ hydraulic hose, and an electric power-supply cable.

The clamp is manufactured from T1 steel, cut into a C-shape with a steel tube welded to the front that securely holds the hydraulic cylinder. Pressing is easily performed with a 4×4 magnetized steel platen that holds and presses the truss connecter plates. The C-clamp that weighs less than 30 pounds, features a throat that opens to 4-1/2” inches to accept either 4 x 2 or 2 x 4 lumber. It has a push on and release off switch to cycle the unit. A 10,000-psi electric-overhydraulic power unit pumps hydraulic fluid through a 10,000-psi hose to activate a 10-ton hydraulic cylinder with a 3.9 inch stroke. The unit can be powered by 120v electric power or an optional 120v, 2200-amp (output), gasoline powered Honda generator, which can also act as a portable power supply out in the field for other singlephase equipment.

• Pressing Capability: 4.5” throat opening presses 2×4 through 4×2, includes a standard 25-foot, HD 10,000 PSI hose, with a 10 TON, 4”x4” magnetized pressing platen.

• Electric/Hydraulic: SPX Hydraulic Technologies – Rockford, IL USA 10,000 PSI / 700 BAR. 10 ton pressing capability

• Power Source: The unit is powered by a standard 120v/15 amp electric power or an optional 120v, gasoline powered Honda generator with 2200-watt output capability, which can also act as a portable power supply for other single-phase equipment.

• Warranty: One year from date of purchase on manufactured unit, OEM warranties on hydraulic and optional gas motor

Saws

• Automated Component & Linear Saws (2010 & Newer)

• Monet DeSauw or TimberMill Manual Component Saws

• Floor Web Saws

• Spida (Apollo) Saws with Truss Automation

• Bunk Cutters

Truss Equipment

• Roller Gantry & Hydraulic Press Systems

• Finish Rollers

• Truss Stackers

• Floor Truss Machines

• Lumber Splicers

• Jack Tables

• C-Clamp Presses

Go oseneck Roll-Off Trailers

Pacific Automation or MiTek Mobile Home Press

Wasserman &

• Klaisler Model GR1424 Gantry Roller

• Re cessed Floor Mounted Rail

• (5) 6' x 14' WEG-IT Tables with Ejectors

• 460 Volt / 3 Phase

• Excludes: Inside Exiting Conveyor, Finish Roller & Outside Conveyor

• Price in US Dollars

•

• 6’ x 38’ Table with Air Cylinder Clamping & Built-In Camber

• Floor Truss Depths from 12” to 24”

• 230/460 Volt - 3 Phase $34,900 FOB OK Wasserman & Associates 800-382-0329 www.wasserman-associates.com

• (2) 2024 Mitek RoofTracker III Gantry Rollers with Ride Platform

• 126' of 2000 Mitek Trackless Table with New High Slope Ejectors in 2024

• (77) Wizard Automated Jigging Channels (purchased in 2021 and 2024) with Computer and Stand

• (6) Virtek Laser Projection Heads (5 Heads are 2021, 1 Head is 2024)

• Interior Powered Transfer Roll and Exiting Truss Conveyor

• Non-Powered Outside Truss Conveyor

• Excludes Mitek Finish Roller

• Buyer to dismantle/load the equipment. Seller to supply forklifts.

$999,000 FOB WI

By the MSR Lumber Producers Council

EWhere MSR Expertise Meets Real-World Application

very spring, a few dozen of the most MSR-savvy minds in the industry gather for something refreshingly different from the typical industry conference. No sprawling trade show floor. No overwhelming schedule. No wandering through crowds of people you might never see again.

Instead, the annual MSR Workshop delivers something rare in today’s world: a focused, intimate, highvalue event built around practical learning, meaningful networking, and genuine camaraderie. And if you ask the volunteer committee members who steward the Workshop year after year, they’ll tell you the same thing: There’s simply nothing else like it.

To understand why, we talked with several members of the MSR Lumber Producers Council (MSRLPC) Workshop Committee. Their combined perspective paints a clear picture of why attending this event continues to be one of the best investments a component manufacturer can make.

How It Starts? Someone Brings You

Nearly everyone has the same origin story: They didn’t find the MSR Workshop, someone encouraged them to attend. Committee Chair George Hamilton of Roseburg Forest Products says he was being encouraged to get involved in industry organizations. “So I attended my first Workshop in Phoenix in 2018,” he recalls. “After meeting everybody, I decided to start getting involved in Workshop planning and the MSRLPC Board.” George became president of MSRLPC and Workshop Committee Chair in 2020. He has been involved ever since.

For current MSRLPC President Brandon Condratow of Canadian Engineered Wood Products, it was longtime leader and mentor Griff Jones. “He saw the benefits—the networking, the exposure, the push for MSR usage. It was about bringing the second generation in,” Brandon says. His first Workshop in Nashville in 2019 made an immediate impression.

Linda Brown, engineer for the Southern Pine Inspection Bureau, also attended her first workshop in 2019. As the person responsible for SPIB’s Mechanically Graded Lumber Program, she says it seemed like a good fit to support the MSR industry and her subscribers. “The Workshop provides an opportunity to network with those in the industry,” she says. “And I was so impressed with the session speakers; they were easy to listen to and everything was understandable and relevant.” She hasn’t missed one since and presented a session at the 2022 and 2024 Workshops.

Canfor’s Joe Castleberry, who began attending in the mid-90s, didn’t need much convincing. Trusted mentors in the lumber industry urged him to get involved, and he saw the Workshop as a strategic advantage. “MSR lumber was new for my company at the time,” he remembers. “I knew attending would help me market it as the value-added product it is.”

And for Porter Clark, owner of Hiwassee Builders Supply Inc. —a family-owned truss business— it was again a mentor who steered him to his first Workshop in Salt Lake City in 2022. What he found there fundamentally changed how he viewed MSR. He says a technical session from SPIB’s Linda Brown opened his eyes: “Understanding the technical properties behind what we often think of as ‘just lumber’ got me hooked. I realized there’s a depth there I needed to understand because I was building my business on the availability of this product.”

Why They Keep Coming Back

1. A singular focus—efficient, relevant, and immediately applicable

Unlike broader industry trade shows, the MSR Workshop is laser-focused. Brandon puts it simply: “There’s a singular focus with the MSRLPC. At big shows you get pulled in different directions. At the Workshop, you’re meeting the people who are pertinent to your industry. It’s very efficient.”

To Porter’s point, for component manufacturers who rely heavily on MSR, that focus matters. Discussions aren’t theoretical—they’re the conversations that help you design, bid, and build with confidence.

2. Relationships that matter in the long run

Many attendees emphasize the business value of relationship building. Porter is direct about it: “My motive is I want to grow my business. And being ‘in the know’ is a big deal.” The relationships he’s built at the Workshop have real-world returns: “I used a connection I formed at the Salt Lake meeting yesterday to purchase lumber. It’s an investment that continues to pay dividends.”

Joe sees the same thing from a producer’s perspective. The Workshop is, in his words, “the most intimate gathering of key players— producers, customers, grading agencies, engineers—that I know of in the industry each year.” It’s where producers and customers talk frankly about real issues and real needs.

3. Tours that expand your understanding of the supply chain

The industry tours are a crowd favorite—and for good reason. Whether it’s a truss plant, an LVL mill, a mass timber facility, or even an automotive plant, the tours are always eye-opening. “The tours have been fantastic,” says Brandon. “Seeing how the material we distribute is actually produced or how it is used to manufacture building components is invaluable.”

This year’s tour might be the most special yet. Attendees will get a look inside Canfor’s brand-new sawmill in Axis, Alabama, a cutting-edge facility in the heart of premium longleaf and slash pine country. “Attendees will see a modern flow, advanced scanning, and continuous dry kilns that produce more uniform, consistent lumber than ever before,” says Joe. “We are also excited to highlight our strong relationship with SPIB. They are a true partner that enhances the reputation for MSR lumber.”

“It’s rare for sawmills to grant tours like this,” says Linda, “so come and take advantage of this opportunity!”

4. Education that deepens your technical and practical MSR knowledge

For everyone we interviewed, the learning is what elevates the Workshop above other events. Porter captures it best: “As a component manufacturer, understanding what you’re buying and how it’s produced is critical. If you are bidding and designing jobs months in advance and don’t have a pulse on the MSR supply in North America, you can find yourself in a pickle. Material availability is not optional—it’s foundational to profitability.”

The lineup of educational sessions for April’s Workshop will once again connect real-world supply chain insight with engineering and design.

5. A community that actually feels like a community

The MSR Workshop is intentionally small—typically less than 100 attendees. And people genuinely love that. “The camaraderie is one of my favorite things,” Linda says. “The right people to answer any question about how to produce or use MSR, but small enough to know familiar faces and meet new ones.”

George believes the size is part of the Workshop’s identity: “All the main players are present— customers, competitors, producers—but with a smaller group you get the chance to talk to everybody.”

This Year’s Destination: Orange Beach, Alabama

If all the above isn’t enough, the 2026 location should seal the deal. Late April weather on “the Emerald Coast” is ideal: sunny, warm (but not hot), breezy, and perfect for enjoying the coast. “If you have never seen the sugar white beaches of the northern Gulf Coast, you NEED to come,” says Linda. “If you HAVE seen them, you know you need to come back!”

Another area local, Joe says it’s walkable, filled with great restaurants, golf, and fishing, but not nearly as congested as places like Destin or Myrtle Beach. Plus, the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival is the weekend immediately following the Workshop, making it an even better opportunity for a mini-vacation for attendees and their guests!

The Formula Works, and It Keeps Getting Better

Committee members will be the first to tell you they don’t reinvent the wheel each year. The MSR Workshop works because it is:

• Focused

• Technical, but accessible

• Efficient with your time

• Filled with knowledgeable, engaging individuals

• Rich with education you’ll use right away

• Hosted in destinations worth the travel.

“It’s consistently one of the best conferences I attend,” says Linda. With a new mill tour, a beachside setting, and some of the most engaged minds in MSR lumber and component manufacturing, the 2026 Workshop is shaping up to be no exception.

Every committee member said it in their own way, but the message is clear: If MSR matters to your business, the Workshop will make you better at your job.

And you might even get a little sun while you’re at it. For more details and to register for the 2026 MSR Workshop in Orange Beach, visit msrlumber.org.

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By Frank Woeste, P.E. and Marvin Strzyzewski, P.E.

WInterpreting the Snow Load Thermal Factor

hen given a truss design project, the Truss Designer needs all of the loading parameters before starting work on it. This article will specifically discuss the Thermal Factor (Ct), which is part of the snow load calculations. As with any load parameter, using the wrong value will result in a truss design that is either underloaded or overloaded. An underloaded truss can increase your organization’s liability exposure. An overloaded truss puts your organization at a disadvantage when bidding.

Metal Plate Connected (MPC) Wood Trusses shall be designed per ANSI/TPI 1-2014, the National Design Standard for Metal Plate Connected Wood Trusses, based on provisions in the IBC-21, Section 2303.4.6, and the IRC-21, Section R802.10.2. Per Section 6.2.1 of ANSI/TPI 1-2014, the code-referenced edition of ASCE 7 shall be used in determining the loads.

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), in partnership with the Structural Engineers Institute (SEI), oversees and publishes ASCE/SEI 7 Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures, the design standard commonly known as ASCE 7. This standard is referenced in both the IBC and the IRC and thus is a code requirement for load determinations by a Registered Design Professional (RDP). The 2016 edition will be referenced throughout this article.

Thermal Factor Ct

Projects that follow the IBC are required, per Section 1603.1.3 of the IBC-21, to include the seven load parameters used in snow load calculations directly in the Construction Documents, including the Ct factor. When you are working on a residential project following the IRC, you may not find the snow load factors within the Construction Documents because the IRC does not require them to be specified by the Building Designer. But as mentioned above, ANSI/TPI 1 requires using ASCE 7 for the loading.

As shown in Figure 1, ASCE 7-16 Table 7.3-2 applies to “all structures” with only four exceptions: structures kept just above freezing and others with cold ventilated roofs (…), unheated and open-air structures, freezer buildings, and continuously heated greenhouses (…). A residential Truss Designer will not be expecting to work on projects that fall into the last three exceptions, so we will focus only on “all structures” and the first exception.

Regarding the first exception, “Structures kept just above freezing and others with cold, ventilated roofs (...),” do you know if your residential project would fall into this category rather than simply “all structures”? If the project you are working on includes attic insulation along the ceiling plane, then the question is: does the insulated ceiling assembly yield a “cold, ventilated space” beneath the roof surfaces? If the answer is yes, then the exception applies and the Ct factor to use is 1.1.

Design

Responsibilities per ANSI/TPI 1 Chapter 2

With respect to responsibilities, the following are the pertinent definitions and language.

Building Designer

The Building Designer is responsible for specifying all loads, including snow loads, in the Construction Documents

Truss Designer

The Truss Designer is responsible for the preparation of the Truss Design Drawings based on:

“…Truss design criteria and requirements set forth in the Construction Documents or as otherwise set forth in writing by the Building Designer as supplied to the Truss Designer by the Contractor through the Truss manufacturer.”

Regarding loads, ANSI/TPI 1 Section 2.3.5.5 (f) requires the Truss Design Drawings (TDD) to include “(6) Environmental load design criteria (wind speed, snow, rain, seismic, and all applicable factors as required to calculate the Truss loads); and…”

Figure 1. ASCE 7-16 Table 7.3-2 downloaded from ascelibrary.org at Virginia Tech.

Regarding TDDs that are required to be sealed and signed, ANSI/TPI 1 Section 2.3.5.3 states:

“Where the Legal Requirements mandate a Registered Professional Engineer for buildings, each individual Truss Design Drawing shall bear the seal and signature of the Truss Designer.”

Truss Manufacturer

Per the design standard, the Truss Manufacturer

“…shall obtain the Truss design criteria and requirements from the Construction Documents.” They shall then “ …communicate the Truss design criteria and requirements to the Truss Designer.”

When a Truss Manufacturer decides on any of these load parameters, they may increase their liability exposure.

Discussion and Recommendations

When Ct is not provided in the Construction Documents or is not available in writing from the Building Designer, it may be an opportunity for the Truss Manufacturer to interact with the RDP to clarify the appropriate load factors not provided in the Construction Documents. In our experience, some RDPs that design wood structures are not familiar with the ANSI/TPI 1 provisions, particularly the standard responsibilities defined in Chapter 2.

The snow load parameters, beyond Ground Snow (Pg) load, that are typically needed for today’s truss design software are the Snow Exposure Factor (Ce), Snow Load Importance Factor (Is), and Thermal Factor (Ct). The net result of a Truss Manufacturer reaching out to the RDP for confirmation of a load parameter could be viewed by the RDP as a demonstration of professionalism, truss design knowledge, expertise, and an indication that the trusses would likely be manufactured to the ANSI/TPI 1-2014 Chapter 3 quality requirements.

As suggested in “Building Code Adoptions and Using AI for Ethical Feedback” in the December issue, using the “ADD” acronym is recommended: Advise the client of relevant codes, Discuss with the client, and Document their decisions. Furthermore, the Building Designer is the most suitable party to specify the necessary load parameters for the design and manufacture of engineered wood trusses.

About the Authors

Frank Woeste, P.E., Professor Emeritus, Virginia Tech (VT), conducted wood engineering research and taught wood design courses throughout his 26-year tenure at VT. In cooperation with other faculty and wood industry professionals, he has developed and participated in VT continuing education programs for more than 30 years.

Marvin Strzyzewski, P.E., Senior Design Engineer at Truss Engineering Co. (a MiTek affiliate), Testing and Regulatory Compliance team, is active in developing building codes and design standards that affect the wood truss industry. He speaks at numerous conferences providing CEU training for building officials, architects, engineers, and contractors.

TP would like to welcome the following authorized agents to our inspection team, each of whom have many years of experience in the truss industry!

• Al Coffman

• Jean Hart • Curt Holler • Chuck Ray

Glenn Traylor • Elliot Wilson

Be in the KNOW

Consider the Benefits of MSRLPC Membership

All who produce, supply, and use machine stress rated lumber are invited to join the MSR Lumber Producers Council. Membership supports the annual MSR Workshop, which brings together members of the entire lumber supply chain and offers a unique opportunity for participants to network and gain a broader perspective on the MSR market and opportunities for growth.

As a component manufacturer, understanding what you’re buying and how it’s produced is critical. If you are bidding and designing jobs months in advance and don’t have a pulse on the MSR supply in North America, you can find yourself in a pickle. Material availability is not optional—it’s foundational to profitability.”

—Porter Clark, Hiwassee Builders Supply Inc.

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Lumber Substitutions in Trusses

Chapter 3 of ANSI/TPI 1-2022, the National Design Standard for Metal Plate Connected Wood Trusses, provides the component manufacturer with the Quality Criteria they must follow to ensure the metal plate connected wood trusses (MPCWT) they build meet the design assumptions. Section 3.4.2 Lumber Substitutions provides the requirements when you need to substitute a different material than what is called for by the Truss Design Drawing (TDD):

Section 3.4.2 Lumber Substitutions. Truss lumber of a different grade shall be permitted if the substitute grade meets or exceeds the specified grade for each of the following engineering design properties:

a) Bending (FB)

b) Tension (FT)

c) Compression Parallel to Grain (FC)

d) Compression Perpendicular to Grain (FCꓕ)

e) Shear (FV)

f) Specific Gravity (G)

g) Modulus of Elasticity (E)

h) Modulus of Elasticity for Stability Calculations (Emin).

Note that this section starts with “Truss lumber of a different grade….” Per this section, you can substitute only members of the same size. If a size change is needed, the truss design will have to be reanalyzed within your design software. If any of the design criteria change, the truss design should be reanalyzed in your design software.

When designing with wood, these are the eight design properties that are used. These design properties can be found in the American Wood Council’s (AWC) National Design Specification® (NDS®) for Wood Construction Supplement. The NDS Supplement is essentially a clearinghouse of the values for structural sawn lumber and other wood products provided by the lumber grading agencies or product associations. You can view this standard for free on the AWC website.

NDS Supplement Table 4A covers all species of visually graded sawn lumber except Southern Pine (SP). We will use the three following species from Table 4A: Douglas Fir-Larch (DFL), Hem-Fir (HF), and Spruce-Pine-Fir (SPF). For SP, we go to Table 4B in the NDS Supplement. When comparing a member from one of these three species to SP, an additional step is needed: accounting for the Size Factor CF. This is because the Southern Pine Inspection Bureau (SPIB) submits its design values with the CF already taken into account.

Now that we know where to obtain the lumber design values we need to compare, here are some steps we recommend you follow.

First, let’s look at item f from the list, the Specific Gravity (G) value. See Table 1 for the G value of the four common species of lumber used.

No matter the grade of the new material, you cannot substitute material with a lower G value for a member with a higher G value. Your connector plate sizes are based on the G value of the lumber at the joint. So, if the only available material to substitute has a lower G value, the truss design should be reanalyzed in your design software.

Now let’s look at some specific situations.

Condition 1: Same Species and Material Grading Method

Other than different G values, this is the easiest of the situations you may find yourself in. You can always substitute a higher grade for a lower grade. For example, a #1 for #2, or 1800f-1.5E for 1650f-1.5E MSR, are acceptable.

If the only material you have available to substitute is a lower grade than that called out in the TDD, the truss design will need to be reanalyzed in your design software.

Condition 2: Different Species but Same Material Grading Method

Your TDD calls out for a #2 Spruce-Pine-Fir, and you have #2 Southern Pine available. When comparing the design values for this case, the CF factor should be included. See Table 2, for the CF values for the #2 SPF.

See Table 3 for the comparison of #2 SPF to #2 SP. As you see, the Fb, or bending value of #2 SP, falls below that of #2 SPF. So, you could not substitute #2 SP for #2 SPF. With only one design value falling short, it may be worth reanalyzing the design, making the substitution, and seeing what happens. Otherwise, a #1 grade member would be required, if available.

Table 3 – #2 SPF vs #2 SP

Table 1 – Specific Gravity Values

Table 2 – CF for the #2 Grade

Condition 3: Different Species and Material Grading Method

Your TDD calls out for a #2 Spruce-Pine-Fir, and you have 1650f-1.5E SPF MSR available. See Table 4 for the comparison of #2 SPF to 1650f-1.5E SPF. All the values for 1650f-1.5E are higher than the #2 SPF, so this substitution can be made.

Table 4 – #2 SPF vs 1650f-1.5E

To maintain product quality and safety, it is very important to follow the lumber substitution guidelines in ANSI/TPI 1 and the design properties in the NDS Supplement

For additional information, or if you have questions, please contact the MiTek Engineering department.

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$37,525 FOB ND

ProStack Wall Panel In-Feed Conveyor

ProStack powered in-feed conveyor was engineered to deliver wall panel segments at a matched speed and height into the ProStack automated wall panel stacker. Built for smooth operation and assembled with laser cut, powder-coated finish steel. Base model conveys wall panel segments up to 12’ in height and up to 16’ in length for wall segments up to 1,600 lbs. Extended length systems come in standard 20′ and 24’ length capacity. All models come with adjustable working heights and variable conveyor speeds.

Powered in-feed conveyor section, synchronized chain drive under top and bottom plate for open access, 5-HP, 208v, 3Ph power. Adjustable working height from 28” to 34”. 16′ length capacity.

Wall Panel Lift

* 8’- 12’ Wall Height

* 1,000 LB Capacity

* Easy Adjustment

* Hoist and Crane Sold Separate

Handle Bar Router

* 8’ - 12’ Wall Height

* 2 Person Operation

* 3 ¼ hp Production Router

* 120 Volt /1 Phase/15 Amp

Lay-Up Tables

* 10’ x 10’ Working Area

* Lift & Extend Rollers

* Squaring Lip

* Nail Tray

Skate Rollers

* 15’ Standard Length

* Adjustable Height

* Sturdy Stands

* Custom Lengths Available

$13,900.00

$3,500.00 $3,000.00 $1,950.00

2022 Peterbilt 579 S/A Day Cab Truck #1

Paccar MX-13 / 12.9L / 405 HP Engine

249,300 Miles / 5,566 Engine Hours

Auto Transmission Engine Brake

12,000 Lb Front Axle / 22,700 Lb Rear Axle / 34,700 Lb GVWR

Air Trac Air Ride Suspension

148 Inch Wheelbase

Dual Fuel Tanks

Tires are Very Good

$35,000 FOB PA

Wasserman & Associates 800-382-0329

www.wasserman-associates.com

1997 Lakeside JDH Trussmaster

36-51 ft Stretch Trailer (OR-1)

1997 Lakeside JDH Trussmaster 36′51′ – Lakeside trailer features 5th-wheel connection, sliding tandem axle, locking rollers and hydraulic lift neck. Current DOT inspection September 2023. 50% brakes and 50% tire tread remains. 26,000 GVWR

$28,997 NOW $21,997 FOB MO Wood Tech Systems

765-751-9990

www.woodtechsystems.com

2005 Rayfab 32′ Roll Off Trailer

32′ Rayfab trailer features 5th wheel connection, locking rollers, straps, a 10,000 lb axle, electric brakes, spring suspension, and 2 speed landing gear. Manufacturer states the lightweight trailer is ideal for oneton trucks. Trailer weighs approximately 5,420 lbs. DOT expired February 2025.

$7,990 FOB OH

Wood Tech Systems

765-751-9990

www.woodtechsystems.com

2021 Big John Extendable Pole Truss Trailer

Extendable pole trailer

Used for 60' span roof trusses, peak down

Retracted length - 35'. O.A.

Extended length - 45' O.A.

Adjustable 2' Increments

Outer tube frame - 8" square tube

Inner tube frame - 6" square tube

Axles - (2) 25,000 LB Capacity Each Axle width -102"

Anti-lock brake system

Parking brakes on both axles

Wheels - 10 stud outboard drums

Tires - 11 R 22.5 radials

Rims - 22.5 steel unimount (8) alum wheels

Suspension - Watson air ride with dump valve

Landing gear - 2 speed

Bumper - standard

Lights - DOT Specs, LED Package (2) truss stands (4) winches with straps

$29,900 NOW $14,900 FOB SC

Wasserman & Associates

800-382-0329

www.wasserman-associates.com

(Shown with Optional Headache Rack)

By Simpson Strong-Tie Staff

CCS Producer: Continual Improvements and Enhancements

S Producer, Simpson Strong-Tie’s component manufacturing management solution, provides real-time truss plant feedback and production scheduling functionality, in a modern, user-friendly interface.

Since its introduction in 2025, CS Producer continues to add new features and enhancements to help customers better manage their truss plant workflow.

The Scheduler workspace is the heart of CS Producer and provides a comprehensive picture of your truss plant operations on a single screen.

Truss Details Display in a Single Pane

When you click on a card in the Scheduler workspace, detailed information displays in the pane that appears on the right. There are three options at the bottom of the detail pane. Each of these options displays different information related to the card.

The General option displays information such as the Project and Client name, as well as total production totals including board footage, number of pieces, and number of components. The Sort Types section displays color-coding to indicate the status of different saws and their state of readiness. You can also add Notes related to a production group; text you enter here appears on all corresponding PPGs when they are displayed in the Scheduler workspace.

The Trusses option displays a list of all trusses in the selected batch, as well as the total number of trusses and pieces in a batch.

The Files option displays any report files associated with the project/group. Click a file name to display the associated report in your browser.

SVG Images

SVG images of a selected truss are now displayed in the Scheduler workspace. When viewing these images, you can use the integrated zoom control slider to enhance visibility of truss details; you can also move (pan) the image around in the workspace.

Select any truss from the list in the right column to display it in the Scheduler workspace.

You can also display truss plate teeth on SVG images and zoom in to see truss plate detail.

If you have defined different colors for specific types of lumber and plates in your Material Catalog in CS Director, those are reflected in the SVG image as well.

Compare Stations Side-by-Side

The Compare Stations enhancement allows you to view two stations in a side-by-side view. This allows production managers to see at-a-glance how many production groups are ready for each table, which helps them direct sawyers to cut for tables that are behind and ensure enough work is ready for upcoming shifts.

Producer Production Group Enhancements

The Search function in Scheduler allows you to easily locate Producer Production Groups related to a project. You can search by production group or project name. You can also search for production groups by the due date range. When you click in the Due Date Range search box, a calendar pops up.

When all cutting tasks in a Producer Production Group have been completed, the Assembly card for the Production Group displays in green. This feature provides a visual cue that is easy to notice in the workspace.

Watch for additional enhancements and improvements to CS Producer in the coming months.

Visit msrlumber.org to find:

• Design Values Comparison Tool

Compare MSR lumber reference design values with visually graded dimensional lumber by species.

• History of the MSR Lumber Industry

Spanning eight decades, the industry’s robust history has been captured for the first time in one place.

• Sources for MSR Lumber

Filter by species, grade and dimension to locate products from MSRLPC members.

• Educational Resources

Find helpful information for current and potential MSR lumber users.

Valuable WEBSITE Resources

“Lumber buyers don’t often have access to truss design software to easily determine the allowable substitutions that may inform their purchasing decisions in a meaningful way. This tool helps with that and provides valuable information about species substitution, which is becoming more common in today’s market. It’s a one-stop shop.”

—George Hamilton, MSRLPC Board & Website Committee Member

Lakeside JDH Trussmaster 48-ft Rolloff Trailer 1997 Lakeside JDH Trussmaster 48-ft rolloff trailer features 5th-wheel connection, sliding tandem axle, locking split rollers, and hydraulic lift neck. Current DOT inspection valid through 1 October 2025. 60% brakes remaining. Six tires at 50% tread remaining and two tires at 40% tread remaining. 68,000 GVWR. $11,997 NOW $6,997 FOB IA As-is, Where-is Wood Tech Systems 765-751-9990 www.woodtechsystems.com

• GVWR: 40,000 Lbs

• Dual Axle, Dual Wheel

• Hydrauli c Tilt (New battery and hydraulic pump in 2025)

• 12,000 Lb Heavy Duty Winch

• Lighty used over the last 2 years $23,900 FOB UT Wasserman & Associates 800-382-0329 www.wasserman-associates.com

2014 Precision 48′ Roll Off Trailer (R157)

2014 Precision 48′ roll off trailer features tandem axle, fifth wheel connection, locking rollers, ABS brakes, and hydraulic lift neck. Estimated 50% tire tread remaining. $17,990 FOB WI Wood Tech Systems 765-751-9990

www.woodtechsystems.com

1990 Wabash 48' - 77' Roll off trailer

• Certified for highway

• 70% rubber

• New 5th wheel

• Newer undercarriage

• New rear bumper

• New wiring

• Annual inspection report completed on 9/19/24 - good for 1 year. Asking $19,500 NOW $14,500 M.P.B. Builders 920-748-2601 www.mpbbuilders.com

2021 Big John Extendable Truss Pole Trailer

2021 Big John peak down extendable pole trailer. Transports up to 60′ peak down trusses with a retracted length of 35 ft. O.A., and an extended length of 45 ft. O.A. Adjustable in up to 2 ft. increments. Outer tube frame is 8″ sq. tub and inner frame is 6″ sq. tub. Features 2 axles with anti-lock brake system and parking brakes on both axles. Trailer features air ride suspension with dump valve and 2 speed landing gear.

$23,890 NOW $17,490 FOB NC Wood Tech Systems 765-751-9990

www.woodtechsystems.com

Expert Advisement for Wood Component Manufacturing

Lean Best Practices

Full/Non-Automated

Labor Time Studies

Building Designs

Across All Areas — Manufacturing, Sales, Design, and Administration

√ Productivity Improvement for every departments.

√ Reliable Proven Time Units R.E., S.U., Work Minutes.

√ Employee Optimization reduce costs, turnover, & vacancies.

√ Equipment & Facility Design Recommendations for maximum efficiency.

Gordon Tober, Leduc Truss Inc.

Sound advisement should be honest, direct, and completely unbiased delivered in just four days with a clear roadmap of actionable solutions, not after endless weeks of continued billings.

Trusted by Industry Leaders

“Your expertise in this industry will be greatly beneficial to us as a company as we continue to grow this relationship. We look forward to the future and are excited to have someone with your knowledge working with us."

John Hall, Mathew Hall Lumber

Ryan Lodermeier, Kamloops Truss Ltd.

TRUCKS & TRAILERS

$17,500 NOW $10,500 Eide Machinery Sales, Inc. 612-521-9193

www.eidemachinery.com/equipment/

•

• Locking Rollers

• Trailer Inspection is current

$17,500

and need to be replaced

$12,500 Each or $24,000 for Both Trailers

Wasserman & Associates 800-382-0329

www.wasserman-associates.com

• Foam Filled Tires

• Cummins QSB 4.5 Turbo Diesel

• 4,350 Hours

$59,900 FOB CA Wasserman & Associates 800-382-0329

www.wasserman-associates.com 2000 Haulin 36' Truss/Panel Roll-Off

• One location needs steel plate/weld repair (reference photo) $19,900 NOW $10,900

2014 Precision 48′ Roll Off Trailer (R156) 2014 Precision 48′ roll off trailer features tandem axle, fifth wheel connection, locking rollers, ABS brakes, and hydraulic lift neck. Estimated 50% tire tread remaining. $17,990 FOB WI Wood Tech Systems 765-751-9990 www.woodtechsystems.com

Wall Heights: 7'11 ½" to 10' 3" - 12'3" - 14'3" or 16'3"

Wall Lengths: 16', 20' or 24'

Pre-Stage Area: 16', 20' or 24' (matches wall length)

*Subject to change without notice

"Why consider

a PreStage Framing Table?"

The field-tested Triad PreStage Framing Table, designed and built with customer input, can bring increased productivity to your panel shop. Triad's unique design merges a pre-layout material staging area with a fast and efficient framing station into a single unit that can assist with rapid throughput in your plant. A powerful, built-in continuous track system lifts and conveys components and material to framers and then the finished panels to your next station.

Customer field production, from a Texas plant, has shown an average of 3600 If /day (8 hr shift) of framed walls in their facility !

Incredible ROI: It literally pays for itself!

20' Live Deck (5 Chain)

• 20' Live Deck (5 Chain)

• Foot Pedal Control

• 3 HP / 3 Phase Motor

• Buyer to dismantle/load the equipment

2006 Rogers 15 HP rotary screw compressor model RMC-KIV-15-100, reconditioned in 2021. 125 PSI, 8,100 hours. 460 volt, 3 phase electrical required.

$16,997 NOW $13,995 FOB OR Wood Tech Systems 765-751-9990

www.woodtechsystems.com

• Se ller will provide forklift for equipment dismantle/load

New Heavy Duty Lift Cart

www.woodtechsystems.com Price Reduction!

$12,500 NOW $11,000 FOB OH Wasserman & Associates 800-382-0329

www.wasserman-associates.com

Custom Slotted Steel

Low-profile Tables, Qty: (13)

Quantity of thirteen (13) custom-built, slotted steel tables, each 6′-8″ wide x 14′0″ deep x 1′-4″ tall. Table top building surface is 6″ x 1/2″ thick bar stock over 3″ channel, and 3/4″ diameter threaded rod adjustable feet. Slots are 3/4″ wide. No truss hardware included. Can be purchased in various quantities.

$1,875 ea. FOB Ontario Wood Tech Systems

765-751-9990

• 60" x 72" Base

• 10" Fixed & Swivel Casters

• 2 Vertical Standards and Cart Blocking for Fork Lift Loading

• EZ-Set Pneumatic Height Setting

• Auto Indexing (as material is removed)

• 6,000 Lb Capacity

• W hite Powder Coat Finish (Optional Custom Colors)

• Made in the USA with USA Steel

$9,520 FOB SD

New! SQUOTE LAYOUT

Get your engineered design-based floor and roof truss quote in minutes, not hours. Save designer time and save money!

Based on the major plate suppliers' engineering

& Plane Input Updating Quotes Squote PDF Export

2020 (Reconditioned) Clark Column Laminator

(OEM Reconditioned in 2020) Features the capacity of producing 3-ply to 5-ply columns up to 40 feet in length from 2”x 6”, 2”x 8”, or 2”x 10” boards. The hydraulic pressing clamps secure the entire length of the post on all four sides during the assembly and computerized nailing process to ensure that the plies are kept tightly together producing a straight & true laminated column. Options included hydraulic ejection and handling systems, planing of finished columns for smooth, uniform surface, industrial nailers, and in-line hydraulic plate press for material splicing.

Rediscovering Automated Builder

McAnally

For decades, Automated Builder was more than a trade magazine. It was

“The Source” for industrialized, off-site, and systems-built housing, linking manufacturers, suppliers, and innovators across the country. Longtime readers will remember that the publication began under the earlier title Automation in Housing before later becoming Automated Builder. Under either name, it helped shape conversations and carried ideas from manufacturing, sales, purchasing, and design.

The magazine’s primary focus was manufactured housing, yet it also gave meaningful exposure to the broader structural building components industry. It provided coverage of organizations such as the Wood Truss Council of America (WTCA), later known as the Structural Building Components Association (SBCA). They first published “Wood Words” in the pages of Automated Builder before transitioning to the standalone WOODWORDS magazine (the precursor of SBC Magazine). Automated Builder regularly covered major industry gatherings, including the Building Component Manufacturers Conference (BCMC), where manufacturers and suppliers met to share technology, equipment, and best practices.

That commitment was embodied by Don Carlson.

Don often described his early days as those of a “Cub Reporter,” his term. He learned the industry from the ground up and became an industry legend to all of us. He would drive (never fly) across the country to cover trade shows and plant innovations, investing time to understand the machinery, technology, and the people behind them. His reporting style was straightforward, personal, and informed by genuine respect for the businesses he covered. He truly believed, like many of us still do, that what we now call off-site construction was the way forward.

For me, Automated Builder was also personal. JobLine advertised in its pages, and I benefited from Don’s mentoring and encouragement. The publication was truly a family effort. Don was the editorial voice and public face. Scott Carlson handled the layouts that gave the magazine its professional polish. Lance Carlson drove sales. Agnes Carlson ran the office and was the glue that held everything together. It was not just a magazine; it was a family business serving an industry family.

Now, I’m asking for your help.

I am personally working to rebuild a comprehensive Automated Builder archive. As a lifelong fan who started getting Automated Builder in the early 1980s, I’ve come to realize that we need to recapture this great legacy before it is lost forever in the digital era.

Help Rebuild an Industry Archive

My goal is to gather as much material as possible to ensure the history is documented accurately and respectfully, so I am seeking:

• Past articles: links, scans, and/or PDFs

• Past issues: electronic and/or paper copies.

If you have hard copies, I am willing to purchase a large volume of back issues to rebuild my Automated Builder library. Just send me a list of the issues you have, and I will make you an offer.

I am also trying to reconnect with Scott Carlson. His perspective on the layouts, production process, and behind-the-scenes stories would be invaluable. If you have contact information for Scott or can help facilitate his contacting me, please reach out.

Somewhere out there is the Automated Builder enthusiast with boxes of back issues. Or, there might be someone who captured these treasures in electronic format and they’re saved on a hard drive somewhere. If that is you, I would love to hear from you.

You can reach me at twm@thejobline.com and 800-289-5627 x1. Thanks in advance for helping preserve this treasured history.

A PRIL 29 — MAY 1

Orange Beach, Alabama

Island House

Hotel – a Double-

Tree by Hilton

26650 Perdido Beach Blvd

Orange Beach, AL 36561

Hotel Deadline: April 6

2026 WORKSHOP

Wednesday, 4/29

Golf Outing or

Fishing Charter

Social Hour

Independent Dinner

Thursday, 4/30

Educational Sessions

Tour: Canfor (Axis, AL)

Hosted Dinner

Friday, 5/1

Educational Sessions

Roundtable

“I attended on the recommendation of a lumber supplier and the entire experience was valuable to me. I learned a lot – from the different presenters to the plant tour and just speaking with other participants.”

—Adam DeBiasio, United Lumber Home Hardware Building Center, Barrie, ON, Canada

“The Workshop puts you in front of the right people in one place to get answers to your questions about MSR, whatever they might be.”

—Ross Harter, Drexel Building Supply, Wrightstown, WI

“I enjoy the Workshop because of its intentional focus on creating opportunities for valuable face time. It’s a lot more intimate than other shows I attend during the year, which makes it a forum where you really get to know people and they get to know you.”

—Ben Evans, Birmingham International Forest Products, Birmingham, AL

Electrical Supply: 110 VAC

Motor: 1/4 HP, 110 VAC, Linear Actuator

Highly Accurate: +/- .010 Inches

Stop Rail: 2 x 4 x 1/4 Aluminum Extrusion

Stops: Jig Bored Steel

Stop Blocks: Machine Billet Aluminum

Internal Components: Hardened, Ground and Polished Steel and Billet Aluminum

Dimensions:

Length: 5 feet (60”) to 60 feet (720”)

Height: 12 inches

Depth: 12 inches

If you are looking for the fastest, mist consistent way to measure and cut your product, then the Hain Measuring System (MEA) is your answer. The MEA changes from one length t any length instantly, up to 60’, without changing the operator’s position on the line. It is also highly accurate (+- .010) and quickly moves from one length to the next in seconds. The MEA is designed for quick and easy setup and is simple to use. Even a first time user will be productive with little or no training required. It can adapt to any saw and can be mounted to any surface so that you can integrate the MEA with your existing setup. The MEA is versatile allowing “left” or “right” handed operation and measurement in “feet and inches” or “inches” depending on your preference. The MEA is also available in a “Skid Mounted” version.

MISC.

6 Chain Live Deck

20’ Long x 17’ Wide

Foot Pedal Control

240 Volt / 3 Phase

$9,900 FOB ND

Wasserman & Associates

800-382-0329

www.wasserman-associates.com

New Monet Power Deck Infeed Decks

Heavy-duty, 5-chain feed system to bring material to the infeed of the component saw.

16′ wide x 20′ long x 36″ high. Transfers 6′ to 20′ lumber lengths. Option for 6-arm Power Deck available at an additional cost.

Features auto-feed advance, foot pedal override forward and reverse, variable speed control, double bearing construction, softstart and soft-stop and e-stop cable. Base price shown. 480 volt, 3 phase, 15 Amp electrical required. (Prices start at $31,000.)

Wood Tech Systems 765-751-9990

www.woodtechsystems.com

New Handle Bar Router

• Metabo HPT M12XE Variable Speed Router

• Steel Handle Bar Frame with Makita Switches

• 3 1/4 HP / 120 Volt / 1 Phase / 15 Amp

• Includes 2 Router Bits $3,000 FOB NE. Wasserman & Associates 800-382-0329

www.wasserman-associates.com

SL-Laser Model ProDirector 7 Projection System

Improved model ProDirector 7, green-color laser projection system from SL-Laser. Projects roof truss, floor truss and wall panel design images accurately onto building surface for faster setup and fabrication times. New employees are productive more quickly, with less training required. Each laser head provides 21′ projection length (at 15-foot ceiling heights). New model PD7 projector heads are smaller in size than previous models, have diodes that are easier than ever to swap out and maintain, and project an even clearer line onto the building surface.

System includes projector heads, cables, mounting hardware for attachment to customer’s structure, factory installation, training, and options for computer controls. Works with each connector plate manufacturer’s design software. Modular nature of the laser heads allows for easy future expansion of system length. 120 volt, 1 phase.

FOB NC

Wood Tech Systems 765-751-9990

www.woodtechsystems.com

2005 NAPA 15 HP Compressor

2005 NAPA rotary screw compressor, 15 HP, reconditioned in 2021, 25,887 hours, model H80158. 460 volt, 3 phase, 20 Amp electrical required. $8,991 NOW $4,991 FOB OR Wood Tech Systems 765-751-9990 www.woodtechsystems.com

GOING FORWARD, COSTLY SERVICE AGREEMENTS ARE A

THING OF THE PAST.

Saws

• Automated Component & Linear Saws (2010 & Newer)

• Monet DeSauw or TimberMill Manual Component Saws

• Floor Web Saws

• Spida (Apollo) Saws with Truss Automation

• Bunk Cutters

Truss Equipment

• Roller Gantry & Hydraulic Press Systems

• Finish Rollers

• Truss Stackers

• Floor Truss Machines

• Lumber Splicers

• Jack Tables

• C-Clamp Presses

Trucks & Trailers

• Stretch Roll-Off Trailers

• Go oseneck Roll-Off Trailers

Modular Equipment

• Pacific Automation or MiTek Mobile Home Press Contact Wasserman & Associates for a Fair Market

Value Assessment of your Used Equipment

Operational, Needs Work, and Parts Only equipment will be considered!

New ASI Ink Jet Plate Marker

• Automated Wall Panel Parts Cutting & Marking as directed by Wall Panel Design Software Output

• 20' Roller Conveyor with Servo Motor Controlled Length Stop/Plate Pusher

• 10' Infeed Roller Conveyor

• 24" Lenovo Touch Screen Computer (Windows 11 Pro OS)

• ASI Basic L Plate Cutting/Marking Operating Software

• 4 Head Ink Jet Plate Marker (marks 2 plates on edge)

• 110 Volt / 1 Phase

• Includes Onsite Installation & Training

• Excludes Saw & Dust Collector

• Add $2,250 for Dewalt Sliding Miter Saw with Saw Support Table

• Other Saw Options Include: Existing Saws, ASI Radial Arm Saw, Lauderdale Hamilton Up Cut Saw & Vista Angle Boss Saws

• Video available upon request

Builders Automation Machinery (BAM) model 2220, stair wedge saw station automatically produces wood wedges used to lock stair treads and risers into slots cut into the stair stringers… Price

NAPA 25 HP Compressor with Dryer (BU-1)

BAM Pre-Hung

Door Machine

Titan Series

Builders Automation

Machinery (BAM) Titan series pre-hung door machine. Designed to produce between 150 and 250 doors per day. Multi-function door machine capable of doors 1'-6″ to 4′-0″ in width, and both 6′-8″ or 8′-0″ door heights. Processes both 1 3/8″ and 1 3/4″ thick door slabs. Machines the door, hinge jamb and strike jamb all at the same time. Capable hinge sizes include 3 1/2″ x 3 1/2″, 4″ x 4″, 4 1/2″ x 4 1/2″ with 5/8″ radius. Cycle time with flush hinge routing is 45 seconds. 10′ long x 7′-6″ wide footprint. Shipping weight 4,000 lbs.

More information Click Here

Price based on configuration

765-751-9990 www.woodtechsystems.com

and 5 HP drive motor. Sold for $4,200 new. 480 volt, 3 phase electrical required.

$2,495 FOB AZ Wood Tech Systems 765-751-9990 www.woodtechsystems.com

NOW $9,997 FOB OR Wood Tech Systems 765-751-9990 www.woodtechsystems.com

•

• Remote Fire & 3-Way Clamping

• Staggered or Straight Line Nail Pattern

•

2022 Sullair Rotary Screw Air Compressor

• Model 1112E

• 43.7 CFM at 175 PSI

• 460 Volt / 3 Phase

$4,900 FOB WA

Wasserman & Associates

800-382-0329

www.wasserman-associates.com

Hain Vent Block Drill

Hain Company Vent Block Drill. From the OEM’s website, “The Vent Block Drill is designed to make lumber, truss and wall panel manufacturing yards more efficient by easily converting scrap wood into useable vent (frieze) blocks. By simply inserting a block, the VBD has one button to press and the rest is automatic. It can drill 1, 2, 3, or 4 holes and you can adjust the block size in 15 seconds or less. The VBD processes each job quickly and tests have shown that it will produce in excess of 360 vent blocks per hour. Operation is simple and even a first time user can begin drilling blocks in a matter of minutes. The machine is enclosed for safety and the back cover can easily be removed for maintenance.”

5 HP motor, block sizes 2×4 through 2×12 on center drill holes, or 2×14 off-center drill holes. Carbide tipped drill bits. 10 ga. aluminum construction. 60″ x 60″ x 33″ height. 100 PSI air required. 440 volt, 3 phase electrical required. Net weight 750 lbs.

$9,995 NOW $8,499 FOB OR Wood Tech Systems

765-751-9990

www.woodtechsystems.com

SL-Laser Truss Projection Heads

• September 2023 SL-ProDirector 7

Laser Projection Heads (3 Available)

• Laser Projection Head (1 Available)

$54,600,000 FOB OR Wasserman & Associates

800-382-0329

www.wasserman-associates.com

2020 Ranger RS Lumber Retrieval System

• Fully Automatic Laser Guided Lumber Retrieval

• 5 Lumber Carts (6' to 20' Lumber)

• Vertical Dividers for Magazine Carts

• Vacuum Pick Head System

• Perimeter Safety System (Light Curtains, Fencing & Gate)

• 50' x 28' Footprint

• 5 Extra Custom Built Lumber Carts

• De signed to fit Monet Deasuw DeRobo Saw

• Available July 2024

• Video available upon request

$94,900 NOW $79,900 FOB NE

Wasserman & Associates

800-382-0329

www.wasserman-associates.com

Hain 210" Powered Measuring System

• Powered (1 Phase) Measuring System

• Inches System (21 Stops at 10" Centers)

• 15' Roller Conveyor with Stands

$6,225 NOW $2,500 FOB CA

Wasserman & Associates

800-382-0329

www.wasserman-associates.com

BAM “Ovation”

Door Machining Center (DMC)

New Builders Automation Machinery “Ovation” series, door machining center (DMC). Fully programmable, two-stage door machine featuring (27) axes of operation. Can be specified with either two or four front machining heads. Machine is side-eject, direct-drive with helical gear racks and gear protection from dust. The door loader is driven by an absolute encoder; no stepping motors, belts or exposed ball screws are used.

More information Click Here

Price based on configuration Wood Tech Systems 765-751-9990 www.woodtechsystems.com

We create transformative website and app experiences

Since 2006, we've been helping businesses of all kinds build their online presence. We make websites and software for the construction industry to empower companies to reach a wider customer base and engage their audiences. Companies all around the world work with us to make websites and apps that people actually want to use. Reach out to Wolf X Machina if you're a business and you want a website that actually drives results.

$1,900 NOW $1,750 FOB NE. Wasserman & Associates 800-382-0329 www.wasserman-associates.com

& Associates 800-382-0329 www.wasserman-associates.com

Door Loader, Model 2001

Builders Automation Machinery (BAM) door loader, model 2001. Allows you to stack door slabs horizontally and feeds them into a horizontal door machine like the BAM model 996E-TS. Mechanically adjusts door stack height vertically as slabs are fed into machine. Clamp automatically adjusts to type and size of door slab: steel, solid-core or hollowcore, from 6-ft to 8-ft heights. Electronic, programmed controller manages the loading process. Loader positions the door stacks adjacent to the door machine infeed to save effort of the operator. Pneumatic motor and heavy-duty drive train provide

continuous use. Cycle time approximately (30) seconds per

By Ashley Baker, SBCA Director of Education

TBuilding Safer and Smarter with BCSI

he Building Component Safety Information (BCSI) Guide stands as the structural building component industry’s comprehensive resource for best practices in handling, installing, restraining, and bracing structural building components. From safety messaging to critical installation details, the guide offers prescriptive solutions that enhance jobsite safety and promote consistency across the industry. While widely respected, its effectiveness has always depended on how well its guidance is absorbed and applied in the field.

Recognizing the need to make BCSI content more accessible and engaging for today’s workforce, SBCA released a new online training companion through the SBCA Academy: BCSI Training.

This course is not intended to replace the guide. Instead, it supplements the printed resource by bringing its lessons to life in an interactive digital format. Organized into modules that mirror the guide’s chapters, the training highlights the most essential and immediately applicable safety and installation practices. The format allows both new hires and experienced professionals to learn or refresh their knowledge in a visual, flexible environment accessible from virtually anywhere.

The decision to develop the training reflects a simple reality: safety resources work best when people use them. Although the BCSI Guide is comprehensive, today’s fast-paced construction environment leaves little time for cover-to-cover reading. By translating key content into concise digital modules, SBCA is ensuring that critical safety information reaches workers where they are, whether on the jobsite, in the break room, or at home. The training emphasizes high-impact practices while directing users back to the full guide for deeper reference.

Each module is designed for clarity and usability. Because the structure aligns with the BCSI Guide, learners can easily connect the online material to the printed or electronic versions. The training focuses on the essentials rather than attempting to replicate every detail of the guide. This targeted approach allows users to complete modules in short sessions or quickly review specific topics. SBCA encourages companies to use the training alongside the guide for maximum effectiveness.

How to Access BCSI Training

SBCA intentionally structured pricing to remove barriers to entry. For SBCA members, the training is completely free through the SBCA Academy. Non-members can access the full course for just $5 through the Education and Training page of the SBCA website. This model maintains the guide as the foundational resource while making the training widely available.

The value of these modules extends directly to jobsite safety. Every day, crews transport components, erect bracing, and install systems that, if handled improperly, can create dangerous conditions. The training helps workers understand correct procedures and best practices, making for safer jobsites. For employers, the program also offers an onboarding tool that ensures every worker receives consistent safety messaging from day one.

Beyond individual learning, the training program also supports instructor development. Its standardized, visual framework helps those leading safety meetings and orientations communicate with consistent language that aligns directly with the guide. It can also help bridge communication gaps with code officials, inspectors, and engineers by clearly illustrating how proper installation and bracing practices support both structural performance and safety compliance.

Within SBCA’s broader education strategy, BCSI Training serves as a cornerstone resource inside the SBCA Academy. From micro-learning modules that span myriad topics to multi-level Truss Technician Training (TTT) courses, the SBCA Academy builds a layered system of education and training programs that supports professionals at every stage of their careers. The course functions as an entry point for newcomers, a refresher for experienced personnel, and a reinforcement tool for managers seeking consistent field practices.

The online format also reflects SBCA’s commitment to evolving with the industry. Because the training can be updated and expanded, it will remain aligned with emerging technologies, workforce expectations, and best practices. The BCSI Guide remains the industry’s recognized reference for safe handling and installation of structural building components, and the new training ensures that it is not only available and accessible, but also easily absorbed and applied.

SBCA’s BCSI Training represents both a milestone and a model for delivering critical safety education in modern formats. SBCA is equipping companies, crews, and individuals with practical tools to build safer jobsites and a stronger, more professional industry. Learn more at: https://www. sbcacomponents.com/education-training.

CalENdar of EvENts

MARCH 2026

March 1–4 MFE Leadership Summit Vail, CO

March 2–4 LBM Advantage Annual Buying Show Nashville, TN

March 4–5 3rd Annual Mass Timber Construction Summit Toronto, ON

March 4–5 5th Annual Modular Construction & Prefab Symposium Toronto, ON

March 6–8 Do it Best & True Value Spring Market Denver, CO

March 10–12 2026 LMC Annual Chicago, IL

March 10–13 2026 Lean Summit Houston, TX

March 11 IDEAS Show 2026 King of Prussia, PA

March 15–18 Build26: AWCI Convention + Expo New Orleans, LA

March 16–18 North Am Wholesale Lumber Assoc (NAWLA) T-100 Dana Point, CA

March 17–18 NLBMDA Spring Meeting & Legislative Conference Washington, D.C.

March 17–19 Intl Wood Products Assoc (IWPA) World of Wood Colorado Spr., CO

March 18 SBCA of Michigan Chapter Meeting online

March 18–19 PA Housing Research Center (PHRC) Housing Conference

March 18–20 Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Convention Salt Lake City, UT

March 18–20 Southeastern Lumber Mfrs Assoc (SLMA) Spring Meeting & ExpoMiramar Beach, FL

March 19 Georgia Component Mfrs Assoc (GCMA) Chapter Meeting online

March 24–26 Atlantic Builders Convention 2026 Atlantic City, NJ

March 26 Truss Mfrs Assoc of Texas (TMAT) Chapter Meeting online

March 26–28 JLC LIVE Residential Construction Show Providence, RI

Mar 31–Apr 1

April 13–24

April 15–16

April

APRIL 2026

April 27 SBCA of the Capital Area 13th Annual Golf Tournament Haymarket, VA

April 27–May 1

April 28–29

Pine Inspection Bureau (SPIB) Week of Quality Pensacola Beach, FL

May 4–6

May 18–19

May 26–29

June 9–13

June 9–11

June 10–13

June 23–24

CalENdar of EvENts

MAY 2026

Builder 100 Leadership Summit Dana Point, CA

Frame & Truss Mfrs Assoc of Australia (FTMA) National Conference Twin Waters, QLD, Australia

National Framers Council (NFC) Meeting & Golf Ellicott City, MD

University of Texas Building Professional Institute (BPI)—North Irving, TX

JUNE 2026

Natl Assoc of Home Bldrs (NAHB) Leadership Meeting & Legislative ConfWashington, D.C.

Structural Bldg Components Assoc (SBCA) Open Quarterly Meeting Bellevue, WA

AIA Conference on Architecture & Design San Diego, CA

Metal Construction Assoc (MCA) Summer Meeting Rosemont, IL

JULY 2026

July 17 Truss Mfrs Assoc of Texas (TMAT) Astros Baseball Outing Houston, TX

July 22–26

Southeastern Lumber Mfrs Assoc (SLMA) Annual Conference Point Clear, AL

Is your event on this list? Email us the details to share.

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Safety First!

Safety Meeting Topics

From State Fund CA.

Wood Truss Construction

Wood trusses help create large, open living and work spaces. Trusses are strong because of their triangular components fastened together. However, improper truss construction can come tumbling down like a house of cards and injure workers.

The truss installation crew and crane operator should coordinate their efforts by creating a job plan. The plan should include information on where the trusses will be built, stored, in what order they will be installed, and how they will be fastened and secured.

Before beginning construction, examine the framing system and trusses to ensure that they are solid and stable. To protect the stability of the trusses, store them properly by supporting them off of the ground on platforms, etc. Don’t cut, drill or alter trusses unless you have explicit instructions to do so from the truss manufacturer.

Make sure stored trusses are kept bundled together so they don’t slide and shift. Loose trusses should be stored horizontally stacked. Move trusses in the upright position using the top chords as anchor points. Don’t lift or move truss bundles using their storage banding, it could give way suddenly and drop the load. Don’t let trusses bend laterally, they could break suddenly and cause injuries.

Construcción con cerchas de madera

Las cerchas de madera ayudan a crear grandes espacios abiertos en los que vivir y trabajar. Las cerchas son resistentes debido a que sus componentes triangulares se sujetan entre sí. No obstante, las construcciones con cerchas mal ejecutadas pueden derrumbarse como un castillo de naipes y lastimar a los trabajadores.

Las personas encargadas de la instalación de las cerchas y el operador de la grúa deben coordinar sus funciones mediante la creación de un plan de trabajo. El plan debe incluir información referente a dónde se construirán y almacenarán las cerchas, así como en qué orden se instalarán y cómo se sujetarán y afianzarán.

Antes de comenzar la construcción, examine la armadura y las cerchas con el fin de asegurarse de que sean sólidas y estables. Para proteger la estabilidad de las cerchas, se deben almacenar apropiadamente, colocándolas sin que toquen el piso, en plataformas, etc. No corte, perfore ni altere las cerchas a menos de que el fabricante de éstas dé instrucciones explícitas para ello.

Install and secure trusses according to the building design plan. Ensure that trusses are properly secured with restraints at all required points so they don’t topple over. Install structural sheathing on the trusses as you go to cover, protect, and stabilize them. Don’t store equipment and materials on truss systems unless they meet the load capacity.

Before truss construction, understand construction site safety rules. Use the personal protective equipment required to do the job safely. Use fall protection where needed with proper harnesses and anchor points. Use a crane safely by getting required certification and following good hoisting procedures.

Asegúrese de que las cerchas almacenadas se agrupen juntas, de modo que no se deslicen ni se corran. Las cerchas sueltas deben almacenarse y apilarse horizontalmente. Mueva las cerchas en posición vertical usando los tirantes superiores como puntos de apoyo. No levante ni mueva las cerchas agrupadas usando sus cintas de almacenamiento, ya que podrían ceder repentinamente y dejar caer la carga. No permita que las cerchas se doblen lateralmente dado que podrían quebrarse súbitamente y causar lesiones.

Instale y afiance las cerchas de acuerdo con el plan de diseño de la construcción. Asegúrese de que las cerchas estén bien sujetas con dispositivos de fijación en todos los puntos requeridos, de modo que no se vengan abajo. Instale revestimiento estructural en las cerchas a medida que las va instalando para cubrirlas, protegerlas y estabilizarlas. No almacene equipos ni materiales en las cerchas a menos de que éstas satisfagan la capacidad de carga.

Antes de construir con cerchas es necesario entender las reglas de seguridad de la obra. Use los equipos de protección personal requeridos para realizar el trabajo de un modo seguro. Use dispositivos de protección contra caídas donde sea necesario, con arneses y puntos de apoyo adecuados. Las grúas deben utilizarse con seguridad, obteniendo para ello la certificación correspondiente y siguiendo los procedimientos apropiados para elevar objetos pesados.

The above evaluations and/or recommendations are for general guidance

based solely on the information provided to us and relate only

implied, that your workplace is

Remote EWP Designer New England ID: J15380

MiTek Multifamily Truss Designer Texas ID: J15378

Plant Manager - Wall Panels - J15375

Central Florida

Truss & EWP Design Manager - J15376 Central Ontario

Truss Design Manager - MiTek software J15370 Florida

Remote Truss Designer J15313 New England

Truss Designer J15339 New England

Outside Sales - Truss/Panel J15371 Northeast

Truss Design Manager - Apline J15366 Texas

Light Gauge Steel Truss Designer - Alpine Remote, Hybrid, or South J15374

Remote Truss Designer - MiTek J15361 Mid Atlantic

Remote Mega-Multifamily Truss Designer J15368 Mid-Atlantic

Sales Representative - J15355 Central Ontario

Sales Manager - J15373 Southern Alberta

In Office or Remote Truss Designer - MiTek Software J15369 Florida or remote in FL or GA

Truss Designer - Multifamily/MiTek J15362 TN

Truss Designer - Multifamily/MiTek J15363 TX

Remote Truss Designer - Alpine Software J15350 Remote

Truss Designer-J15365 Western Canada

Remote Multifamily Truss Designer J15356 Texas

Truss Designer J15357 East Texas

Implementation and Support Specialist J15306 100% Remote - Northeast

Truss & Wall Panel Designer J15226 Northeast

Remote Truss Designer J15307 Full Time Remote

Truss Production Manager-J15354

Greater Toronto Area

Remote Truss Designer - Alpine J15246 Midwest Candidate preferred

Senior Truss & Wall Panel Designer - MiTek J15352 Midwest

CFS Truss Designer | Wall Panel Designer J5323 Midwest

Outside Sales - Truss/Lumber J15345 Southeast

Truss Designer - On-site - MiTek J15346 Florida

Truss Designer J15348 South

Senior Truss Designer - J15342 Mountains

Project Coordinator J15272 TN

Remote Truss Designer - MiTek J15228 Florida

Truss Designer J14165 Carolinas

Senior Truss Designer-J15300 Eastern Ontario

Senior Truss & EWP Designer - J15320 AB, BC, ON

EWP Designer - J15314

ID: C19055

Remote Truss Designer - MMF/SFC Truss/ Panel Design Manager

Relocation: USA - ALL States for management positions.

Remote for design Overview:

Senior truss design professional with over 25 years of experience in roof and floor truss systems, department leadership, and cross-functional coordination. Proven track record of advancing from designer to senior leadership, overseeing design, estimating, scheduling, and sales alignment within high-volume manufacturing environments.

Recognized for building structured processes, improving communication between sales and production, and strengthening design team performance. Deep working knowledge of Alpine software, IRC and IBC code requirements, and workflow optimization within component manufacturing operations.

Seeking either a Design Manager opportunity where leadership and process development are key priorities, or a remote Senior Truss Designer role where advanced technical expertise and efficiency can add immediate value.

ID: C19039

Wall Panel Designer

Relocation: Texas, REMOTE, Michigan

This candidate brings a rare blend of handson construction experience and wall panel design expertise. Beginning his career as a carpenter, he spent years mastering framing, finish work, layouts, and overall building methodology before running his own construction business. When the market shifted, he transitioned into wall panel design, quickly excelling in software-driven production for residential, multi-family, and commercial projects, including large custom homes and multi-story hotels. His field background gives him practical insight into how panels are assembled, installed, and coordinated on-site, making his designs both accurate and builder-friendly.

Known for reliability, adaptability, and a strong work ethic, he has also demonstrated the resilience to navigate major career transitions while remaining committed to craftsmanship and quality. After spending several years in transportation to support his family, he is returning to the construction industry with a renewed focus on balance, pride in his work, and long-term career growth. He is open to relocation for the right opportunity.

ID: C11427

Remote Truss Designer/Design ManagerMega-Multifamily

Relocation: Texas

6 years experience as Plant Manager with

another 6 years in Design (one of our very few ACE designers): Facilitated the truss sale, design, & delivery for lumber salesmen lacking truss experience. Developed own customer base by selling trusses. Design layouts of floor and roof truss systems for multifamily/commercial projects. Proficient use of MiTek Engineering, eFrame, AutoCAD, TJBeam, and Excel programs. He has some Sapphire experience but not as a Truss Designer. He expects to need 30 days to get back up to speed and re-learn Sapphire.

14+ years' experience as Plant Manager including staff development, workforce management and training, meeting production goals, asset management, maintenance and capital improvements, budget development and reporting, and assuring company policies were implemented across all departments.

Compensation: Upper $40's per hour as a Remote Truss Designer to start with review and adjustment to actual value based on his abilities in 30-60 days.

Thom's Notes: One of our top 1% Truss Design ACE's. Open to other remote opportunities that he is qualified to fill including Sales or Estimating. Will travel.

ID: C18378

Remote Truss Designer Relocation: REMOTE, USA - Western

Experienced Roof Truss Designer with a strong foundation in the building industry, seeking a role where my skills can contribute to company growth and long-term success. I thrive in fast-paced, high-pressure environments and excel at understanding customer needs, communicating clearly, and motivating teams through effective delegation. I recognize the importance of company-wide financial performance and strive to support overall success through efficient operations.

My industry background is diverse, including truss design, hardware, lumber, equipment operation (small and heavy), construction, and home inspections. I began my career in the plant and advanced into design, gaining hands-on knowledge at every level.

I designed trusses using EdgeCad and Computrus to generate customer estimates and batch cutting reports for sawyers and builders. I prepared engineering packages for submission to Building and Safety Departments and use EdgeTrack for scheduling, delivery coordination, and billing. I’m now transitioning to MiTek SAPPHIRE Structure for advanced design and project management and have completed many training programs for MiTek SAPPHIRE and am ready for the next challenge.

ID: C18549

Remote Wall Panel Designer Relocation: USA - ALL States Wall panel designer with 10 years' experience including production builders, single family custom and small to MegaMultifamily projects. MiTek Sapphire software experience.

ID: C18426

Remote Truss Designer Relocation: Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Maryland, Florida, Georgia, Nebraska, REMOTE, Costa Rica, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Washington DC, Rhode Island, Saskatchewan, Oregon, Ontario, North Dakota, New York, New Mexico, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Nevada, Montana, Mississippi, Minnesota, Massachusetts, Kentucky, Delaware, Conneticut, California, Arizona, Alaska

Offshore Truss Designer with MiTek experience. The candidate is a civil engineer with 6 years' truss design experience for companies in Texas and Florida. Prior work for BFS and smaller manufacturers. Bilingual Spanish/English with a company set up to make paying easy. Scored 89 on our truss design skills evaluation, which is near the senior designer level. He is also SBCA I & II certified. He is willing to go to work immediately.

Compensation: $65-75k as a subcontractor, no benefits or taxes.

We haven't represented offshore candidates in the past but feel this candidate is worth a shot. Please contact Thom for additional details.

ID: C10122

Designer/Design Manager - Truss Relocation: Iowa

Senior Designer. - Advanced. Candidate has 24 years Truss Ddesigner experience and 5 years Truss Design Manager experience. Products include floor trusses, roof trusses, I-Joists, and hardware. Markets include single family, custom, high end, multi-family, light commercial, and agriculture. Primary duties include design, layout, optimization, cutting/production documents, and takeoff. Secondary duties include checking others work, repairs, customer service, inside sales, software maintenance, training, and filling in for the Design Manager as needed. Software experience includes MiTek and Keymark. Training received includes WTCA Level 2. Education: High School Graduate and Batchelors degree.

Motivating factors: advancement, compensation, benefits, work location, job security, and relocation.

ID: C18604

Truss Designer - Remote (MiTek)

Relocation: Alberta

I currently design & layout roof trusses, floor trusses, I-Joists and EWP from PDF plans and specifications for pricing. Also does engineering using MiTek, then uploads to Management or MBA in the past. Once sold, and field measurements are provided, I update the project and clean up the layouts, trusses and release them to the shop. I also answer questions from sales and the shop as needed as well as training newer designers. Most of my projects are single family, but I have also done several apartments, hotels, assisted living centers, and other commercial projects. I want to grow, learn, and become a better designer to be a valued team member.

ID: C10853

Remote Design Manager | Remote Offshore Design Project Manager

Relocation: Texas, Georgia, USA - South

Top level Engineering/Design Management candidate, 14+- years experience Truss, 4+- Panel experience. Has experience building and integrating offshore design resources with internal design departments and training design managers to better utilize offshore capabilities. Large volume manufacturer experience. MiTek Sapphire design/layout proficient. Too confidential to go into more detail.

Compensation: $120k+

ID: C11370

General | Plant Manager/Operations - Truss/ Panel/Framing Package

Relocation: Texas, Arizona

20 years' experience. Started in production, advanced to Saw Supervisor, Production Manager, Plant Manager, now General Manager. As General Manager operated a $125M truss plant. Tripled output and reduced errors and labor cost. Developed and implemented standards and procedures to manage quality and costs. As Plant Manager (4 years), manage all the operation of the manufacturing plant, such as

TheJobLine.com, inc.

Productivity, logistics, efficiencies, costs. As Production Manager (12 years), manage all the areas of the manufacturing across the plant. Safety, quality control, efficiencies, HR, etc... Software: MiTek, Word, Excel, OptiFrame. Products: R & F Truss, Panel, Framing package. Markets: Single Family, Multifamily, Custom Homes. Bilingual English/Spanish spoken and written. Degree in Industrial Engineering.

Compensation: $90's+ bonus ($100k min) ID: C10897

Design Manager/Senior Designer/PE/ Optimizer - Truss/Panel/EWP Relocation: REMOTE

30 year industry veteran, started as a Truss Designer, earned his way to Design Manager over 20+ designers. MiTek - Advanced, AutoCAD proficient. BSCE - PE.

Compensation: Open??

Thom's Notes: PE with Mid Atlantic seals ID: C18565

Designer: Truss/Panel, Wood/Steel, BIM Relocation: North Carolina

Material take-offs, proposals, job-site meetings, Submittal Tracking, Excellent Problem-solving Skills, Material Ordering, Field Measuring, 3-D Modeling Program (3-D and 4-D BIM in-house), Generated material take-offs from the BIM model, Coordinated RFI's thru the BIM model, Clash detection between wood trusses, structural steel and LVL's. 3-D Scan's of job-sites. Scheduled / Distributed work to 6 designers Cross-trained all designers in roof floor and wall panels for whole-house design.

ID: C10507

Senior Management - Truss/Panel/Lumber/ Installed Services Relocation: USA - Western

I am a Diverse driven individual seeking a position in the fast paced construction component industry where my professionalism in sales, business and leadership skills along with a strong proven background in, General Management, Operations, Sales Management, strategic alliances, business development, team building, P&L experience and Customer Satisfaction will play an integral part in growing new business, nurturing existing business or developing company operations to meet the highest level of efficiencies, standards and safety while having fun doing it!

ID: C18387

Division Manager, VP Operations, President - Truss | Panel | Building Materials | Pro Dealer

Relocation: Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, Texas, USASouth, Virginia, Washington DC, Wisconsin

Available Candidates

Executive level manager, VP, President with $1+B P&L responsibility. Lumber, building materials, trusses, wall panels, and CFS background. Inquire to discuss this candidate.

ID: C12414

Truss Designer | Wall Panel Designer | All Hats Relocation: Arizona

Engineered panel and truss design, developed material take off for turnkey build up, worked in coordination with multiple plants and design teams, worked closely with material suppliers on take offs and estimating.

I've worked for decades in the construction industry. Not only in new construction, but additions and remodels as well using innovative designs for added value and to drive down cost. In addition to experience with MiTek, Wallbuilder and other design software packages, I have extensive manual trig/math skills. I use these to back check questionable loads as well to design from scratch in the field when needed. I have also written tutorials for the training of others and checked other designer's work as a Design Manager at a Panel Plant. All things being equal, I love working in components whether designing, cutting, building or setting components at the site.

ID: C18430

Truss Designer | Remote Truss Designer Relocation: USA - South, USA - Southwest, USA - ALL States

Extensive experience in truss estimating and design. Proficient in designing roof and floor trusses for a variety of projects including: custom homes, track homes, multi-family, mega-multifamily, and light commercial projects. I always get everyone involved with the project like architect, engineers, homeowners, and sales personnel Many times I go to the job site for the convenience of the framer and see what kind of condition or changes they might have; this way we will be working on the same page. Also included in my experience is purchasing material, negotiating contracts, setting up deliveries, steel and cmu detailing for steel columns and beams, with almost 25 years of experience in the construction business. MiTek Sapphire.

ID: C18412

Plant | Production | Operations ManagerTruss/Panel

Relocation: Georgia, South Carolina, Florida

Oversaw all aspects of the manufacturing and shipping of wood truss component systems for the building industry: roofs, floors and wall panels; 2 shift operation; 8 million in sales.

Managed the master schedule based on

sales orders, plant volume, and lead time through the Mitek Management Business Application System.

Followed all orders through the process to insure OTD (on time delivery).

Handled all phone communications from the customer as it related to changes in the delivery schedule.

Batched jobs through the engineering software to the component saws and truss building tables

Quality Assurance – WTCA/TPI

ID: C18365

Intermediate Canadian Remote Truss Designer - Sapphire Relocation: Ontario

Remote Truss Designer available.. Currently provides technical support and designs to lumber distributors for roof systems for residential and commercial applications. Provides technical assistance and support to the distribution staff to meet client demands for engineered wood structural applications. Ensures that wood truss fabricators, lumber distributors and specifiers have adhered to established building standards, codes and practices. Maintains extensive knowledge of structural analysis programs such as MiTek SAPPHIRE Structure design software. Analyze/prepare engineered wood designs and details for Design Engineer review and approval. Generate manufacturing information and quotations for sales team and management. Prepares the job for production. Canadian codes and standards experienced.

ID: C15958

Operations/Plant Manager - Millwork | Doors | Ply | Flooring Relocation: Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, Wyoming

30 years' experience starting in production and advancing to multi-plant operations manager. Door experience includes managing three Production Managers and five Production Supervisors, consisting of 300 hourly employees producing 11,000 doors and 10,000 face frames per day. Responsible for the manufacturing functions of all mill operations, five frame component machining cells, three frame assembly operations, four door component machining cells, three door assembly clamps, three door profiling lines, two wide belt sanding lines and specialty machining and assembly cells.

Flooring experience: Responsible for all plant functions including budgeting and P&L. Managed six Department Managers: two Production Departments, Quality Assurance, Materials, Human Resources including SHE, and Plant Engineer/Maintenance Manager including the CI program. Their staffs consist of eleven

Supervisors and 330 hourly employees. The door plant operation dries lumber, cuts dimension stock, assembles and sands the doors. The panel plant produces the veneered flat and raised center panels, by cutting engineered wood and veneer from flitch and pressing the veneer to the substrate. Both plants are equipped with finishing lines.

ID: C15995

Truss Designer - MiTek

Relocation: Florida

Truss Designer. Primary duties: design, layout, optimization, and cutting/production documents. Secondary duties: checking others work. Software used: MiTek and AutoCAD. Component experience includes floor trusses and roof trusses. Market experience includes single family, multifamily, light commercial, and agriculture. My volume was varied depending on projects. 2 years experience, MiTek software.

ID: C18277

Professional Engineer | Engineering Manager - Engineered Wood Products, Components Structural Hardware | Codes & Compliance

Relocation: Maryland, Minnesota, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, USA - Eastern, Virginia, Washington DC

Experienced and successful professional engineering manager with over 25 years experience in improving productivity and resolving structural problems for engineered wood product and truss manufacturers and developing innovative design software programs. Also skilled in building outstanding teams and relationships among sales, manufacturing, and engineering stakeholders. Highly educated with exceptional employment history & experience.

ID: C18250

Remote Senior Light Gage Steel Truss/ Panel Designer.

Relocation: Texas

Top level Light Gage Steel Senior Remote Designer with Truss and Panel and well as metal frame commercial project experience. Alpine, Truswal and Keymark experience.

ID: C17230

Remote Wall Panel Designer - Sapphire

Relocation: Newfoundland

My objective is to be part of a team/company and prove I am reliable, show my ability and my willingness to learn! In addition to being a newer wall panel designer, I have learned software such as Mitek Sapphire, Revit 2017, Bluebeam Revu 2016. I have recently done jobs such as designing garages and adding on additions to homes. Jobs I have worked in wall paneling include a massive

wall panel job for the US (500,000+ SFT) and designed units for a senior complex. In addition to wall panels...I also add in blocking, windows, doors, etc. I also do bundling and paperwork as well.

ID: C16152

Mega-Multifamily General Manager

Relocation: Florida

Mega-Multifamily General Manager. Apply to discuss this candidate. Highly confidential.

ID: C11781

Truss Design Manager

Relocation: New York

Worked on the most complicated custom projects, commercial buildings, and apartment complexes. Quickly became a team leader and was considered company wide as an expert in truss framing and computer applications. Provided training for a group of 30 experienced component designers in topics including load tracking, truss and layout optimization, and hardware specification. Optimization training helped to reduced material costs by 5%. Developed departmental procedures to increase consistency and accuracy of all designs and estimates. Reduced errors on repetitive projects by 25% by creating the master project file database, which organized and provided fast and easy access to project information. Streamlined estimating process for commercial construction projects. Analyzed the final cost of completed projects and applied results to new estimates. Reduced estimating time by 75% Managed up to 10 designers/sales reps. Software: MiTek, AutoCAD.

ID: C15857

Senior Truss Designer | Remote Truss Designer | Design Manager

Relocation: California

Truss Designer. Primary duties: design, layout, optimization, cutting/production documents, and takeoff. Secondary duties: checking others work, scheduling, repairs, customer service, inside sales, and field measurements. Software used: MiTek and AutoCAD. Component experience includes floor trusses, roof trusses, I-Joists, EWP, and hardware. Market experience includes tract, single family, single family custom, multifamily, and light commercial. My volume was varied depending on projects. Has used MiTek, Alpine, AutoCAD, and Microsoft Office programs.

The candidate has been out of the industry, working in parallel jobs, and wants to return to a design position. Scored Senior Designer using an HP calculator, 8 years after his last truss design job. Speed was faster than average too. It may take a little time for him to get up to speed on the latest software. Ranked 5 out of 5 in our system.

Available Candidates

ID: C10810

Designer/Inside Sales - Truss

Relocation: Virginia

6 years design experience, 1 inside sales. Primary duties: design, layout, optimization, cutting/production documents, and takeoff. Secondary duties: scheduling, repairs, customer service, inside sales, and field measurements. Software used: MiTek, AutoCAD, and CAD - Other. Component experience includes floor trusses and roof trusses. Market experience includes tract, single family, single family custom, multifamily, light commercial, and agriculture. My volume was varied depending on projects. Past carpenter and framer. Has an engineering related associates degree/ drafting

Compensation: $45k+

ID: C15679

LGS Truss & Panel PE

Relocation: USA - Eastern, USA - South

As Engineering Manager I was responsible for oversight of all technical and engineering engagements. Design of light gauge metal trusses, wall panels, shear walls, for hotels, retirement homes and other commercial and residential structures. Making jobs viable by replacing red-iron with light gauge metal was key to solidifying more projects. I was actively engaged in computer software development of truss design and coordinating overseas programming efforts into truss layout.

As Senior Technical Services Engineer, I held the nation-wide responsibility for all light gauge cold-formed steel truss engineering including field applied repair design. I provided technical advice and counsel to our staff and functioned as a subject matter expert (SME) for all three product divisions. As a result, I augmented my professional registrations to include 38 States, 1 District, and 1 Canadian Province. ID: C14490

General Manager | Operations Manager | Turn Around

Relocation: Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington DC, West Virginia, Arkansas, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Wisconsin, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Kansas

Full P&L turnaround of a family owned light gage steel panel manufacturing company. Turned it form a mom and pop, into a large, functioning manufacturing company that had systems, KPI programs, personnel development, and a growing customer base. Ready to help take your company to the next level.

ID: C11895

Designer - Truss/I-Joists, EWP

Relocation: California, USA - ALL States, Texas, Alaska

Designer. Primary duties: design and cutting/production documents. Secondary duties: checking others work and field measurements. Software used: Alpine and MiTek. Component experience includes floor trusses, roof trusses, I-Joists, EWP, and hardware. Market experience includes single family, single family custom, multifamily, and light commercial. BS Civil Engineering. Software: Alpine, MiTek, AutoCAD, Word, Excel. ID: C10324

Plant Manager/Designer/Design Manager/?? - Truss/Panel/Installed Relocation: Georgia

As Location Manager, managed one estimator, four designers, a secretary/ data entry person, and a shop of 40 truss production employees. As Senior Designer, primary duties: design, layout, optimization, and takeoff. Secondary duties: checking others work, scheduling, repairs, customer service, and training. Software used: Alpine and AutoCAD. Component experience includes floor trusses, roof trusses, wall

panels, framed openings, I-Joists, EWP, hardware, lumber, and complete framing package. Market experience includes tract, single family, single family custom, multifamily, and light commercial.

Thom's Notes: Very experienced, willing to wear many hats.

NEWs

Cooling Prices, Leaner Inventory Shape 2025 Housing Market

Posted February 20, 2026 on NAHB Now | The News Blog of the National Association of Home Builders Reprinted with permission.

New home sales closed out 2025 on a mixed yet resilient note, pointing to steady underlying demand even as affordability pressures and limited supply continued to weigh on the market. Although sales dipped 1.7% from November to December, activity in December 2025 remained stronger than a year earlier.

Data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Census Bureau show that sales of newly built single-family homes finished the year at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 745,000 units — a 3.8% increase compared with December 2024. For the full year, an estimated 679,000 new homes were sold in 2025, a modest 1.1% decline from the 2024 total.

Survey data from NAHB indicate that 67% of builders used sales incentives in December, the highest share recorded in the post-pandemic period. On average, builders reduced home prices by 5% during the month, underscoring ongoing efforts to attract cost-conscious buyers.

Inventory on the Decline

Inventory of new single-family homes totaled 472,000 units in December, down 2.7% from November and 3.5% below December 2024 levels. At the current sales pace, this represents a 7.6-month supply, an improvement from the 8.2-month supply recorded one year earlier. (A six-month supply is typically viewed as a balanced market.)

At the same time, existing-home inventory has slipped after showing gradual improvement in prior months. Some moderation in home prices across both new and existing segments has helped sustain buyer demand despite persistent affordability challenges.

Taken together, new and existing home inventory has edged lower in recent months, falling to an overall four-month supply of total housing. This tightening largely reflects slower construction activity.

Buyers See Price Improvements

Home prices continued to show signs of softening in 2025. The median new home sales price declined 1.3% to $415,000, compared with $420,300 in 2024.

In 2025, new home sales were distributed across price tiers as follows: 20% were priced below $300,000; 46% were priced between $300,000 and $500,000; and 34% were priced above $500,000.

For additional insight into inventory trends and regional sales activity, see this Eye on Housing article from NAHB Assistant Vice President for Forecasting and Analysis Danushka Nanayakkara-Skillington.

The Biggest Challenges Expected by Home Builders in 2026

Posted February 12, 2026 on NAHB Now | The News Blog of the National Association of Home Builders Reprinted with permission.

According to the latest NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI), 84% of home builders said that elevated mortgage rates was the most significant challenge builders faced in 2025, and 65% anticipate interest rates will remain a problem in 2026.

Other serious issues builders faced in 2025 include

• buyers expecting prices/interest rates to decline (81%),

• concern about employment/economic situation (65%),

• the cost/availability of developed lots (63%), and

• negative media reports making buyers cautious (62%).

Home builders expect these challenges to persist in 2026.

A majority of home builders also reported facing

• serious problems in 2025 with cost/availability of labor (61%),

• rising inflation in the US economy (59%) gridlock/uncertainty in Washington (58%),

• impact/hook-up/inspection and other fees (57%), and

• local/state environmental regulations and policies (54%).

Looking ahead at 2026, fewer builders expect high interest rates (65%) and rising inflation in the US economy (46%) to be significant problems. On the other hand, builders don’t anticipate much change around labor shortages, uncertainty in Washington, fees, or local regulations.

Builders have been surveyed about their serious challenges every year since 2011. High interest rates have been deemed a serious problem for less than 10% of builders during most years, except for 2022 (66%), 2023 (90%), 2024 (91%) and 2025 (84%).

Until 2021, relatively few builders reported buyers expecting prices or interest rates to fall as a serious problem, but that issue’s share has been rising steadily for the past four years and reached a record high of 81% in 2025.

In 2011, concern about employment/economic situation was a significant problem for 79% of builders. This concern faded over the next decade, and by 2021, only 24% cited it as a top issue. However, it has escalated rapidly since; in 2025, 65% of builders rated it a major challenge – the highest since 2012.

For more HMI insights, read this Eye on Housing post

Existing Home Sales in January Plunged to Lowest Level Since 2024

Posted February 13, 2026 on NAHB Now | The News Blog of the National Association of Home Builders Reprinted with permission.

Existing home sales in January fell to lowest level since August 2024 as tight inventory continued to push home prices higher and winter weather weighed on sales activity.

Total existing home sales fell 8.4% in January to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.91 million in January, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Total sales were 4.4% lower than a year ago.

Despite mortgage rates trending lower and wage growth outpacing price gains, limited resale supply kept many buyers on the sidelines. Resale inventory remained at lowest level since January 2025.

Existing home inventory measured 1.2 million units in January, down 0.8% from December, but up 3.4% from a year ago. At the current sales rate, January unsold inventory sits at a 3.7-months’ supply, up from 3.5 months in December and January 2024. Inventory between 4.5- to 6-months’ supply is generally considered a balanced market.

Homes stayed on the market for a median of 46 days in January, up from 39 days in the previous month and 41 days in January 2025.

For more analysis of the existing home sales data, read this post on Eye on Housing

Builder Sentiment Edges Lower on Affordability Concerns

Posted February 17, 2026 on NAHB Now | The News Blog of the National Association of Home Builders Reprinted with permission.

Persistent affordability challenges, including high housing price-to-income ratios and elevated land and construction costs, helped push builder confidence lower for the second straight month to start the year

Builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes fell one point to 36 in February, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) released today.

“Builders reduced their expectations for future sales as buyers report affordability challenges, which is contributing to declining consumer confidence for the overall economy,” said NAHB Chairman Buddy Hughes, a home builder and developer from Lexington, N.C. “While the majority of builders continue to deploy buyer incentives, including price cuts, many prospective buyers remain on the sidelines. Although demand for new construction has weakened, remodeling demand has remained solid given a lack of household mobility.”

“Housing affordability remains an ongoing challenge at the start of 2026,” said NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz. “The solution for the housing market is the enactment of policies that will bend the construction cost curve and enable additional supply of attainable housing. On the positive side, easing inflation should continue to allow lower interest rates for mortgages and builder loans.”

The latest HMI survey also revealed that 36% of builders cut prices in February, down from 40% in January. While this marks the lowest incidence of price-cutting since last May (34%), the average price reduction remains at 6%. The use of sales incentives was 65% in February, unchanged from January, and marking the 11th consecutive month this share has exceeded 60%.

Derived from a monthly survey that NAHB has been conducting for more than 40 years, the NAHB/Wells Fargo HMI gauges builder perceptions of current single-family home sales and sales expectations for the next six months as “good,” “fair” or “poor.” The survey also asks builders to rate traffic of prospective buyers as “high to very high,” “average” or “low to very low.” Scores for each component are then used to calculate a seasonally adjusted index where any number over 50 indicates that more builders view conditions as good than poor.

The HMI index gauging current sales conditions held steady at 41 from January to February, the index measuring future sales fell three points to 46 and the gauge charting traffic of prospective buyers fell two points to 22.

Looking at the three-month moving averages for regional HMI scores, the Northeast fell one point to 43, the Midwest held steady at 43, the South dropped one point to 35 and the West fell two points to 33.

HMI tables can be found at nahb.org/hmi. More information on housing statistics is also available at Housing Economics PLUS.

Alpine is Teaming up with Vekta USA to Offer Material Handling Equipment

February 24, 2026 — Alpine is excited to team up with Vekta USA to deliver integrated material handling equipment to customers. Vekta USA specializes in automation for timber truss and frame manufacturing. This partnership is committed to quality and performance, helping component manufacturing plants across North America improve efficiency and safety.

Partnering with Vekta USA will expand our material handling solutions to enhance our overall offering to our customers,” said Jenai Alexis, Business Unit Manager, Alpine Equipment. “The Vekta PackFeeder, Direct Delivery System, and StakPro are a solid complement to Alpine Equipment solutions.”

Ed Serrano, Managing Director at Vekta USA, added, “Vekta is excited to take this next step in partnership with Alpine, who share our customer-centric values based on trust, respect and integrity. By complementing Alpine’s solutions with Vekta’s latest material handling innovations, this collaboration will drive even further productivity gains for the industry into the future.”

This partnership helps deliver integrated equipment solutions that drive progress while achieving operational efficiencies. It also reflects a shared commitment in the industry to enhance safety. Together, we are shaping the future of component manufacturing through strategic collaborations that have an immediate impact.

Learn More

Email info@alpineitw.com to learn how the integration of Alpine and Vekta USA technologies can optimize your plant’s operational efficiency and safety—Build More.

Alpine’s Jenai Alexis and Vekta’s Ed Serrano

NEWs

ICC’s 2026 Building Safety Month Theme and Resources Announced

February 9, 2026, Washington D.C. – Building Safety Month, an annual public awareness campaign led by the International Code Council (ICC), returns on May 1, 2026, with this year’s theme, “Built to Last.” The campaign highlights how modern building codes, safety professionals and resilient construction practices protect homes and communities around the world. Each year, ICC, its members and global communities celebrate building safety through proclamations, educational events, community gatherings and more.

This year’s weekly themes are:

• Week One (May 1–10): “Safe Homes, Strong Communities” focuses on simple actions homeowners can take to improve safety at home

• Week Two (May 11–17): “Voices of the Built Environment” spotlights building safety professionals and the roles they play in keeping communities safe

• Week Three (May 18–24): “Prepared to Protect” encourages community preparedness and highlights how disaster-resilient building codes protect people and property

• Week Four (May 25–31): “Communities Without Limits” showcases the importance of accessibility in building construction and design

“Building Safety Month reinforces our members’ ongoing commitment to creating safe, resilient communities,” said Mike Boso, ICC Board of Directors President. “While May shines a spotlight on building safety, our work to protect where we live, work and play continues year- round.”

Click here to download the 2026 Building Safety Month Poster. Over the coming months, ICC will publish resources to help promote Building Safety Month including safety tips, promotional graphics, resources for teachers and more. Show your commitment to building safety and become a Building Safety Month sponsor by visiting here.

About the International Code Council

The International Code Council is the leading global source of model codes and standards and building safety solutions. ICC codes, standards and solutions are used to ensure safe, affordable and sustainable communities and buildings worldwide.

New Wood Design Guide Brings RealWorld Practice to Structural Engineers

February 11, 2026—A new book created to help structural engineers move confidently from calculations to construction is now available. NCSEA has just released Wood Design Guide, a practical, example-driven resource built around real projects and real engineering decisions.

The 155-page publication is authored by Jason McCool, P.E.; Daniel Sours, P.E., S.E.; and Tim Mays, P.E., Ph.D. Designed for both exam preparation and day-to-day practice, the guide delivers realistic design exercises drawn directly from the authors’ collective project experience.

Wood Design Guide provides comprehensive coverage of gravity, lateral, and connection design, with solutions presented using both Allowable Stress Design (ASD) and Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) approaches. An in-depth appendix walks readers through an integrated building design example based on a retail structure in Arkansas, demonstrating how individual components come together in a complete system.

The guide is current available in two formats:

• Digital version: https://www.ncsea.com/product/wood-design-guide-digital-version/

• Digital + print bundle (print copies available via pre-order): https://www.ncsea.com/product/ wood-design-guide-print-version-pre-order-digital-version/

Wood continues to play an important role in structural systems across a wide range of project types. Wood Design Guide equips engineers with practical, code-aligned guidance to support confident, efficient design in real-world applications.

Multi-user licenses are available for firms and organizations seeking broader internal access. For information, contact Shannon Wetzel at swetzel@ncsea.com

About NCSEA

The National Council of Structural Engineers Associations (NCSEA), in partnership with its Member Organizations (MOs), supports practicing structural engineers to be highly qualified professionals and successful leaders. https://www.ncsea.com/

West Fraser Announces Fourth Quarter 2025 Results

February 24, 2026 – “The fourth quarter of 2025 was another challenging period for West Fraser, marked by elevated softwood lumber duties and tariffs, southern yellow pine lumber and OSB oversupply, and tempered demand for many of our wood-based building products, much of which can be attributed to housing affordability constraints that have continued into early 2026. Notwithstanding this environment, we made great advances with some of our major capital investments that will improve both our cost profile and our operating flexibility, completing construction and starting-up our modernized lumber mill in Henderson, Texas, and effectively completing the ramp-up of our large-scale OSB mill in Allendale, South Carolina. We did have to make some difficult decisions late in the year with announced closures or curtailments of uneconomic lumber and OSB mills, but these decisions were made to size our portfolio to our customers’ demand and with a view to make the Company stronger and better positioned for the future,” said Sean McLaren, West Fraser’s President and CEO. “We are steadfast in our strategy and will continue to take the necessary steps to ensure our operations remain safe places to work, flexible, and able to effectively serve our customers while controlling costs. We will continue to evaluate strategic investments and follow a balanced capital allocation strategy that allows us to grow while maintaining robust liquidity, increasing through-cycle resilience and creating long-term shareholder value.”

Results Summary

Fourth quarter sales were $1.165 billion, compared to $1.307 billion in the third quarter of 2025. Fourth quarter earnings were $(751) million, or $(9.63) per diluted share, compared to earnings of $(204) million, or $(2.63) per diluted share in the third quarter of 2025. Fourth quarter Adjusted EBITDA was $(79) million compared to $(144) million in the third quarter of 2025.

Full year sales were $5.462 billion, compared to $6.174 billion in 2024. Full year earnings were $(937) million, or $(12.08) per diluted share, compared to earnings of $(5) million, or $(0.07) per diluted share in 2024. Full year Adjusted EBITDA was $56 million compared to $673 million in 2024.

Tariffs

Canadian softwood lumber exports to the U.S. have been the subject of trade disputes and managed trade arrangements for several decades. The current round of countervailing and antidumping duties have been in place since April 2017.

On March 4, 2025, the U.S. administration, under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), implemented an additive 25% tariff on all goods imported into the U.S. Our wood products were subject to the IEEPA tariffs for a two-day period from March 4, 2025 to March 6, 2025. On September 29, 2025, the U.S. administration issued a proclamation that imposed a tariff of 10% under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 on imported softwood timber and lumber into the U.S., effective October 14, 2025. This tariff is in addition to the existing softwood lumber duties applied to U.S. imports of Canadian lumber. The tariffs implemented under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 are still in effect as of February 10, 2026.

Read the complete press release online

UFP Industries Announces Fourth Quarter 2025 Results

February 24, 2026 – UFP Industries, Inc. a leading manufacturer focused on delivering value-added products across its Retail, Packaging, and Construction segments reported results for the fourth quarter 2025.

• Net Sales of $1.33 billion decreased by 9 percent due to a 2 percent decrease in price and a 7 percent decline in organic units.

• Adjusted EBITDA1 was $107.2 million in the quarter, or 8.1 percent of net sales compared to 9.1 percent a year ago. Adjusted EBITDA margin1 was 8.9 percent for the year, roughly 170bps higher than 2019.

• New product sales were 7.6 percent of total net sales.

Will Schwartz, President and CEO of UFP Industries, commented, “We continue to see trends stabilizing across the majority of our businesses. Despite generally soft end-market demand, our fourth quarter sales and profits were in line with internal expectations. While 2025 proved to be a challenging year given market volatility, our team made meaningful progress navigating this environment and executing on our strategy. Our disciplined focus on cost controls and growth investments leaves us on stronger footing and well-positioned as conditions improve. After several years of headwinds, we continue to see markets normalizing and are cautiously optimistic on our business prospects in 2026.”

UFP Construction

• Site Built organic unit sales declined 17 percent in the quarter from year ago levels due to weaker singlefamily residential activity in our core western markets.

• Factory Built organic unit sales grew 1 percent in the quarter from year ago levels.

• Concrete Forming Solutions organic unit sales grew 3 percent in the quarter from year ago levels.

• Commercial organic sales grew 3 percent in the quarter from year ago levels.

2026 Outlook and Long-Term Targets

We anticipate that the current market environment will continue in 2026 and that overall demand will be flat to slightly down in each of our segments based on our sales mix. We anticipate markets tied to new residential construction will remain more challenged and see stabilization across our other end markets as an offset. However, we believe we are positioned well to perform better than the market due to market share gains across our portfolio and the execution of our cost out program. We anticipate initial stocking orders, upgraded manufacturing capacity, and expanded distribution will support momentum in our Deckorators and Surestone businesses in 2026.

Read the complete press release online

Builders FirstSource Reports Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2025 Results

February 17, 2026, IRVING, Texas – Builders FirstSource, Inc. today reported its results for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2025 (all year-over-year comparisons unless otherwise noted).

• Net sales were $3.4 billion, a 12.1% decrease, primarily due to a below-normal starts environment. The decline reflects lower core organic net sales and commodity deflation, partially offset by growth from acquisitions.

• Gross profit was $1.0 billion compared to gross profit of $1.2 billion in the prior year period. Gross profit margin decreased 250 basis points to 29.8%, primarily driven by a below-normal starts environment.

• Net income was $31.5 million, or diluted EPS of $0.28 compared to diluted EPS of $1.65 in the prior year period. Net income as a percent of net sales decreased by 410 basis points to 0.9%.

• Adjusted EBITDA decreased 44.3% to $274.9 million, primarily driven by lower gross profit. Adjusted EBITDA margin declined by 470 basis points to 8.2%, attributable to lower gross margin and reduced operating leverage.

• Cash provided by operating activities was $194.8 million, a decrease of $178.7 million compared to the prior year period. The Company’s free cash flow was $109.1 million, a decrease of 60.7% compared to $277.3 million in the prior year period. The decrease was primarily driven by lower net income.

“Driven by focused execution and close customer partnerships, we successfully navigated 2025 despite ongoing housing affordability challenges, weak consumer confidence, and depressed commodity prices. We remain committed to reducing barriers to affordable housing and driving a more efficient, integrated supply chain. Our ability to perform effectively through each phase of the business cycle reflects the strength of our differentiated value-added solutions, industry-leading technology, and unique operating model,” commented Peter Jackson, CEO of Builders FirstSource.

Mr. Jackson continued, “Operating from a position of strength, we continued to invest in initiatives that enhance our capabilities, expand our footprint, and position us to outgrow the market as conditions improve. I am confident in our ability to manage through near-term uncertainty and build exceptional long-term value for our shareholders.”

Pete Beckmann, CFO of Builders FirstSource, added, “Our fourth quarter and full-year performance reflects disciplined execution in a weak housing market. We remain focused on managing costs, advancing key growth initiatives, and harnessing technology for long-term success. Supported by a fortress balance sheet and strong free cash flow through the cycle, we continue to manage capital with rigor and an intentional drive for organic growth while pursuing strategic M&A. We remain well situated to compound value as the housing market rebounds.”

Read the complete press release online

NEWs

Toll Brothers Reports FY 2026 First Quarter Results

February 19, 2026—Toll Brothers, Inc., the nation’s leading builder of luxury homes, today announced results for its first quarter ended January 31, 2026.

FY 2026’s First Quarter Financial Highlights (Compared to FY 2025’s First Quarter):

• Home sales revenues were $1.85 billion compared to $1.84 billion in FY 2025’s first quarter; delivered homes were 1,899 compared to 1,991 in FY 2025’s first quarter.

• Net signed contract value was $2.38 billion compared to $2.31 billion in FY 2025’s first quarter; contracted homes were 2,303 compared to 2,307.

• Backlog value was $6.02 billion at first quarter end compared to $6.94 billion at FY 2025’s first quarter end; homes in backlog were 5,051 compared to 6,312.

• Home sales gross margin was 24.8%, compared to FY 2025’s first quarter home sales gross margin of 25.0%.

• Adjusted home sales gross margin, which excludes interest and inventory write-downs, was 26.5%, compared to FY 2025’s first quarter adjusted home sales gross margin of 26.9%.

Douglas C. Yearley, Jr., chairman and chief executive officer, stated: “We are pleased with our first quarter results, as we met or exceeded guidance across nearly all metrics. We delivered 1,899 homes at an average price of $977,000, generating home sales revenues of $1.85 billion. Our adjusted gross margin was 26.5% in the quarter, 25 basis points better than guidance, and our SG&A expense, as a percentage of homebuilding revenues, was 13.9%, 30 basis points better than guidance. As a result, we earned $2.19 per diluted share in the quarter, a 25% increase compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2025. In addition, we signed 2,303 net contracts for $2.4 billion in the quarter, flat in units but up 3% in dollars year-over-year as our average sales price increased to $1,033,000.

“We continue to be very pleased with our focus on the luxury market and its more affluent customer base. We also continue to benefit from our broad geographic footprint, the widest variety of home offerings and price points in the industry, and our balanced mix of build-to-order and spec homes. Our business model and strategy have allowed us to perform well in the current environment, giving us the confidence to maintain our full year guidance.

“Last month, Toll Brothers was named the #1 Most Admired Home Builder in Fortune magazine’s 2026 list of the World’s Most Admired Companies, the ninth year the Company has achieved this honor. It is a recognition of our strong luxury brand and the tremendous talent and hard work of our Toll Brothers employees.”

Read the complete press release online

NEWs

Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc. Announces 2025 Fourth Quarter and Full Year Financial Results

February 10, 2026— Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc., an industry leader in engineered structural connectors and building solutions, announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year of 2025.

2025 Fourth Quarter Highlights

• Net sales of $539.3 million increased 4.2% year-over-year

• 2025 Full Year Highlights

• Net sales of $2.3 billion increased 4.5% year-over-year

• Income from operations of $458.1 million, resulting in an operating income margin of 19.6%

• Repurchased $120.0 million in common stock, including $30.0 million during the fourth quarter

Management Commentary

“In 2025, we executed with discipline across our business, and I am proud of what our teams accomplished,” said Mike Olosky, President and Chief Executive Officer of Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc. “We delivered 4.5% revenue growth in a challenging housing market and achieved a solid 19.6% operating margin, reflecting the strength of our business model and effective cost management. Top-line growth in 2025 included approximately 3% from our pricing actions, 1% from acquisitions, and 1% from foreign exchange, which was partially offset by a 1% decline in volume. Importantly, we achieved a Total Recordable Incident Rate below 1.0 for the second consecutive year, our best safety performance in company history. Our commitment to safety demonstrates the values that define Simpson, above all, “everybody matters.”

Mr. Olosky continued, “Our results this year demonstrate the resilience of our portfolio and the effectiveness of our long-term strategy. We continued to innovate, expanded our digital capabilities, brought new manufacturing capabilities online, expanded our warehouse footprint, and strengthened customer relationships across our key end markets. As we look ahead, we remain focused on our ambitions to grow above the market, achieve an operating margin of at least 20%, and drive earnings per share growth ahead of net sales growth. This focus is supported by strong operational execution and a balanced approach to capital allocation, positioning us well for continued success in 2026 and beyond as we deepen our commitment to being the partner of choice for our customers.”

Read the complete press release online

NEWs

New 2026 Connectors for Cold-Formed Steel Construction Catalog

February 11, 2026—Our 2026 Connectors for Cold-Formed Steel Construction catalog is here, bringing together innovative, field-tested connectors designed to simplify installation, improve performance and keep CFS construction moving fast.

Featuring New and Expanded Solutions

• SUBE Wall-Stud Bridging Connector — A clean, efficient way to connect CRC at wall ends and jamb conditions. The ideal companion to SUBH, saving time and reducing field labor.

• GP Gusset Plate — Fast, flexible connections for trusses, shearwalls and more. Prepunched holes and multiple sizes make installation simple and adaptable.

• S/LTTP2 Tension Tie — Built for strength with easy install. Rolled flanges and an extruded anchor hole deliver higher capacity with reduced deflection.

• HWSC® Head-of-Wall Slide-Clip Connector — Now extended to 3-5/8” framing. Designed for panelizers, tested for performance and engineered to replace slotted track at head-of-wall conditions.

• And more.

Connectors for Cold-Formed Steel Construction (C-CF-2026) is a 244-page catalog including specifications, load tables and installation illustrations for our cold-formed steel connectors and clips, helping you easily specify and install in commercial curtain-wall, mid-rise and residential construction. Expires 12/31/2028. Replaces C-CF-2023.

Download the complete catalog OR download individual pages OR request a copy by mail at https://www.strongtie. com/resources/literature/cold-formed-steel-catalog.

Also Available

The new 2026 Wood Construction Connectors catalog is here! Step into 2026 with our most advanced connectors ever. The catalog (C-C-2026) is a comprehensive guide to our most recent innovations and product line expansions as well as our existing solutions for wood construction applications. An indispensable reference document for anyone planning a wood structure, it features product information, including applicable specification and installation instructions, for wood-to-wood, wood-to-masonry and wood-to-concrete structural connectors. https://www. strongtie.com/resources/literature/wood-construction-connectors-catalog.

CFSEI Announces Program for 2026 Expo Event

February 24, 2026, Falls Church, VA — The Cold-Formed Steel Engineers Institute (CFSEI) has announced the program for the 2026 CFSEI Annual Expo, which will be held May 18–20, 2026, at the Westin Long Beach Hotel in Long Beach, California. This event is designed for engineers, architects and builders/contractors with an educational program geared towards both skilled cold-formed steel (CFS) professionals as well as newcomers.

This year’s Expo features CFS Tool Time Hands-On, the Young Member Group Mixer and Emerging Technologies, which returns for its second year.

The keynote session, titled “Advancing Cold-Formed Steel in Mid-Rise Building Systems in High Seismic Zones: Accomplishments of the CFS-NHERI and CFS10 Capstone Programs,” will be presented by Tara Hutchinson, Ph.D., from the University of California, San Diego, and Benjamin Schafer, Ph.D., P.E., F.SEI, from Johns Hopkins University.

The Expo includes several Continuing Education Sessions available PDHs/AIA Credit Units and a trade show featuring the latest technologies in cold-formed steel framing.

CFSEI Expo sponsorship opportunities are still available at the Diamond, Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze. A special conference rate for hotel reservations at the Westin Long Beach Hotel is available through April 27, 2026. Early registration and hotel room reservations are encouraged. For more information on registration, sponsorship opportunities, and awards, visit www.cfsei.org

About CFSEI

The Cold-Formed Steel Engineers Institute (CFSEI) comprises hundreds of structural engineers and other design professionals who are finding a better way to produce safe and efficient designs for commercial and residential structures with cold-formed steel. CFSEI members work together to develop and evolve industry standards and design methods, produce and issue technical bulletins, and provide seminars and online training to improve the knowledge and skills base of engineers and design professionals. For more information, visit https://www.cfsei. org and https://buildsteel.org/

INdustry NEWs

Statistics Canada: Investment in Building Construction, December 2025

February 18, 2026—The total value of investment in building construction increased $442.9 million (+1.9%) to $23.7 billion in December. The residential sector grew 2.4%, while the non-residential sector edged up 0.6%. Year over year, investment in building construction grew 12.2% in December. On a constant dollar basis (2023=100), the total value of investment in building construction in December rose 1.7% from the previous month to $21.8 billion and was up 8.4% year over year.

Multi-unit construction drives growth in residential investment

In December, investment in residential building construction was up $401.0 million to $16.8 billion. This growth was driven by the multi-unit component (+2.6%), followed by the singlefamily component (+2.3%).

Investment in multi-unit construction rose $234.1 million to $9.3 billion in December, led by Ontario (+$266.9 million) and Alberta (+$97.3 million). The increase was partially offset by declines in Quebec (-$111.8 million) and Manitoba (-$25.2 million). In total, three provinces and two territories contributed to the growth in this component.

Meanwhile, investment in single-family home construction increased $166.9 million to $7.5 billion. The increase was driven by Ontario (+$116.3 million) and British Columbia (+$45.6 million).

Commercial component leads non-residential sector

Investment in non-residential construction edged up $41.9 million to $6.9 billion in December. Growth in the commercial (+1.3%) and institutional (+0.2%) components were moderated by a slight decline in the industrial component (-0.4%).

Commercial construction investment rose $43.8 million to $3.5 billion in December. This growth was driven by Alberta (+$20.6 million), followed by Ontario (+$15.7 million) and British Columbia (+$6.4 million). In total, eight provinces and one territory contributed to the increase in commercial construction investment. Investment in office building construction led the increase in the commercial component, driven by major projects in the Toronto and Vancouver census metropolitan areas.

Investment in the institutional component edged up $3.8 million to $2.1 billion in December, led by British Columbia (+$21.1 million) and Alberta (+$7.6 million). The slight gains in these two provinces were moderated by declines across four provinces and two territories, driven by Ontario (-$21.4 million).

Investment in the industrial component edged down $5.8 million to $1.3 billion in December, marking the 11th consecutive monthly decrease. Quebec (-$3.9 million), British Columbia (-$2.5 million) and Manitoba (-$1.1 million) were the primary contributors to the decline, while Ontario (+$1.9 million) partially offset it.

For more information on construction, please visit the Construction statistics portal. For more information on housing, please visit the Housing statistics portal.

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Truss Designer - MiTek HZ00030

British Columbia Canada

Founded in 1971, AcuTruss Industries (1996) Limited is comprised of five sales offices and three manufacturing plants, all located in beautiful British Columbia. AcuTruss is Western Canada's premier supplier of roof trusses, floor joists, ICF, wall panels, wood and steel beams and full engineering services.

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FThe Last Word

Truss Math on Your Phone

ew, if any, pieces of wood will pass the scrutiny of an 8’ level, and the superintendent of Bill Milburn’s homes in Texas wielded his level like a weapon. When I walked those houses, I needed a level, plumb line, string line, and more. Today, I have some of the same capabilities in my pocket, in the apps and search functions.

My favorite app is Clinometer, available on most phones, which measures angles, and consequently, plumb. Upon opening the app, the screen displays the angle, in relation to the body of the phone. For example, by placing the side of the phone against a vertical surface like this wall stud, it reveals that it's about 1° out-of-plumb. A good place to use Clinometer is to verify the plumb of any member of a truss that will receive an interior finish. Because these types of members almost never line up exactly with pucks on a truss table, they will not receive additional jigging that maintains their straightness. Readings should remain within a range of approximately 1° when sliding the phone along the length of the member.

Checking heights with Clinometer is straightforward, especially if you can position yourself on flat ground a distance away from the object, and roughly equal to the expected height. In this example, I sighted on the top of the tower’s platform along the side of the phone, while I walked away from the tower. In default mode, with the phone held still, Clinometer announces the angle. When I heard “45 degrees,” I verified that I was standing at a spot that was about level with the base of the tower. Then, I counted eight steps to the base and calculated: (8 steps x 3’ per step + 6’ my height) = 30’ height of upper platform.

I can check my results with a Google search, where I also learn that selecting a 45° angle yields an isosceles right triangle, and the advantageous result of rise = height.

A Google search can also determine truss parameters without resorting to math functions. For example, here’s a Google search to determine the end height of a 2x8 rafter. The heading “AI Overview” should prompt us to check the source cited, “rooftrusses.ca,” to ascertain the accuracy, which points to Roof Trusses & Components Ltd. near Toronto, Canada.

As with most AI inquiries, by entering further prompts, in this case “find the heel height of a truss to match,” we uncover the calculations that produce the result.

In this example, two sources are listed, “ChiefTalk” and “Plumb,” which are not recognizable to me. By clicking on the three dots, called an “overflow menu,” we see Google’s caveat, “AI is a work in progress.” However, we can probably rely on the result, because two different sources agree and one is from a truss company. Or, we can check the math ourselves.

These examples illustrate the increasing usefulness of the Internet, AI, and apps like Clinometer, of which there are many. While these provide valuable quick checks, they should be regarded as rough checks that point us in the right direction before verification with the standard tools of the trade, including measuring tapes, stringlines, levels, and, in the best case, surveying instruments. Yet they also provide valuable math lessons that can lead to a better understanding of the fundamentals of the truss business.