Finding a truss manufacturer you can trust

A S THE truss manufacturing

.Cl,industry matures. increasing the needed sophistication to produce roof and floor trusses, wall panel systems and other engineered wood products, independent lumber yards are thinking twice before adding their own truss plant.

To operate and optimize the increasingly sophisticated software and equipment ($), plants require increasingly sophisticated designers and engineers ($). To maximize the fiber and strength of every stick of lumber, manufacturing facilities must stock a large, varied inventory of grades and lengths ($).

"A computerized saw to cut chords and webs costs $175.000. a laser assembly system and table a couple hundred thousand," says David Gould, pres. of Wood Structures, Biddeford, Me., which specializes in supplying trusses to independent lumber yards. "But the difference between the new and the old equipment is so vast, you can't afford not to have the very best."

The large often unusual-shaped products require specialized handling and delivery equipment, including roller decks and cranes ($). And, of course, if one day something goes wrong, it's typically the truss manufacturer who assumes the greatest amount of liability ($$$).

"It's a pretty significant investment. You have to do a lot of volume to justify that overhead," Gould says, noting the national trend towards outsourcing, particularly in industries such as construction, that are highly cyclical and seasonal.

"Because specialized truss producers are handling huge volumes, they usually can ship stock products next day and custom products in seven to l0 days. Independents might not be able to meet those deadlines," he adds. "When we select our vendors, we set pretty high standards. Standards for quality, for delivery, for pricing. If retailers are buildins trusses them- selves, they're not putting them out to quote."

The most important thing to do in selecting a truss supplier is to visit both its manufacturing and design operations. Check out the qualifications and experience of the designers and engineers. Ask what their capabilities are and what range of products they can provide. What's the turnaround time for a quote? What are their general insurance coverages?

Investigate how long the company has been in business. If in 10 years the structure needs to be altered or expanded, you want to know the manufacturer will be around to provide assistance, answers and compatible products. The original designs will be invaluable.

Story at a Glance Selecting and working with a truss supplier increasing soph istication of truss design and manufacturing.

Tour the manufacturing plant. What does the lumber look like? How about the grades of the lumber, the connections? What is the size of and selection in their inventory? How modern is their equipment?

Inquire about lead times. Do they vary by season? Do they apply equally to all customers, or are there different categories of favorites? Does the manufacturer deliver the trusses to the jobsite or just to the yard, and is there a charge for this service? Does the company have self-unloading equipment or do you need to have workers and equipment waiting? Do they guarantee the delivery date and what happens if they don't meet it?

Once a retailer chooses a truss supplier, the most important thing it can do to ensure a happy relationship is to make its needs absolutely clear and accurate. Explains Gould: "For a manufacturer to provide the best product at the best cost in the most efficient manner, it must be provided the very best details up front. You have to have them if you want the proper engineering solution. As they say, garbage in, garbage out. If you're building floor trusses, you must understand all the loads, up to the roof. If someone forgets to mention there's a rooftop air conditioning unit that could cause some trouble."