Laminator Expanding

Standard Structures, Inc., producers of glued laminated timbers, has announced a major expansion program that will enable it to Produce one million board feet a month of XL finger jointed long length joists and to substantially increase its production of all glulam products.

SSI broke ground in October on a new 40,000 sq. ft. production facility that is scheduled for completion March l. The expansion was necessitated by the increasing use of glue laminated timbers in a wide variety of both residential and c o m m e rc ia I c on st ru ct ion throughout California and other western states, according to William I. Sterett., v.p. of sales for SSI.

Most of the new facility will manufacture XL joists, the finger jointed lumber that is gaining increased acceptance by residential builders, especially those working in the multiple unit field.

A second production line,

(Continued on next page)

Laminator Growth

(Continued frctm page 45) scheduled for operation late in 1979, will produce Standard Plank, a new glued laminated timber decking product, special lengths of Mini Lam, glued laminated structural framing, and Lam Top, sections of glulams with the appearance of butcher block that will be aimed at the do-it-yourself market.

SSI produces XL in a variety of sizes up to 72' long. A claimed advantage is that they greatly reduce pier and girder requirements and decrease installation time when compared with installation of shorter lengths of standard joists.

They are kiln dried to a moisture content of l50[ or less, making them stronger and lighter than green lumber. Because of their dryness, there is virtually no further shrinkage, the company says, and, consequently, no twisting, warping or checking.

SSI is marketing XLs as a component in a floor framing system that includes their Mini Lam beams as girders. A variety of floor decking products can be used to complete the system.

With the opening of the new facility. located on the grounds of the existing facility and headquarters office in Santa Rosa, SSI will begin a new service to builders of computerized building specifica- tions. The system will provide customers with specifications and cost for grid spacing, number of piers, and the structural material best suited for the job.

"The beauty of XLs is that they eliminate the need for lap joints in floor framing. resulting in a more solid stucture," Sterett said. "ln addition to providing no-squeak floors, the system also prevents nail pops because of the precision mating of surfaces within the XL joist."

The new facility will be built amost entirely of SSI's own products. Glulams up to 100 feet long, many of them cambered, will sup- port the roof. The exterior will feature glued laminated and natural wood facing and a mansard roof faced w-ith cedar shingles. The heating system will include a method of using waste lumber from the facility as an alternate source of energy.

SSI also operates another plant in Fresno. Ca.

An Empty Wagon

(Continued from page 42) goods or payment of the invoice.

Time is money. even in noninflationary periods, and for every one of the customers who voice their vehement objections to your inept operation there are a hundred less volatile, who not only don't voice their embitterment but neelect to mention that the next occision might call for a revised strategem, including a call to another supplier whose inventory relates to the needs of his valued customers and isn't based on his fantasy fears or his lack offoresight.

It might have been difficult to write the foregoing in good conscience if we had not been a participant, at one time or another. in every aspect of the not-so-fictional conditions described.

Palletized Red Gedar