June 2026 Component Manufacturing Advertiser Magazine by Component Manufacturing Advertiser

Component manufaCturing

A dverti $ er

Serving the Structural Building componentS

A dverti $ er Component manufaCturing

Anna Stamm – Advertiser Forum: What a Knock Says

Joe Kannapell:

Home Building Technology, Part XVII: The Reclamation of Southern Pine

Glenn Traylor: Does Your Plant Understand “Qualifying” the Lumber Used?

Brett Kinny – Spida Machinery: Why We Treat Software as Core Engineering

Ed Lim – LimTek Solutions: NEXPLATE: Achieving F1 Pit-Stop Speed in Truss Production

Triad | Merrick Machine Company: Recognizing Achievements at the Triad/Ruvo Annual National Trade Show

Todd Drummond Consulting, LLC: Improve Labor Visibility While Keeping Existing Methods in Place

Paragon Team: Software Decisions Are People Decisions

Garry Roehr – AMT Robotics: How Fast Does a Wall Panel Factory Need to Be in North America?

Jarred Frescura – Solutions 4 Design Expanding Technical Service Capabilities for Component Manufacturers

Carl Villella – Acceptance Leasing: Strategic Finance for Modern Manufacturers

Thomas McAnally – TheJobLine: Onboarding is Not Orientation

Geordie Secord – Design Connections: Building a Knowledge Transfer SOP

Ryan Colker, J.D., CAE –International Code Council: Off-Site Construction Opens Doors for the Next Generation of Construction Workers

The Building Center Team: Growing The Building Center in the Carolinas

Craig Webb – Webb Analytics: The Hidden Assets Revealed in the 2026 CS150

Bill Krick, P.E. – Alpine: Long Span Trusses

MiTek Staff: Mansard-type Truss Design

Simpson Strong-Tie Staff: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Component Manufacturing

Sean Shields – SBCA: Incredible Value Awaits You in Columbus at BCMC 2026

Joe Kannapell – The Last Word: Labor Measurement After Houlihan

A dverti $ er Component manufaCturing

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

Inside

Published Monthly

Publisher

Thomas McAnally twm@componentadvertiser.org

Editor Anna L. Stamm 800-289-5627 x 3 anna@componentadvertiser.org

Distributed FREE Via e-mail subscription Download PDF or Read on line at www.componentadvertiser.com

News of Interest and Advertising inquiries can be submitted to: anna@componentadvertiser.org An Open Forum for many sources. Deadline 20th of each month. Articles, Trade Names, and Logos are the property of their respective owner or creator unless otherwise noted

Disclaimer: We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement or material that we deem not in the interest of the industry or the Advertiser. Permission to use content is the responsibility of the contributor including permissions to use any likeness of persons.

The Advertiser is provided “As Is” including typographical errors, omissions, and mistakes both intentional and unintentional.

Component Manufacturing Advertiser

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The Advertiser 7586 Becks Grove Road Freetown, Indiana 47235 no reproduction in whole or in part without permission from the component manufacturing advertiser

Archive Copies Available On Line www.componentadvertiser.com

Anna L. Stamm Director of Communications and Marketing Component Manufacturing Advertiser.

Advertiser Forum

What a Knock Says

Idon’t mind having solicitors from time to time, even though the neighborhood has a sign against it. In fact, when someone tells me they’re doing work on a neighbor’s house that interests me, I’ll have a conversation and get a quote. Why not? It’s not as if I’ll hire anyone without doing my due diligence.

The Professional Knock

First impressions matter. When someone comes to my door, knocks like a professional, introduces themselves and their business, and treats me like an intelligent individual, I respond in kind. I listen to the pitch, and I either say it doesn’t interest me or I pursue the idea. Everything remains cordial and professional. It’s a promising start to what may become a business relationship.

The Liar’s Knock

Over time, I’ve come to lose all respect for the person who comes to my door and knocks in a cutesy way, as if we’re friends and I’m supposed to be expecting and welcoming them. We’re not friends — we’re strangers. That cutesy knock is not professional, and it does not build respect or trust.

Earlier this spring, when I was working in the front yard, a man approached me about pest control. His first comment was how I had a nice lawn and don’t I want to protect it? I retorted that, no, I do not have a nice lawn, at which point he actually looked at it and realized I was correct. I was willing to overlook that lie, because it was intended to be an icebreaker, and because I have a wasp problem, I asked for a quote on wasps. I encouraged him to walk up to my porch and around my house to see where they were taking up residence, then give me an estimate explaining what his company could do for me. After that walk, he offered me no information and simply wanted me to sign up — which I refused, asserting that I was busy working and he needed to email me a quote. He offered to come back later that day — which I flatly rejected, again insisting he email me. So, at nearly 8 pm that night, I heard the cutesy knock. I did not answer the door…until the third time he used that knock. Only then did I whip open the door, say loudly “I told you not to come back but to email me,” and slam it closed. Two months later, I’m still waiting for an email with a quote.

It All Matters

Not everyone posing as a professional will actually be one. Likewise, not everyone who’s overly friendly will be a con man. But, in trying to tell the difference, actions matter as much as words.

YOUR COMPLETE PARTNER FOR HIGHER PROFITABILITY

Rising labor and time pressures demand solutions that reduce rework and keep projects moving. Accurate estimates, code-compliant structural systems, and connected modeling and takeoff services work best when they work together.

That’s the MiTek advantage—helping you streamline operations, create consistency at scale, and support better, faster, safer builds.

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

THome Building Technology, Part XVII: The Reclamation of Southern Pine

echnology, like we observed at last month’s Annual MSR Workshop, is the main reason Southern Pine has surpassed Douglas Fir as the predominant truss material. But, making this challenging transition has taken the work of lumber producers and their truss plant consumers. What’s more, the culmination of the lumber industry efforts was on display at the magnificent $210 Million Canfor sawmill that was the highlight of the MSR Workshop.

On the way to the Canfor mill, we drove through stands of Longleaf Southern Pine, the source of the best truss material in the world. We passed the site of the former Gulf Lumber sawmill, which had been tapping this abundant resource since 1887, but would underutilize it until the timber industry began its move toward the Southeast. Gulf’s product did not reach its full potential until Canfor purchased Gulf and invested in the latest technology.

In 1955, just after the birth of the truss industry, Weyerhaeuser made its first bid to escape logging curtailments in the Northwest by buying 550,000 acres of timberland in the South. This began the increasing reliance of timber companies on Southern Pine lumber, but it did not change builder preferences for the straighter and more uniform western woods. However, Gulf Lumber was quickly recognized by truss manufacturers for their superior product, and many were willing to pay the extra freight to haul it from near the Gulf of Mexico to the Northeast, especially after 1979 when Gulf became one of the first southern mills to mechanically grade lumber with a machine stress-rated (MSR) lumber testing machine. With the availability of Gulf’s 2850f/2.3E MSR lumber, agricultural truss makers were able to span further with narrower-width material.

To address quality issues, a well-regarded Southern Pine producer, the Union Camp Company, focused on the kiln-drying process because Southern Pine is more porous than western woods and can have a moisture content exceeding 40% when cut. During the 1960s, Union Camp had devoted considerable capital toward regulating the moisture content of the wood going into their pulp and paper business, and in the early 1980s, they began directing resources toward that end in their lumber business. At their Franklin mill in rural Virginia, Larry Culpepper helped develop and later perfect the first computerized, multi-zoned dry kiln that dramatically improved the quality of the finished product. Union Camp added this technology to their mill in Meldrim, Georgia, so both mills then supplied the most sought-after product in the Southeast, and Larry Culpepper went on to consult with other mills to improve their drying processes.

In 1988, Weyerhaeuser began testing a new product which promised to take the best advantage of their lumber harvest in the South, called machine evaluated lumber (MEL). The first production of MEL came from a Plymouth, NC mill to the Virginia plant where I was GM. The product we tested was stamped M19 and had values comparable to the 2x4 #2 chord material that we had been using as chord material (M29 would have higher values today due to reduction in visually graded lumber values). We had no issues with the MEL product and soon learned that other Weyerhaeuser and Gilman (now West Fraser) mills were offering MEL.

This method of grading takes account of the wide variation, up to 31%, of the properties of the four species that comprise the Southern Pine grouping. For example, Longleaf Pine and Slash Pine generally have the same stiffness (MOE), while Slash Pine can carry more load before breaking (MOR) and can be assigned a higher allowable bending stress. But Longleaf Pine resists crushing better than Slash Pine. To account for this level of variability, the Southern Pine Inspection Bureau (SPIB) has prescribed 16 MSR and 21 MEL Pine grades that give mills the flexibility to select the best combination of properties based on their incoming timber. Assigning the optimal grades requires the technology that we had come to the Workshop to see.

On our mill tour, we ascended stairs and stepped onto a catwalk that ran parallel to the path of the thousandpound logs beginning their rapid transit through the debarking process, attended by a single person, whose only job was to clear any congestion on the line. Not observable, but explained to us, was the end-to-end scanning of each log and computer-determined positioning of each log to optimize the yield of boards prior to cutting. Then came the remarkable grading process, where each finished board passes through more scanners that identify the knots, wane, and slope of grain that are the primary determinants of lumber grade. Last was the acoustic measurement of each board’s strength properties, finalizing its grade. (For more information on this grading technology, see the article by Linda Brown and Frank Woeste, Machine Graded Lumber: Technologies, Quality, and Benefits.)

Touring this Canfor facility and learning that $1 Billion of additional capital is pouring into southern mills indicates that the truss industry will continue to have a plentiful supply of structurally graded lumber. Regarding the quality of that supply, one of the attendees inquired, “Is the quality of Southern Pine lumber decreasing?” The somewhat unsatisfying answer was, “While the appearance of Canfor’s output may not be improving, its uniformity is assured.” In other words, with all of this investment and the improvements in drying technology, we can be assured of the structural integrity of Southern Pine, and the risk of shipping below-grade material is far lower than it has been with visually graded material. While we can be confident the product of these mills exceeds the strength of the Douglas Fir it is replacing, the need for culling will not be diminished. Even so, thanks to the increasing use of linear saws, culled chord members may be repurposed as web members, optimizing the yield of our lumber resource, just as we observed at the Canfor mill.

Equip your customers for faster framing.

Introducing the Simpson Strong-Tie ® EasyFrame automated marking system. A combination saw and printer, EasyFrame cuts detailed wall panel framing members that are pre-marked for fast, accurate assembly. Designed for efficiency, EasyFrame prints framing plans directly onto lumber, including locations of boards, connectors, wiring and more. It can be paired with a manual or automated saw, and features a blade enclosure for safety. Powerful software also lets you ensure precision and optimize material use. EasyFrame is supported by our installation and onboarding services, training and technical expertise. It’s a smart way to equip customers for wall panel jobs while setting your business apart. Add EasyFrame to your lumber sales area. To learn more, visit go.strongtie.com/easyframe or call (800) 999-5099.

Sub Component Nailer

Speed Up Your Production of wall panels, windows, doors, and other sub components

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

Transfer System: Pneumatic transfer for

Covers: 3/16” thick

Shipping

– Bill McAlpine, Co-founder of Alpine

In 1966, we designed 200 trusses for three customers. Since then, our team has helped build millions of homes in North America through high-quality component manufacturing.

A lot has changed in 60 years, but our commitment to partnership has always been at the core of what we do.

At Alpine, our team fosters lasting relationships with customers and collaborates on solutions. Our industry innovations have been driven by challenges we’ve seen component manufacturers face. We truly want to see everyone succeed.

Like the plaque in our Orlando office reads, “Find good people and grow old with them.” So here’s to six decades of innovative, solution-forward component manufacturing—all thanks to our team members and customers who made it possible.

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.

• 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

• 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

PDoes Your Plant Understand “Qualifying” the Lumber Used?

urchasing the correct grade of lumber to match your design drawing requirements is only one step in selecting the right lumber. Previously, we’ve discussed lumber quality in “Who is Responsible for Lumber Quality in Your Trusses?,” but let’s expand that discussion with this important concept of qualifying lumber.

A particularly key step that’s often misunderstood is called qualifying the lumber. This step should happen early in the lumber picking process but, because of distinct reasons, it might be skipped. When that happens, unacceptable lumber can arrive at the saw. Then, at the saw, lumber qualification should take place, but unfortunately sometimes unacceptable lumber makes it through this step and reaches the table. Now at the table, decisions need to be made that will impact the quality of the component, and they will make the difference between ANSI/TPI 1 compliance and liability.

The first photo is an installation that everyone should agree is not acceptable. The heavily waned web has zero tooth capacity to transfer load from member to member. The reason this is not acceptable is because the plate must be embedded within specific tolerances to be effective. See Table 3.7-1, ANSI/TPI 1

Let’s examine some key details that can help your facility understand the process and respond appropriately and practically. In the olden days, we just made sure we had lumber that was mostly defect free. Today, that might not be practical, especially where we have cost constraints.

The Key Points

• Just because lumber is correctly graded, that does not mean it is suitable for use in a component.

• Lumber grading is a function of capacity, so it’s not necessarily about practical use in trusses. A defect can pass a grading rule but still be unsuitable for component use (see photo).

• Selection of appropriate lumber must have some connection to the function of the member, but often in today’s operations it does not.

• Some linear saw operations make culling based on need impractical, so it’s often ignored.

• During automation, picking, loading, and transfer to the table, lumber is not evaluated and inappropriate pieces often end up at the table, resulting in lumber needing to be recut because the defects are not suitable or migratable.

• Component needs can vary depending on use, e.g., floors require different characteristics compared to roof trusses.

• A wood member not suitable for floors might be perfectly okay for roofs and vice versa.

• Down-grading the lumber due to negative characteristics reduces the value of the lumber once installed in the product.

The simple sketch of a floor truss edge shows how the surface plates are embedded. This is a limited narrow area of real estate. This narrow 1-1/2” wide surface needs to be fully utilized to transfer load. Higher plate tolerance helps make some defects under the plated area tolerable, but often plate placement and other factors will use up any gains from over-plating. This is why floor truss plates should be installed as close to the top of the top chord and as close to the very bottom of the bottom chord as possible to resolve the design forces.

In the final photo, excessive wane prevents any reasonable tooth connection. Please note that the face of the web exceeds half of the face of the member in the plated area. Even with a 20% fabrication tolerance, the tooth count will not meet the design requirements.

The Bottom Line

Meeting lumber grading rules does not automatically make lumber suitable for your application. Wane is a critical factor in that determination and must be considered by everyone involved in the process. It is always important that you qualify your lumber for the job you expect it to perform – your quality, safety, and liability depend on it.

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.

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.

Price Reduction!

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.

Fitzgerald Group, LLC

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.

Retrofit Options & Expansions For Everyone!

Enhance your truss production with our advanced retrofit options, each equipped with the industry-leading WizardPDS® automation. Whether you need full automation on your entire line or just a 48’ section, our line of Retrofits & Upgrades achieves the same efficiency as the newest press lines in the industry! These automated options offer flexibility and breathe new life into any existing, new, or discontinued line.

Your table, automated.

We bring the best together!

2005 Alpine ALS 276C Linear Saw

2005 Alpine ALS 276C Linear Saw: 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 idler roller infeed conveyor and 15 foot idler roller outfeed conveyor, and under-saw scrap conveyor with belt-type incline. All servo controlled functions, Microsoft Windows 10 Pro o/s (can be upgraded to Windows 10 LTSC for additional cost), 7.5 HP motor with 20” carbide tipped blade. Includes digital manual and Zebra brand label maker, model 105SL. No ink printer is included. 220 volt, 3 phase, 100 Amp electrical required. 125 PSI air required.

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

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 $10,900 FOB NE Wasserman & Associates 800-382-0329 www.wasserman-associates.com

Software That Works For You!

Our tailor-made suite of software supports every step of the frame and truss manufacturing process.

We combine software, automation and local support to drive better performance in your plant.

+ Our software works in perfect tandem with our machinery - get in touch with us to learn more.

By Brett Kinny Machinery Software Manager

FWhy We Treat Software as Core Engineering

rame and truss machinery has always competed on mechanical engineering design, and it still does. But, when you ask a plant manager where the day-to-day pain and gains in their plant actually come from, increasingly the answer is software.

Throughput, uptime, operator experience — these now depend on code as much as steel. The buyers who have noticed this are starting to ask different questions about what they’re buying, and they’re not always getting good answers. Many vendors are still selling machinery built on oldgeneration technology and user interfaces that look 20 years out of date.

Bringing Software and Automation Together

At Spida Machinery, we’ve built our Automation Software team around the idea that software deserves to be treated as core engineering, not as something bolted onto machines as an afterthought. That shapes the people we hire, how we ship releases, and how we support our customers across Australia, New Zealand, and North America.

Most teams keep automation and software separate, but not us. We have automation engineers and software engineers — and all are domain experts on the machines, with deep overlap between the two roles. They move between the disciplines fluently, bringing software practice into automation and automation rigor into software.

That overlap is where the leverage is, and the wider automation industry is only now starting to catch up to it. We have been working this way for years.

Why Continuity Matters

Several of our engineers have been at Spida for 10 years or more. Several others have passed the five-year mark. That continuity matters in a way that doesn’t always show up in a brochure. When you call us about something odd happening in your system, the team handling it has likely been working on that system, or one like it, for the better part of a decade. Diagnoses come faster, updates introduce fewer bugs, feature decisions are smarter. Our engineers have spent time on the factory floor, and they understand the needs of the machine operators.

The Foundation for Better Software

Our automation and software are built to ISO 13849 and AS/NZS 4024 from the design stage: our lead engineers all have formal training in functional safety. We run strict QA and have a dedicated software tester on the team. Releases go out on a regular cycle, and when something needs a hotfix, the team is structured to push one out in days rather than months. This is the foundation everything else rests on. Above it sits our R&D work, where we get to do our most interesting engineering, and where we test what we believe about how our software should be built.

Take the GlideAway, our flagship truss assembly system, which combines automated jigging with robotic handling of nail plates, picked and pressed accurately at the joint without operator intervention. We have three of these systems in the wild, and the engineering on the platform has not stopped. Each release tightens accuracy, trims cycle time, or shifts work the operator used to do onto the machine. The system gets easier to run, and the throughput keeps climbing.

Keeping Support Close to the Install

All of this depends on being where our customers are. We support our software across three countries and multiple time zones. When a plant calls, our local service team picks up, not a queue on the other side of the world waiting for a different shift to come in. When something needs escalating to the software team, the software team is in your region too. The whole chain stays close to the install. Problems land with people who can act on them today, not someone reading a ticket days later.

Building for What Comes Next

We watch what other industries are doing and bring back what fits. Customers are asking for deeper data integration, the kind of insight that shows what is actually happening on the plant floor in real time, not just what got produced at the end of the shift. They are asking for predictive maintenance, so that downtime gets planned rather than discovered. They are asking for machines that are safer and more efficient at the same time, which is a harder engineering problem than either one alone. We have been building toward this for years. The discipline, the team, and the in-region footprint are what let us keep building.

The Software Partnership Behind the Machine

A frame and truss plant chooses machinery for the next 15 or 20 years. That decision is also the choice of a software partner for the same period. We think the choice should be made deliberately.

We have built our team so that when our software is running in your plant, the people who write the software will continue to support it, and keep making it better with every release.

If any of this resonates with you, we’d be happy to continue this conversation.

$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.

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.

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 NOW $18,900 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

1994 Holtec Bunk Saw Station 20-ft long fixed frame with steel alignment stands, and rough-top waste conveyor belt. Cuts bunks of lumber up to 16-ft long with a 40″ x 44″ cross-section, in a single pass. Includes guide frame, manual / analog length measurement, manual rack & pinion gantry movement, an automated oiler (has a leak that needs repair) for the saw bar, one 0.404″ pitch chain, and OEM “longlife” saw bar. Also includes a flat conveyor under saw & an incline. (NOTE: This saw is not best suited for PET studs, instead great for precut bunks, and nominal cut EWP).

$19,897 FOB GA

Wood Tech Systems 765-751-9990

www.woodtechsystems.com

$48,900 FOB BC

2019 Spida Automated Apollo Saw

• Automated Length Stop and Automated Saw Angulation as directed by Truss Design Software Output

• Touch Screen Computer with Truss Cutting Operating Software (GEN 8)

• Direct Drive 7.5 HP Motor (460 Volt / 3 Phase) with 18" Blade

• Automated 160 Degree Angular Movement

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

• Variable Stroke Limiter, Plexiglass Shield & Laser Pointer for Operator Safety

• 20' of Steel Framed/Plastic Top Table with Automated 20' Length Stop

• 10' Infeed Roller Conveyor

• Dust Collection System

• Excludes: Installation/Training & Annual Technical Support Fee

• Video available upon request

• Price in US Dollars

Alpine ALS 276C Linear Saw $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.

Edmond Lim, P.Eng. LimTek Solutions Inc.

NEXPLATE: Achieving F1

Pit-Stop Speed in Truss

Production

Affectionately dubbed 3.0, the latest generation of Enventek’s NEXPLATE injects Formula 1-style velocity to truss build tables. Building on the foundation of version 2.0 — which debuted last year at the Building Component Manufacturers Conference (BCMC) in Omaha — NEXPLATE 3.0 steps up the pace significantly. It is no longer just about dispensing truss plates; it is about completely orchestrating efficient workflow. Rather than requiring workers to sort through pre-picked bulk inventory, the system automates Just-In-Time (JIT) collated truss plates directly to each individual truss build table.

NEXPLATE 3.0 now comes fully loaded with advanced process organization and smart dispatch software that automates JIT collated truss plates to each truss build table. Enventek has delivered a next-gen automation solution that will increase existing total plant truss output by eliminating the hidden wasted time in traditional “lean” truss setups and reclaim table crew and machinery idle time.

High-Speed Dispensing: From a bird’s-eye view, the industrial plate rack hoppers can accommodate a massive variety of SKUs. The system thrives on complexity, dispensing collated pairs of truss plates at a blistering rate of 1,000 to 2,000 plates per hour.

The NEXPLATE operator simply refills the plate hoppers with the stocked plates and manually places any nonstocked plates as instructed by the tablet at the end of the bin catch (in the photo, see non-stocked plate boxes conveniently placed on the catch table upper shelf).

It doesn’t take long for NEXPLATE to fill bins in the exact truss build order for each table. The operator easily stacks the filled bins as ejected, representing the exact truss build order when the NEXPLATE carts arrive at each truss build table.

At the tables, it looks clean and lean on each truss changeover and in between every truss built and ejected. Shown next are the collated plates in truss build order in the foreground (left side of the jig). The empties are in the background (right side of jig).

Truss R45 has a nonstocked 9x19 Super High Strength pair of plates placed manually on top in the bin.

Let’s look at a few trusses (R45, R46, R47, and R48) from a typical 10 unique truss build.

Truss R46 starts off moving right to left along the truss with 2x4 on the bottom, 5x6 on the top joint, 6x8 bottom, 6x8 top, 8x8 bottom, 6x8 top, 8x8 bottom, 6x8 top, 4x4 top, 6x8 bottom, 6x8 top, finishing with 2x4 bottom. The top photo shows R46 ready for rolling and lift-out.

Truss R47 has a completely different set of truss plates than the previous truss R47, all of which will also be efficiently and speedily distributed.

Here’s a look at the bin containing the plates for truss R48, layered in order starting from right to left of truss.

Now, here’s a “before NEXPLATE” photo that shows how things look at a typical truss build table. The plates look “scattered,” and the cut lumber takes time to set up in front of the truss build table.

Technically, once the lumber is in front of the table, the crew could start building the first truss, however, without NEXPLATE, most crews will then need to take the time to lay out batches of truss plates at each joint while the table is idle. This can take upwards of 20 minutes. And then it needs to be repeated, depending on how many pairs of plates can be laid out at each joint.

A run of 80 trusses may need to go through this 20-minute re-batching process four times! NEXPLATE will reclaim the time used to lay out batches of truss plates at each joint.

“After” N EXPLATE , you can maintain a clean, uncluttered work surface, which facilitates the table being worked more efficiently and safely. It also allows crew re-balancing and better sequencing to speed up truss build times.

It’s easy to see how the loaded bin carts are going to enable high-speed truss production, coupled with organized cut lumber in front of the truss tables ready to go.

The sequenced, layered bins are produced without manual stacking, as the machine automatically layers the plates into the blue bins, collating them across the truss from left-to-right or right-to-left, configured for each table.

Each blue bin ejected from the system represents a complete, sequential truss , finalized with integrated bin content paperwork.

Each cart represents trusses to be built at a designated table in the exact build order — the top bin is the first truss to build and the bottom bin is the last truss.

Importantly, NEXPLATE is invisible to the truss design and production workflow, and NEXPLATE works with all truss plate suppliers and their respective software.

With NEXPLATE, Enventek has delivered a next-gen solution that finally smashes the hidden automation bottleneck plaguing “million-dollar truss tables.” For too long, expensive investments in advanced auto-jigging setups and precision laser projection have been neutralized by the oldschool, inefficient distribution of truss plates. By replacing outdated manual plate gathering with high-velocity, automated plate sequencing, component manufacturers can finally unlock the true ROI of their table automation.

For operations ready to trade traditional lean best practices for Formula 1-style velocity, the race to the finish line just got a lot faster. https://limteksolutions.com/#solutions

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.

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

Greater Columbus Convention Center Columbus, Ohio | September 14-18, 2026

Keynote Speaker

Jesse Itzler

Serial Entrepreneur, #1 NYT bestselling author, and endurance athlete, Jesse Itzler has built and sold companies like Marquis Jet and ZICO Coconut Water and is a part owner of the Atlanta Hawks. At BCMC, he’ll share powerful insights on mindset, resilience, and performance.

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.

ACTUALLY, WE CAN SAY QUITE A LOT WITH LASER ACCURACY.

To see meaningful labor savings, quality improvement and production gains, SL Lasers with their easy-to-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.

productivity of any

A dverti $ er

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 vertically to 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

• Model 349A

• Automated Setup via Download or SemiAutomated Setup via Touch Screen

• Servo Controlled Saw

• 23 Axes of Automation

• Typical setup time is less than 14 Seconds

• Five Blades (3-18", 1-20" and 1-32") with Blade Brakes

• Cut 2x3 thru 2x12 from 2'-6" to 20'

• Waste Conveyor (under saw)

• Spare Parts: Danaher S1808 Module and Fox Drive Six Pack

• 480 Volt / 3 Phase

• E xcludes Incline Waste Conveyor (adjacent to saw)

• Video available upon request

• Price is US Dollars

FOB AB

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 NOW $5,997 FOB ON 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

Recognizing Achievements at the Triad/Ruvo

Annual

National Trade Show

By the Triad | Merrick Machine Company Team

Approximately 50 companies again made the trip this year, from across the US, Canada, and Brazil, to view Triad wall panel, sub-component, and stair manufacturing equipment as well as the Ruvo line of interior pre-hung door equipment at the Triad/Ruvo (Merrick Machine Company) National Trade Show and Product Showcase, April 15–16, 2026, in Alda, NE.

Highlights of this year’s show included a trophy presentation to the 2026 recipient of the prestigious Merrick Machine Company Lifetime Achievement Award to Jeff Taake, Vice President of Manufacturing & Commercial Sales for Mead Lumber. Jeff is a 34-year veteran of the building materials industry and accepted a position with the Mead Lumber family in October of 2016 to provide leadership and strategy for manufacturing operations and commercial sales across the company footprint. Recipients in previous years have included Greg Griggs of Builders FirstSource in 2025, Fred Schenkel of Builders FirstSource, Joe Reed of NVR Building Products, Ivan Sell of Stock Lumber/ Carolina Holdings, Sam Galante of Steel Truss & Panel, and Jack Slaughter of Broad Building Supply.

Additional award winners announced for this year included Chad Zaharik on behalf of Star Building Materials in Calgary, Alberta, for wood wall panel manufacturing productivity and efficiency; Guy Moore on behalf of Magest, Inc, in Stratford, Ontario, for light-gauge steel wall panel manufacturing productivity and efficiency; and Danny Neudorf on behalf of DK Doors in Seminole, Texas, for interior door pre-hanging productivity and efficiency.

Russ Merrick, President/Owner, Triad/Ruvo Mfg (Merrick Machine Co); Jeff Taake, VP of Mfg & Commercial Sales, Mead Lumber; and Lowell Tuma, Sales Manager, Triad

Chad Zaharik on behalf of Star Building Materials, Lowell Tuma, and Russ Merrick

Triad Salesman of the Year (sales leader) went to Ben Stephens of JB Stephens Sales. Ruvo Salesmen of the Year (sales leader) went to John DeFrates & Matt Moran of Architectural Sales & Associates.

Triad equipment premiered at the 2026 show included the newly released Triad Knee Wall & Ladder Machine, a third-generation product that has been serving the component industry for over 30 years. New capabilities allow users to build ladders and knee walls from 10” to 60” as well as soffit boxes, accommodates 2x4, 2x6, 2x8 and 4x4, 4x6 material, and handles both vertical and flat oriented rungs/studs. Profiles can be saved via touchscreen and can be replayed to fasten same profiles automatically.

Pictured with Lowell Tuma and Russ Merrick: Danny Neudorf of DK Doors (above), John DeFrates & Matt Moran of Architectural Sales & Associates (top right), and Ben Stephens of JB Stephens (bottom right)

Triad Knee Wall & Ladder Machine

Ruvo equipment premiered at the 2026 show included the newly released 935 Servo Controlled Horizontal PreHung Door Machine to prehang doors from 6’8” to 9’0”. Programmable hinge placement, hinge radius, lockbolt and deadbolt diameter and pre-drill patterns were popular features pointed out by attendees. Also, upgraded auto edge prep features on Ruvo’s industry leading 502 and 505 Vertical Door Machines were displayed.

The modular building industry took center stage at this year’s show. Triad displayed a Generation III Framing Table for manufacturing walls AND floors on the same system, with a Combo Router/ Trident Nailing Bridge and a Screw Bridge for floor decking application. Also shown was a BiDirectional Tilt Transfer Station to move walls vertically in plant to multiple MEP racks, which were also shown, with a second generation hydraulic lift system for workers to safely and efficiently work on walls installing mechanical, electrical and plumbing...all of which were there for customers to have hands-on access.

Ruvo 935 Servo Controlled Horizontal Pre-Hung Door Machine

Triad Generation III Framing Table for Walls & Floors with a Combo Router/Trident Bridge and a Screw Bridge (above)

Triad MEP Rack with Hydraulic Work Platforms (left)

Active, hands-on time was also available on the popular and revolutionary, patent-pending, Triad Ai Component Nailer and the industry-leading Autonomous Triad ProFusion Sheathing Bridge which accepts software from most major design software. Light-gauge steel panelizers could view, and try, the exclusive Triad Specialty Steel Stud Framing Table utilized to produce LGS balloon walls and rake walls.

From customer reviews, it was clear that Triad/Ruvo again hit the mark in anticipating industry needs and came up with economical, common-sense solutions with these products showing why the company has always been Pioneers in the Past...and Leaders into the Future!

During the past seven continuous decades, Triad has been the leading manufacturer of automated, semi-automated, and manual wall panel equipment, sub-component systems, and Floor Builders, as well as automated stair manufacturing equipment and builders of the RUVO line of automated interior and exterior pre-hung door machines.

No matter if you are a high volume or low volume operation, Triad has the experience you need and the right answers to help you grow. For questions, please feel free to call 800568-7423 (ext. 126).

Russ Merrick (center) with the Merrick Machine Company Lifetime Achievement Award Winners for 2025 Greg Griggs (left) and 2026 Jeff Taake (right)

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 $79,997 - FOB OR

Sub Component Nailer

Speed Up Your Production of wall panels, windows, doors, and other sub components

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

Transfer System: Pneumatic transfer for

Covers: 3/16” thick

Shipping

2019 Spida Gen 8 Apollo Saw with Automation Saw with automation features a 17″ touch screen, with Win.7 O/S for truss cutting software. Cuts automated angles from 10 to 170 degrees, cross-cut maximum depth of up to 5.9 inches, with scarf cuts of up to 36 inches long. Automated turntable for setting angles and length stop/pusher. Saw features a 7.5 HP, 3ph motor, with direct drive of its 17.7-inch diameter blade, includes stroke limiter, plexiglass cutting shield, MDF profiled cutting bench top with a dust collection port. 48″ x 72″ tubular steel saw frame. Includes 20-ft. in-feed, 10-ft. outfeed roller conveyor, material in from the left to right outfeed of cut material. 230 / 460 volt, 3 phase electric required.

$49,490 FOB BC

Wood Tech Systems

765-751-9990

www.woodtechsystems.com

2006 Monet B500 XE Component Saw

Includes analog readouts, push-button movement controls for angles, manual movement for length, mechanical backup counters, (1) 30″ diameter blade, (4) 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 (needs a bracket support repair), one spare set of blades, one incline conveyor and any available spare parts. Blade 2 sometimes has a vibration issue. 480 volt, 3 Phase, 60 Amp electrical required.

$31,997 FOB WA

Wood Tech Systems 765-751-9990

www.woodtechsystems.com

Hundegger

• Serial #9029

• Servo Driven Single Blade Linear Saw

• Automated Cutting with Software Download to Operator Console

• 20' Capacity Loading Conveyor Systems

• Automated Infeed Wheel

• Automated Clamping & Positioning System

• Angle & Bevel Drive for Roof Truss, Floor Truss & Wall Panel Cutting

• 20' Capacity Outfeed Table with Ink Jet Printer

• 5 Arm Storage Deck (adjacent to saw outfeed table)

• Waste Conveyor (under saw, parts to the rear)

• A/C System for Control Cabinet

• 480 Volt / 3 Phase

• Excludes Incline Waste Conveyor & Dust Collector

2020 Spida Sprint S600 Wall Panel Saw

• Automated Wall Panel Component Cutting & Marking as directed by your Wall Panel Design Software

• S600 Up-Cut Saw (Square Cut Only)

• 7.5 HP / 3 Phase Braked Saw Motor with 24" Blade

• Enclosed Hood & 2 Hand Control for Operator Safety

• 20' of Steel Framed/Plastic Top Table with Automated Length Stop/Plate Positioner

• 10' Infeed Steel Framed/Plastic Top Table

• 24" Industrial Touch Screen Computer

• Ink Jet Printer marks Wall Member Locations, Wall ID & Job Name

• Dust Collector

• Current use is a low volume shop

• Excludes: Installation/Training & Annual Technical Support Fee

$79,000 NOW 67,500 FOB MO

New Simpson Strong-Tie EasyFrame Saws

A fast method for cutting and marking structural wood components for use in wall panels and trusses. It features high resolution printing on the dimensional lumber and an internal optimization program to reduce waste. The marking system marks the framing layout in sequence using InkJet printing. There are three models available: the EasyCut Angle 24, EasyCut Straight 24, and the Chop Saw version. All three models provide high-resolution printing and optimization. Each comes with an EasyFrame infeed and outfeed, which can be adjusted in length to fit your needs using 2-ft and 6-ft modules.

Improve Labor Visibility While Keeping Existing Methods in Place

One of the most common problems in component manufacturing is not that companies lack effort, experience, or good people. The problem is that many companies are still trying to price, schedule, and measure labor using methods that were never accurate enough for the decisions being made. Board footage is one such method.

Board foot has been used for years because it is simple, familiar, and easy to understand. But familiar does not always mean accurate. A truss plant can run two jobs with similar board footage and have two very different labor requirements. One job may have simple repetitive trusses. Another may have shorter runs, more setup, more handling, more cutting complexity, more web members, more pitch breaks, or more assembly interruptions. Board footage does not see those differences clearly enough. But, Work Minutes do.

Work Minutes are far more accurate than board footage because they are based on the actual labor activity required to produce the work. Time and again, this has been proven in real operations. The labor cost is not created by board footage alone. It is created by the cutting, setup, staging, handling, assembly, movement, interruptions, and production methods required to complete the job.

That is why a Work Minute system provides better visibility. It connects the labor estimate to the real work being performed.

The good news is that companies do not have to immediately change their existing pricing system to begin using Work Minutes. In fact, the best implementation method is often to run Work Minutes alongside the current method at first. Keep the existing pricing approach in place. Then implement, test, verify, and compare the Work Minute results against actual production and financial performance.

Todd Drummond

Running both pricing systems side by side will reduce disruption. More importantly, it will allow leadership to see the difference between what the current method assumes and what the work actually requires.

This time of year can be one of the best times to begin. Instead of waiting until the plant is under peak pressure, a company can start building the system now. The team can compare jobs. Estimators can see the labor difference by job type. Production leaders can verify whether the expected Work Minutes match the results on the floor. Management can begin seeing which jobs are helping margin and which jobs are quietly consuming profit. That is the real value.

A properly implemented Work Minute system provides a much clearer picture of the expected gross profit for each job before the job is completed. Instead of waiting until the end of the quarter to find out whether the company made money, leadership can start verifying performance daily.

Imagine the gains. No more guessing what the quarterly P/L will look like. No more hoping the average works out. No more assuming that high board footage automatically means good production performance or good margin. With Work Minutes, each job can be evaluated with better labor visibility. Pricing can become more disciplined. Scheduling can become more realistic. Production expectations can become more measurable. Gross profit can be tracked with greater confidence because the labor side of the job is no longer hidden behind broad averages.

This is not about replacing judgment. It is about giving good leaders better information. Companies struggling with labor costs often do not lack hardworking people. They struggle because the system does not make the work visible soon enough. By the time the quarterly P/L shows the problem, the jobs are already completed, the labor is already spent, and the margin is already gone.

Work Minutes will change that conversation. They allow a company to ask better questions earlier: Did this job price correctly? Did the schedule reflect the real labor load? Did production perform as expected? Was the issue estimating, scheduling, production flow, product mix, or pricing discipline? Those are the questions that lead to better management decisions.

The important point is this: implementation does not need to be sudden, risky, or disruptive. A company can begin by using Work Minutes as a parallel measurement system. Test them. Verify them. Compare them. Adjust where needed. Then, once the leadership team trusts the data, the company can begin replacing weaker practices with stronger ones.

That is how lasting improvement usually works, not by forcing a dramatic change overnight, but by building a better system that proves itself through use. Board footage may still have a place as a material measurement. But, it should not be relied on as the primary labor standard for pricing, scheduling, or profit forecasting. Labor should be measured by the work required, not just by the wood consumed.

For companies serious about improving pricing accuracy, schedule reliability, and gross profit visibility, Work Minutes provides a more practical path forward. The next step is not to abandon everything currently being used. The next step is to begin testing a better method before the old method costs another quarter of avoidable margin loss.

The decision is simple: if your company wants better labor visibility, more accurate pricing, more realistic scheduling, and a clearer picture of expected gross profit before the quarter is over, TDC can help you implement proven Work Minutes time standards in a practical, low-disruption way. You do not have to abandon your current system overnight. You can test, verify, and improve with guidance from standards that have been proven repeatedly in real component manufacturing operations. The next step is to stop relying on broad averages and begin measuring the labor that truly drives performance.

If your operation feels harder than it should, there is usually a reason. The answer is not more pressure, more meetings, or asking good people to work around unclear systems. The answer is clarity.

Positive change begins when leaders stop asking good people to work around unclear systems and start making the work easier to see, teach, measure, and improve. That is the practical focus of my new book. The audiobook is now available for those who prefer to listen while driving, traveling, or moving through the workday.

Todd Drummond Consulting helps manufacturers identify what is limiting performance, whether it begins with workflow, labor visibility, capacity planning, training, scheduling, handoffs, or leadership decisions. With nearly 40 years of manufacturing experience and almost 25 years as a full-time consultant, I provide practical guidance that helps leaders simplify work, improve flow, reduce waste, protect margins, and move forward with confidence. Review my client testimonials to see what other manufacturers have said about working with Todd Drummond Consulting.

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..

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 NOW $35,997 FOB OR Wood Tech Systems

765-751-9990

www.woodtechsystems.com

NWH 48" Finish Roller

GOOSENECK ROLL OFF TRUSS TRAILERS

26', 32', 36' & 40' available, Split Rollers optional 2 YEAR WARRANTY

TRAILERS AVAILABLE WITH GALVANIZED OR POWDER-COATED

• 48" Long x 24" Diameter Rollers

• Throat Opening is adjustable from 1 1/2" to 5 1/2" (currently set at 5 1/2")

• Front & Rear Safety Bars

• Dual 5 HP Gear Motors with Brakes (3 Phase)

$26,900 FOB TX 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 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.

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.

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

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.

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

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 NOW $10,500 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.

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.

• 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

CSoftware Decisions Are People Decisions

omponent manufacturing is a constant balancing act. People, timelines, communication, production realities, and customer expectations, all at once. Estimators are trying to turn quotes around faster, designers are solving problems that keep getting more complex, and production teams are coordinating materials and schedules while builders wait on answers so jobs can keep moving. Sitting in the middle of all of it is software and workflows that are supposed to make everyone’s lives easier.

Most technology conversations in our industry focus on automation, speed, or efficiency. Those things matter. But after years spent around component manufacturers, the biggest question to me is how the technology can make life better for the people using it.

Paragon’s core value is dignity. Our customer’s dignity calls for us to deliver quality solutions that make their work more fulfilling. It shapes how we think about workflows, software, and how the software is written, because every interaction with our product eventually impacts a person.

Friction Adds Up Fast

Most shops are familiar with the small frustrations that slowly become normal:

• Re-entering the same information multiple times

• Hunting through emails for the latest revision

• Waiting on approvals or missing details

• Manually rebuilding work that already exists somewhere else

• Trying to explain unclear outputs to a customer.

None of these seem catastrophic on their own. But over time they wear people down. A disconnected workflow can slow down a project, create stress for the designer trying to hit deadlines, frustrate the salesperson trying to respond quickly, and affect the customer waiting on answers. Customers may never see your internal systems and products, but they experience the results of them.

Good Software Supports Skilled People

People outside the industry often overlook how much skill exists inside a component manufacturing operation. Good estimators, designers, and production teams are not interchangeable. The best ones carry years of practical understanding about layouts, loading, production constraints, best practices, and customer expectations. Technology should support that expertise, instead of fighting against it.

We’re seeing first hand how capable AI is becoming at complex tasks, but the future of software shouldn’t be about looking for ways to remove people from the process. The best systems help experienced teams do more of what they do best by reducing unnecessary friction and improving visibility across the workflow. Automation has an important role to play, and repetitive calculations, coordination tasks, and initial layouts can all be accelerated with modern tools. But experienced people are still the ones providing judgment, context, and real-world understanding. The aim is to help good people do their best work.

What This Looks Like in Practice

For a component manufacturer, respecting people through workflow automation can be surprisingly practical:

• Give sales, design, and production better visibility into project status

• Reduce duplicate data entry between systems by connecting them

• Make revisions easier to track and communicate

• Standardize repetitive processes without overcomplicating them

• Build workflows that reduce unnecessary back-and-forth

• Use software that explains rather than hides calculations and decisions

• Make it easier for customers to get clear answers quickly

• Remove small decisions that waste mental energy every day.

Most teams are already working hard. Often the biggest opportunity is simply removing the friction that surrounds the real work.

Better Systems Create Better Customer Experiences

Builders and customers feel workflow problems too. Slow quotes, unclear revisions, delayed communication, and disconnected information all create uncertainty. Clear communication and smooth coordination, on the other hand, build trust. Workflow design is thought of as an operations issue, but it directly shapes the customer experience as well. The quality of your systems eventually becomes the quality of your service.

Technology Should Make the Work Better

Component manufacturing will keep changing, expectations will keep rising, and automation and AI will keep improving. But at the center of this industry are still people solving difficult problems together. The companies that stand out will be the ones that use technology to create better experiences for their teams and their customers. Good software should do more than increase output. It should make the work better for the people doing it.

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!

• 4.0 kW Motor with 10”

• 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 Panel Saw - $21,900 Dust Collector - $7,900 FOB CA Wasserman & Associates 800-382-0329 www.wasserman-associates.com

Time To Hire?

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.

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

Price Reduction!

2003 Koskovich Auto Omni Component Saw

• 5 Blade Automated Component Saw

• Cuts 2x3 through 2x12 from 11" to 20'-0"

• 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

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

NWH 76" Finish Roller

• 76" Long x 24" Diameter Rollers

• Throat Opening is adjustable from 1 1/2" to 5 1/2" (currently set at 1 1/2")

• Front & Rear Safety Bars

• Dual 5 HP Gear Motors with Brakes (3 Phase)

• Excludes Roller Conveyor in Photos $26,900 FOB TX 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

$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 Garry Roehr

HHow Fast Does a Wall Panel Factory Need to Be in North America?

ow fast should a wall panel line be? A lot faster than it takes to frame on site. Sure, if the framing and sheathing speed is the same as on site there are still savings in reducing overall build time and the accompanying finance and insurance costs. But, framing on site doesn’t require land, a building, or nearly as much equipment as a factory. Add in more freight costs and it’s clear that the factory needs to be much faster to pay for all of those overhead costs. I have seen many factories that have spent big dollars struggle to achieve 500 lnft/shift. These aren’t the droids they were looking for…

ROI improves by lowering CapEx or improving speed – preferably both. Speed not only lowers labor, it amortizes the land and buildings over a higher volume of production. Speed also reduces lead times and carrying costs by reducing the need to “get ahead” at the beginning of large projects to keep up with erecting panels on the site.

There are factories out there that can produce 1,500+ lnft per 7.5 hour shift of walls on a single line. To get those numbers, the cycle time on a 10 ft panel needs to be 3.0 minutes. Many panels, of course, are shorter than 10 ft and their cycle times need to be even faster.

Many accomplish this using manual processes. Framing extruders cannot keep up with this pace, especially with the concentration of studs on the first two levels of six-story buildings. It is the same for framing dollies – most have been ripped off the framing table because they are too slow. Some sheathing bridges can nail fairly quickly, but cycle times are often impacted by slow changeover times from panel to panel or time lost to replacing nail coils.

At AMT, we have reduced the upfront cost and increased speed through careful design of not only the nailing processes but also the changeover time between panels. If you want to get production numbers like 1,500 lnft or beyond per shift, reach out. We can work with you to design a line that will get you there. We can also add features and additional tooling to our equipment as your volume grows.

AMT wall panel line

“Over the years Alpine ensured our quality and production kept improving. Working with Alpine has been a 22 year friendship as well as a partnership!”

— Roy Bedient Manager/ Production Manager, Warman Truss

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.

• 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

Can produce unlimited scarf cuts, webs, chords, wedges, rafters and open-stair stringers from up to 20′ material including 2×4 through 2×12. Two operating modes “Auto” and “Semi-Auto” via touch-screen interface. The system includes a 20’ Monet infeed deck and outfeed with an OEM conveyor. Saw is a Z-CONFIGURATION, left-in (front-side) to right-out (back-side), and can be reconfigured to a more common U-configuration at OEM’s facility. Features a 5-HP, 22-inch blade, positive lumber push and pull grippers for improved accuracy, and multi-plunge action for long scarf cuts. Includes Matthews ink marking on the 1 1/2″ edge, small-piece capture and delivery to the front of the saw for easy access, a belt-type scrap conveyor, and all available spares.

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

• 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

Everything To Cut & Deliver Your Components

The ProCut™ UC Linear Saw Series delivers a full-scale approach to your cutting and material handling. Configure these systems to any assembly line and provide a safe, accurate way to cut your lumber, while keeping your materials moving on your line.

ProCut™

UC Linear Saw

For all Roof, Floor, & Wall Panel Components; up to 4-boards high!

ProDeck™

Lumber Infeed

Provide a steady supply of lumber to your saw for processing.

Material Handling

Optimizes material flow & deliver cut parts directly to assembly stations.

Cut, deliver, and build with ProCut™ UC Linear Saw Series, designed to meet the demands of modern component manufacturing.

• 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

•

• Crash Bar/Target (for

• Motor was recently

• 480 Volt / 3 Phase

• Excludes Truss Conveyor

FOB

By Jarred Frescura

PExpanding Technical Service Capabilities for Component Manufacturers

erhaps you’ve seen our company name or maybe you’ve watched my episode of The Common Chord by Paragon, People First Innovation in Truss Design. But if we haven’t met, let me introduce myself.

I’m Jarred Frescura, Managing Partner and Director of Design Services for Solutions 4 Design (S4D), and we’ve just entered into a strategic partnership with Dave Walstad, CEO of All Points Technical (APT).

I’ve spent more than 25 years in the construction and building components industry, and throughout that time I’ve gained a deep understanding of the realities our clients face every day — tight production schedules, constant revisions, staffing challenges, and the need for practical, buildable solutions delivered on time.

At S4D, established in 2021, our focus has always been on providing dependable architectural, engineering, and component design support services that truly integrate into our clients’ operations. Our team delivers CAD and Revit drafting, truss design, MEP solutions, and other technical services to clients across the construction and building components industries, with operations based in both the United States and Honduras.

What sets our approach apart is the balance of flexibility and accountability. We’ve built our structure around transparency, communication, and long-term partnership. Our goal is not simply to provide outsourced labor — it’s to become a trusted extension of our clients’ teams by delivering consistent quality, scalable support, and dependable technical expertise that allows them to grow with confidence.

Through our partnership with Dave Walstad and APT, we’ve significantly expanded both our technical capabilities and our global reach.

APT, founded in 2020, brings more than 25 years of offshore technical service experience, particularly in truss design and material takeoffs. Dave Walstad is widely recognized as one of the early pioneers of offshore technical support for the North American construction market, dating back to 2002. APT has built a reputation as an industry leader by developing highly skilled technical teams and scalable support systems tailored specifically to component manufacturers and construction professionals.

Together, S4D and APT are now positioned to provide expanded services in:

• Architectural and engineering support

• Revit and AutoCAD production

• Truss design and modeling

• Deck design

• Material takeoffs

• Rendering and visualization services

• Offshore technical staffing solutions.

By combining our organizations, APT now operates across four countries — the United States, Honduras, Vietnam, and India — providing clients with scalable access to highly skilled engineers, architects, designers, and technical professionals across multiple time zones.

Importantly, both S4D and APT will continue operating under our existing brands while working collaboratively to expand technical service capabilities and global delivery capacity for the industries we serve.

As labor shortages, production demands, and project complexity continue to challenge manufacturers and builders alike, we believe the future of technical services will depend on strong partnerships, scalable support systems, and teams that understand both the technical and operational sides of the business.

We’re excited about what lies ahead and look forward to helping more companies strengthen their operations, increase production capacity, and build with confidence.

If you’d like to learn more about how S4D and APT can support your business, we welcome the opportunity to connect. Info@s4dz.com

251,997 FOB

70-ft Robbins Roof Gantry with Wizard PDS Automation

70-ft working length, side-eject gantry featuring nine (9) 72-inch-wide x 14-ft slotted steel (+ 2′ steel aisle infills) continuous top tables with (28) 2017 Wizard PDS Gen.2 channels covering a 56′ automated production area at 24″ on-center spacing. System is complete with Robbins 24″ diameter gantry head with pendant controls, driving on floormounted crane-rail. Includes one Super-Torque 14-ft finish roller press with 24-inch diameter rolls, full-length powered transfer conveyor, and 82′ of idle/powered inside conveyor to 71′ of idle/powered outside conveyor. System includes a Wizard PC workstation and all available jig hardware. 460 volt, 3 phase, electrical required. 120 PSI air required.

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/O utfeed 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

Joos Stand-alone Hydraulic

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

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.

New Replacement 14' x 24" Roll for Finish Roller

• 14' Long x 24" Diameter Roll

• .0969" Wall Thickness

• 3 7/16" Shaft (keyed at each end)

• Taper Lock Bushings to Secure the Shaft (no welding & easy to replace)

$15,900 FOB PA 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 NOW $24,994 FOB TN Wood Tech Systems 765-751-9990 www.woodtechsystems.com

• 24” Diameter x 14’ Long Rollers (custom lengths available)

• Removable Shaft Replacement in Rolls

• Simplified Roll Height Adjustment

• 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

• 6 to 8 Week Delivery

Carl Villella, CLFP President, Acceptance Leasing & Financing Service

Strategic Finance for Modern Manufacturers

For component manufacturers, maintaining a competitive edge requires a delicate balance between engineering excellence and savvy capital deployment. High-precision machinery and automated lines are the lifeblood of our shops, but acquiring them demands significant capital. That’s why component manufacturers should utilize a “True Lease” in today’s tax climate.

With the federal tax landscape shifting under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), the rules for recovering capital investments have changed. While these changes offer strong incentives for modernization, they simultaneously make a compelling case for a specific financing mechanism: the True Lease (Tax Lease), where the leasing company retains ownership for tax purposes while you simply pay for its use.

Here’s why a True Lease makes strategic sense in the current tax climate:

• Bypassing Section 179 Caps and Phase-Outs: For 2026, the maximum Section 179 expensing limit is $2.56 million, with a phase-out threshold beginning at $4.09 million. For expanding facilities investing in heavy automation or multi-line setups, expenditures can easily sail past this trigger, rapidly reducing the deduction. With a True Lease, the transaction bypasses your corporate limits entirely. Instead of wrestling with IRS caps, you can deduct 100% of the monthly lease payments as an ordinary operating expense.

• Income Smoothing vs. 100% Bonus Depreciation Volatility: The OBBBA permanently reinstated 100% bonus depreciation, allowing businesses to deduct the full value of qualifying equipment in year one. However, accelerating heavy asset depreciation can create massive Net Operating Losses (NOLs), which are capped at offsetting 80% of taxable income in future years. A True Lease acts as an automatic mechanism for income smoothing, providing steady, predictable, fully deductible operating rental expenses that align directly with the revenue the machinery generates.

• Preserving EBITDA and Credit Lines: Traditional commercial bank loans impact your balance sheet and leverage ratios. Under a True Lease structure, you pay for the use of the asset rather than principal and interest on a loan. This keeps substantial equipment liabilities off your traditional debt ledger. Your primary bank lines of credit remain wide open for daily operational costs, raw material inventory, and unexpected strategic expansions.

• Eliminating Depreciation Recapture Tax Risk: Technology cycles are compressing. If you buy a machine outright using 100% bonus depreciation and need to sell or trade it early to upgrade, you face severe depreciation recapture taxes at ordinary income rates. A True Lease completely shields you from this risk. At the end of the lease term, you simply return the equipment, upgrade to next-generation machinery via a new lease, or purchase it if it still serves your production needs.

The Bottom Line

While buying equipment outright works for some, a True Lease provides component manufacturers with a sophisticated alternative. It sidesteps Section 179 limitations, creates smooth expense tracking, protects banking lines, and eliminates technological obsolescence traps.

Whether you lease or finance your next purchase, Acceptance Leasing and Financing can help. We were established in 1992, which puts us in our 34th year of business. We pride ourselves on our Certified Leasing and Financing Professional designation. We are a member of SBCA and a frequent attendee of the BCMC tradeshows. We can provide financing for any new and, regardless of age, used equipment. We invite you to call us at 412 262-3225 to discuss your next big project. We make financing or leasing easy with no financial statements required up to $350,000 if qualified!

Note: This article is not meant to be tax advice. Please consult your tax advisor for the best option for your particular situation.

•

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.

Used Pacific Floor Gantry Press System (1) 40’ Floor Gantry | Built In End Ejectors & Conveyors | (2) QTY park stations | (1) QTY elevated for end eject Call For Pricing

Eide Machinery Sales, Inc.

612-521-9193

Used Pacific AutoPress 16 RT (1) AutoPress 16RT high speed Hydraulic Gantry with 14' X 30" Press Platen | (11) 1” Steel J-Slot Steel/Plastic Top Table sets 8’ wide X 16' | (28) WizardPDS® ChannelS® spaced 24” o/c. | (11) Pneumatic Rack & Pinion End Eject Lifters for end ejection of truss. | (1) Zone control air system for truss ejectors. | 88’ Overhead power supply to Gantry. | Recessed Raised 85# Floor Track. | Wired for 480 Volt X 3 Phase Operation. Call For Pricing

Eide Machinery Sales, Inc.

612-521-9193

Used - Pacific AutoPress 14 LT AutoPress 14LT high speed Hydraulic Gantry with 14' X 24" Press Platen| 2017 (7) WizardPDS® Ready 1” Steel Slotted Top Table sets 8’ wide X 14' | 2017 (28) WizardPDS® assemblies spaced 24” o/c, complete.| 2017 (7) Pneumatic Rack & Pinion End Eject Lifters for end ejection of truss, positioned between table sets.| (1) Zone control air system for truss ejectors. | 56’ Overhead power supply to Gantry. | 85# RR Floor Track | Gantry Park stations. | Wired for 480 Volt X 3 Phase Operation

Call For Pricing

Eide Machinery Sales, Inc.

612-521-9193

www.eidemachinery.com

Used - Pacific Automation 60 foot

Peak Up Stacker

Set of (7) lift arms with indexing heads. | Adjustable pop-up platform / single target for triggering stacking cycle. | Powered truss conveyor as shown. | Control panel with auto and manual stacking mode. | Machine wired for 480 Volt / 3 phase operation

Call For Pricing

Eide Machinery Sales, Inc.

612-521-9193

www.eidemachinery.com

Used - Pacific AR16 Finish Press

Complete the plate embedment process in roof and/or floor trusses with the Pacific Automation Auto Roll 16 Finish Press System. | (1) Pacific Automation Auto Roll Finish Press

Call For Pricing

Eide Machinery Sales, Inc.

612-521-9193

www.eidemachinery.com

Used Tee-Lok Roof Press

(1) TOF Tee-Lok Roof Gantry | (8) 72” Slotted steel top tables | 62’ & 85# RR track with anchor plates | Side Eject | Machine wired for 480 Volt / 3 phase operation

Call For Pricing

Eide Machinery Sales, Inc. 612-521-9193

www.eidemachinery.com

• 2 Each - Tee-Lok 14' x 18" Diameter Gantry Rollers with Ride Platform

• Gantry Floor Rail with Table Support

• 15 Each - Tee-Lok 8' x 14' Drilled & Tapped Steel Top Tables (stored outside)

• Roof Truss Jig Hardware

• Skatewheel Ejectors (between tables)

• Skatewheel Receivers (between truss rollers)

• Tee-Lok 14' x 24" Diameter Finish Roller (stored outside)

• Excludes Inside & Outside Truss Rollers

• Available Early May

• Video available upon request $98,880 FOB NC

TRUSS EQUIPMENT

Used Tee-Lok Roof Press With WizardPDS

(1) TOF Tee-Lok Roof Gantry | (7) 72”

Slotted steel top tables | 55' of table with 45’ of WizardPDS® Gen 1 Tables | 62’ & 85# RR track with anchor plates | Side Eject | Machine wired for 480 Volt / 3 phase operation - Transformers available for voltage changes.

Call For Pricing

Eide Machinery Sales, Inc. 612-521-9193

www.eidemachinery.com

Call For Pricing

Eide Machinery Sales, Inc. 612-521-9193

www.eidemachinery.com

1987 Alpine RAM Roof Gantry Line with 1995 2nd Head

1987 Alpine tracked roof truss gantry with 1995 second gantry press head: 14′ x 151-ft working length system includes (1) 1987 14-ft x 18-inch diameter gantry head with 5 HP motor, (1) 1995 Alpine model 700 RAM Roll-AMaster gantry head, 14-ft x 18-inch diameter roll and 5 HP motor, (21) 14-ft x 67-inch wide tables with slotted steel tops and skatewheel ejectors, (21) receiving arms, (313) feet of crane rail, all available aisle pads & hardware, and electrical bus bar supply. 208 volt, 3 phase, 21.5 Amps electrical required for each press head. Center conveyor and finish press shown in some of the photos are not included.

$211,993

NY

• Reconditioned Mitek RoofGlider 14' x 24" Diameter Gantry Roller (Trackless)

• Ride Platform & Joystick Control

• 10 Each - Reconditioned 76" Slotted Top Tables with New Skatwheel Ejectors

• New Roof Truss Jig Hardware

• 2 Each - New Park Sections

• Excludes: Powered Transfer Roller, Powered Exiting Conveyor & Outside Conveyor/Stacker (available at additonal cost)

• Add $47,500 for Reconditioned 14' x 24" Diameter Finish Roller

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.

Onboarding is Not Orientation

After more than 30 years of recruiting in the structural building components industry, along with my own background in offsite manufacturing, I have learned that hiring someone is only the beginning. Keeping them is where many companies struggle.

One of the biggest complaints I hear from candidates changing jobs is poor onboarding and training. Many employers still confuse onboarding with orientation. Filling out paperwork, watching safety videos, getting a quick tour of the facility, and being introduced to a few people is not onboarding. That is simply getting someone in the door.

Real Onboarding Starts Before Hiring

The best companies prepare before recruiting even starts. They know where the employee will sit, in-office or remote, who will train them, what equipment will be needed, what software access must be configured, and what realistic expectations should look like during the first few weeks. Candidates can immediately tell the difference between a company that planned for their arrival and one that is reacting as things happen.

Onboarding Problems As Preparation Problems

Companies spend significant time trying to recruit employees, but sometimes spend very little time preparing for what happens after the employee says yes. In truss plants, wall panel facilities, modular operations, and component manufacturing environments, the first few weeks often determine whether a new employee becomes productive and engaged, or frustrated and already questioning their decision to join the company

What surprises many employers is that experienced new employees often struggle the most with weak onboarding and training. They struggle not because they lack skills, but because they quickly recognize disorganization, lack of communication, and unrealistic expectations. I hear this constantly from candidates after they start working:

• “Nobody had time to answer questions.”

• “The videos did not match what was actually happening.”

• “I spent the first week trying to get access to the systems I needed.”

• “No one explained how their company actually wanted things done.”

These problems are especially common with truss designers.

Some employers assume that if a designer knows MiTek, Alpine, or another software platform, they should be able to sit down and immediately produce work at full speed. In reality, every company has different loading standards, production tolerances, customer preferences, repair procedures, connector plate criteria, layout standards, and internal workflow systems.

Good Designers Need Operations Training Too

The best companies assign one person to guide the process. That may be a senior designer or design manager with enough time built into their schedule to answer questions, review designs, explain company protocols, and make sure the new designer understands how the company wants things done.

That mentor relationship often determines how quickly the designer becomes confident and productive.

Preparation Matters More Than You Realize

If you are hiring a truss designer, the workstation should already be prepared before the first day. Software should be installed and tested. Engineering profiles, customer files, loading standards, plate setup criteria, pricing systems, and permissions should already be accessible. A designer’s computer should be set up for work, not questions. Nothing damages confidence faster than feeling unprepared while deadlines continue piling up around you.

Another issue I hear about constantly is companies relying too heavily on onboarding videos without meaningful follow-up afterward. Safety procedures, software tutorials, and workflow videos can all be useful tools. The problem starts when management mistakes video completion for training and understanding. Candidates regularly tell me they spent hours watching videos, answered a few generic questions, and were then thrown directly into the flow with little real conversation afterward.

Many new employees are hesitant to admit they do not fully understand something during their first few days because they are trying to make a good impression. That is why real training requires active communication, consistency, and follow-up.

Companies with the best retention are usually not the companies with the newest facilities or highest wages. They are companies where employees feel like someone actually prepared for their arrival, answered their questions, and invested time in helping them succeed.

Especially in today’s labor market, where experienced people have options, preparation matters. Eventually, every company learns the same lesson. Hiring people is expensive, and replacing them is even more expensive.

Let me know if you have any questions related to onboarding. I will be glad to help.

TheJobLine.COM

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

www.woodtechsystems.com

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

$218,997 FOB OH

72-ft CMF Stealth Roof Gantry with Wizard PDS Automation

72-ft working length, side-eject gantry featuring thirteen (13) 80-inch-wide x 14-ft slotted steel top tables with (16) 2017 Wizard PDS Generation 2 channels covering 32′ of continuous production area at 24″ o/c spacing. System includes two (2) CMF Stealth 24″ diameter gantry head with pendant controls, driving on floor-mounted crane-rail. Includes one CMF Stealth 14-ft finish roller press with 24-inch diameter rolls, full-length powered transfer conveyor, and seventeen (17) idle / powered roller conveyors covering approximately 85-ft length. System includes Wizard operating console with workstation and all available jig hardware. 460 volt, 3 phase, electrical required. 120 PSI air required.

1999 Robbins Floor Truss System –Model FM 65024

Floor Truss System builds floor trusses to 40’ in length, and from 12″ to 24” in depth, includes (1) gantry head with 24” roll, 1” roll wall thickness, 4” diameter shaft with internal baffles, 10 HP inverter drive, under-table valves and air manifolds. 480 volt, 3 phase electrical required. 90 PSI air required.

$38,895 FOB GA

Wood Tech Systems 765-751-9990

www.woodtechsystems.com

2005 MiTek Hydraulic Splicer Model 88560-501

Splices 2″ x 4″ chords with a maximum plate size of 3″ x 12″. Dual hand controls with foot-pedal activation allows for safer operation, 3- second cycle time, 5 HP, hydraulic system with 20 gallon reservoir. Small footprint 54″ L x 38″ W x 36″ H (working height). 230v, 3 phase power.

$17,497 FOB OH

Wood Tech Systems 765-751-9990

www.woodtechsystems.com

/ Pacific Automation 8′ x 40′ Auto8 Press

Specifically designed for smaller trusses the Auto 8 Roof and Floor Truss Press is a fully integrated hydraulic press. Capable of handling 2”x4” and 4”x2” trusses with no adjustment, System press head was rebuilt since new. No finish press required, system includes all available jigging, single joystick control, and plastic/steel J-slot table top, under-table power supply, heavy duty 15 HP hydraulic system, 50 ton press capacity. 24”x 96”x 1¼” thick steel platen. Orange rolls shown in some photos are not included. 480v, 3ph electrical required.

$43,997 FOB OH

Wood Tech Systems 765-751-9990

www.woodtechsystems.com

MiTek / Tee-Lok Steel Production Tables

MiTek / Tee-Lok Production Tables – Ten (10) tables designed for track on floor systems. Tables are fully-reconditioned 6′ x 14′ slotted, 3/4″ steel-top tables with new skate-wheel ejectors, and air controls. Priced per each.

$8,395 FOB OH

Wood Tech Systems 765-751-9990

www.woodtechsystems.com

Truss Stacker, stacks roof trusses from 20-ft to 60-ft spans. Includes (6) pedestals at 12-ft on center, (4) receiving arms, (6) receiver stands, (1) continuous drive shaft, (1) 3 HP Sumimoto drive, (1) electrical control panel, and (1) 50-ft adjustable target rail. Also includes a set of (6) additional custom receiving arms. Roller conveyors not included. 208 volt, 3 phase, 15 Amp electrical required. 765-751-9990 www.woodtechsystems.com

3AH6, S/N: RRG3AH6 52426-940 RR EE FJ. Features integrated raised-rail (no track on floor) gantry with riding platform, 24″ dia. roller, builds trusses from 12″ to 26″ depth and up to 40′ in length with Tru-Arc continuous camber, end-eject, under-table air clamping. An incline-rail park area allows the finished truss to end-eject without re-positioning the gantry. “A” side flip-jig, “b” side pop-up rollers currently not utilized and in need of reconditioning. Twin 7.5 h.p. Sumitomo braking gear motors (15 h.p. total), 230/460v, 3 phase (currently 480v), with dual-safety bars.

MiTek

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)

Klaisler Roller Gantry System

• 2 Each - Klaisler 14' Gantry Roller with Safety Bars

• Klaisler 14' x 24" Diameter Finish Roller

• 25 19 Each - 4' x 14' Plastic Top Tables with Skatewheel Ejectors

• 178 LF of Floor Rail

• Excludes: Inside Powered Exit Conveyor, and Outside Conveyor

$89,895 NOW $63,000 FOB KY

Clark Floor Truss Jig

The Clark floor truss jig allows for on-table building of floor trusses for hydraulic press tables. The jig has pneumatic clamping and allows you to build floor trusses from 10″ to 24″ in depth up to 40 ft. long.

$5,990 FOB OH Wood Tech Systems 765-751-9990 www.woodtechsystems.com

$39,890 FOB BC Wood Tech Systems 765-751-9990 www.woodtechsystems.com 800-382-0329 |

New TruStance Portable Plate 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.

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.

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

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

• 14' x 24" Diameter Gantry Roller (Model 14RT)

• 7 1/2 HP Motor (208 Volt / 3 Phase)

• 14' x 72' Steel Slotted Top Table with Side Eject Skatewheel Ejectors (Raised Track)

• (2) 5'-6" Park Sections

• Wizard (GEN 1 and GEN 2) Automated Jigging (36 Rails) with Computer/Cabinet

• Excludes: Exiting Truss Conveyor/Receivers and Finish Roller

• Add $40,000 for Used Pacific Automation Finish Roller

• Prices are in US Dollars $280,000 NOW $252,000 FOB AB

Design Connections

Building a Knowledge Transfer SOP

Last month’s article, “Is Your Tribal Knowledge Retiring or Expired?”, addresses the “Single Point of Failure” — the realization that your plant’s most valuable intellectual property is currently walking out the door every day at 5:00 PM in the head of a retiring veteran. This month, I’m continuing this series on the “Brain Drain” with a plan to move from passive shadowing to active mentorship.

Identifying the brain drain leak is step one. Plugging it is where most operations fail. The traditional industry approach to training is “shadowing” — sticking a rookie designer next to a veteran for three months and hoping knowledge transfers via osmosis. In 2026, with the constant demand for greater design throughput and an increasingly tight, competitive market, shadowing is no longer a strategy. It’s a waste of payroll. To survive the retirement wave, you need a Knowledge Transfer Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) that treats “tribal knowledge” as a harvestable resource.

Step 1: Build the Screen-Capture Library

We often ask veterans to write manuals. This is a mistake. Your best designers are rarely your best technical writers. Instead, have them record their expertise. Inexpensive screen-capture tools allow a senior designer to record their screen and voice while they work through a complex roof system. The goal isn’t to show “how to use the software” — the software companies provide tutorials for that. The goal is to document the “why” behind their actions. For example,

•

“I’m increasing the design load and closing up the truss spacing under this kitchen layout because I know this builder always puts massive granite islands in, even if the architectural plans don’t explicitly show it yet.”

• “The plans show a 6-inch heel height, but this builder always wants a minimum of 12 inches for insulation. I’m going to change it now and get their approval before we go to production, so we don’t have to redesign later.”

These five-minute recordings create a searchable library of your company’s specific “secret sauce.” This turns an individual’s intuition into a permanent company asset.

Step 2: Implement “Collaborative Auditing”

The biggest mistake GMs make is having the veteran design while the rookie watches. This is passive learning and it rarely sticks. Flip the script. Have the rookie do the design work, then have the veteran “audit” it in a collaborative session. The rookie must defend their choices, and the veteran provides the “dirt under the fingernails” critique.

In establishing a balance, incorporate this messaging:

• To the Rookie: You must stop trusting the screen implicitly. If you can’t explain why a design works beyond “the software turned green,” you haven’t finished the job.

• To the GM: You must stop measuring the veteran solely on their daily board-footage output. If you don’t adjust their quotas to account for this auditing time, they will view the rookie as a burden rather than a legacy. You are effectively disincentivizing the survival of your own company.

Step 3: Site Realities vs. The CAD Model

In 2026, the new generation of talent is tech-native, but they trust that if the CAD model fits together, the building will too. They need to understand that the realities of a construction site rarely reflect the “perfect” world of a computer screen.

Once a month, pull your junior designers off their desks and send them to the site with a veteran salesperson. Have them compare an installed Atlantic hip system to the corner girder set they planned to use. Don’t let them just look at the trusses — make them engage the framer. Ask the guy with the nail gun what works, what’s a nightmare to brace, and what slows them down. When a designer sees the physical result of their choices, their “structural intuition” begins to replace their reliance on the software.

The Management Mandate

Knowledge transfer is not an HR initiative; it is a production requirement. If your senior staff is too busy to teach because you are chasing short-term volume, you are cannibalizing your future to pay for today’s overhead. In my experience, the plants that thrive in this transition are the ones where the GM says: “Your job description has changed. You are no longer just a Senior Designer; you are a Dean of Design. Your success is measured by how quickly your team can work without asking you a question.”

Stop waiting for the retirement party to realize you’ve lost your edge. Build the bridge today or prepare to watch your margins walk out the door tomorrow. At The JobLine Canada, we aren’t just seeing a shortage of bodies; we’re seeing a shortage of legacy. When we help plants recruit, we look for more than just technical proficiency — we identify “Bridge Builders.” Whether you’re a veteran looking for a firm that values your mentorship or an owner needing to stabilize your leadership team before the “Gray Wave” hits, we specialize in the transition of talent.

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

800-289-5627

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.

Processes 16-ft long max. material via a 16-ft long infeed and 16-ft long outfeed conveyor, material pusher, PC and enclosure. The PF90 has the potential to mark each component with critical information that speeds the layout and assembly process. System automatically pushes the lumber from the load position to each cut position and signals the saw to make the cut. Primary saw has had new drive belts, ram valves, touchscreen monitor and print heads installed. Includes second PF-90, located inside of the modified 40-ft high-cube container, can be used for parts.

$25,997 FOB AZ Wood Tech Systems

765-751-9990 www.woodtechsystems.com

2024 Panels Plus Squaring Station – B

This station (model PP55015) is designed to hold a framed wall panel square while sheathing is applied and manually tacked in place. Standard table has a capacity for clamping walls from 16′ L to 12’4″ wall height and materials from 2×4 through 2×12. Telescoping function is operated by foot-pedal or push-button controls. This Squaring Station was never installed. $42,750

THE BENEFITS JUST KEEP EASILY, SAFELY, NEATLY STACKING UP.

Stacking wall panels at the end of your production line can be a real labor-intensive and safety-challenging task. But it doesn’t have to be now, thanks to ProStack . This innovative wall panel stacker literally stacks from the bottom up, reducing awkward overhead lifting & placement, and the risk of head injury. Plus, ProStack frees up at least one worker to return more productively to your core task—building wall panels. Enhanced worker safety and productivity is what ProStack is all about.

ProStack

By: DAK Automation

Setup and installation is easy too, without the need for complex training or disruption to workflow. So, free up your team to do what they do best, and you need to do most, and let ProStack stack your wall panels instead. Contact us to learn more today. For a ProStack demonstration video, scan the QR code below.

(3) Circa 2000 Triad Gen 1 Framing Stations

Circa 2000 Triad Generation 1 wall panel framing stations. Three (3) available at this location. Each includes power telescoping height adjustment and air lift-outs (no tools or tool dollies). Builds 2×4 or 2×6 walls to 20′-1″, from 6′-4″ to 12′-3″ height. 120vac, 1 phase electrical required. 100 psi air required.

$12,997 FOB NY Wood Tech Systems 765-751-9990 www.woodtechsystems.com

New Panels Plus Wall Panel Framing Equipment

Consider Panels Plus wall panel assembly equipment for manufacturers of wood or steel wall panels, floor-panels, and related framing components. Panels Plus is an employee owned, ISO certified, manufacturing company that builds state-of-the-art equipment featuring durable construction, with fit and finish second to none in the structural building component industry. The referenced base framing table allows you to assemble from 7-12 foot wall heights, at industry standard 16 foot lengths, at a working height of 29 to 32 inches. This framer design includes controls at each end of table, squaring stops and pneumatic clamping for consistent wall panel quality. Frames 2x4 or 2 x 6 walls, with color-coded, steel stud locators at 16 and 24 inches O.C. spacing. Includes pop-up skate wheels for easy transfer of completed wall frame. Framing table can be configured to receive wall framing light bars, other options include custom buildable wall heights, lengths and auto-indexing of optional 2 or 3 tool carriages.

Additionally from Panels Plus are sheathing tables with features that include foot pedal control at squaring end of table, with squaring stops, roller conveyors at both sides, single pendant controls for bridge, tool spacing at 6 inch centers with 3 inch bridge shift for offset nailing. Tool bridges can accommodate from 2 x 4 to 2 x 8 walls, with seam tilt being standard equipment Panels Plus Tool Bridges are available with single beam or dual beam design for two different tool mounts on one bridge. Squaring stations, sub-component tables, conveyors and panel lifts are also available to complete the configuration of the wall panel assembly line. Price includes factory installation and training. 50 CFM at 120 psi air. 120 or 230 volt, 1 phase electrical.

ProStack Wall Panel Tilt In-Feed Conveyor

Solving the problem of missed fasteners on exterior sheathing remains one of the primary reasons for call back charges and exceptions noted during jobsite building inspections. Clearly finding and resolving missed fasteners or “shiners” becomes mission critical before a sheathed wall panel leaves the production line. Our shop-proven, tilting conveyor makes the process safe, fast, and labor efficient. The ProStack tilt in-feed safely lifts wall segments to 45º in 5 seconds for inspection and on to 75º for easy to reach repairs. This tilt system is also excellent for installing blocking , windows, and other details in your wall panel segments. More information click here. 72,665 FOB ND

$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.

Inspired by ten years of intensive field experience and the ample and detailed feedback of numerous customers, we’re pleased to introduce the most advanced, most enhanced and high-performance Terminailer yet - Terminailer V.8. Drawing on invaluable time in the trenches closely evaluating Terminailer’s performance under varying conditions, our engineers have incorporated critical learning and insight to enhance simplicity, performance and operator control. Just part of what V.8 offers includes:

•Vastly enhanced operator control for even greater productivity

•A redesigned nail-feed supplying EverWin PN90-PAL industrial nail guns

•Simplified pneumatics featuring direct air-supply to all six nail guns

•Even more sub-component profiles for wall design flexibility

•Rugged durability with pharmaceutical grade assembly

Developed by people who know well the mechanics, safety considerations and business aspects of wall panel production, Terminailer V.8 combines more enhancements & operator-friendly features than ever to take your productivity to the next level and beyond. Contact us to learn even more and to put the V.8 performance in motion at your facility.

ADT/Viking Fastrac 10' Portable Sheathing Bridge

• Model FX-1000

• 2 Person Operation

• Programmable Fastener Patterns

• Laser Pointer for Stud Location

• Sensors to Detect Sheathing

• 120 Volt / 1 Phase / 4 Amps

• Paslode Model P275C Coil Nailer

• Video available upon request

$15,000 FOB OH Wasserman & Associates 800-382-0329 www.wasserman-associates.com

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!

By Ryan Colker, J.D., CAE, Executive Director, Energy, Resilience & Innovation, International Code Council

Off-Site Construction Opens Doors for the Next Generation of Construction Workers

It’s the middle of summer at a jobsite for a new school in the South and construction workers are on scaffolding to install windows on the second floor. Outside temperatures are topping 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and the humidity is unbearable. Yet, the project must be completed in time for the new school year.

Unfortunately, the number of seasoned construction workers comfortable in these conditions is diminishing. Filling the thousands of construction jobs needed as these workers continue to retire requires a new approach that appeals to new workforce entrants.

Off-site or factory-built construction provides an avenue with broader appeal.

The Benefits of Off-Site or Factory-Built Construction

No matter where they are located, factories provide a comfortable work environment year-round. The factory also means that workers go to the same location every day. This certainty allows workers to better deal with life’s reality of navigating childcare, elderly parents, or other responsibilities.

As a manufacturing-based process, off-site construction offers additional benefits attractive to a larger cadre of workers. Many factories are leveraging some degree of automation. Factory-built construction is not simply swinging hammers under a roof, but leveraging technology to create more efficient processes. Tech savvy workers who also like to work with their hands have the best of both worlds in the factory.

The assembly line process means that the tools and materials needed to complete a specific task are nearby and don’t need to be lugged across a jobsite. Also, work is conducted at ground level without the need to be high in the air. This results in less wear and tear on the body, allowing older workers to remain in the workforce longer.

The factory is highly organized by design, and activities conducted at each station are designed for efficiency. Multiple trades aren’t trying to work in the same space, risking injury or causing unnecessary frustration and delay. Ladders, air hoses, buckets, or toolboxes aren’t just laying around presenting hazards.

Factories can also create a sense of community and connection. While each construction project typically engages a different combination of subcontractors, the factory work environment is more stable. Seeing the same co-workers everyday builds comradery, and also accountability, which can further contribute to in-factory quality.

Some factories have leveraged all these benefits to focus on engaging specific audiences. For example, Factory OS in California focuses on employing formerly incarcerated or homeless workers. Their effort provides stable employment, reduces recidivism, and provides new skills that manifest in increased worker loyalty, dedication, and engagement. BoulderMOD in Colorado is a partnership between Flatirons Habitat for Humanity and the Boulder Valley School District and provides vocational training for high school students while producing affordable housing.

A More Efficient Inspection Process

Because this work happens in a factory and the product delivered to the jobsite is often closed up, the inspections process also shifts into the factory. Much of that inspection work is conducted by third-party agencies.

For third-party inspectors, some of the same workforce benefits apply — no more climbing up scaffolding, exposure to the elements, driving from jobsite to jobsite, or uncertainty in schedules.

For inspectors that have put in the work to be ICC certified but are looking for less strenuous opportunities to extend their careers, being an in-factory inspector or administering a manufacturer’s quality assurance program could be a great opportunity.

The Future of Construction

Off-site construction presents the opportunity to address numerous challenges currently faced by society and the building industry, the availability of a future construction workforce key among them.

Capturing and communicating the opportunities in the factory will help ensure that we have the workers needed to deliver the buildings society needs.

Learn more about off-site construction and explore ICC’s off-site construction standards here. Learn more about Building Safety Month here.

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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.

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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...

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SINGLE TOOL WOOD WALL SHEATHING MACHINE

This machine is designed to fasten Sheathing to wall panels made from 2x4 to 2x10, dimensional and engineered lumber. The wall panel is rolled into the sheathing machine from the Framer or Squaring table and clamped to ensure the wall panel is square. The operator then uses the bridge to fasten the sheathing to the wall.

The design concepts used in the single tool bridge are based on that of the multi tool bridge which has been in production for many years. The advantages of the single tool over the multiple tool bridge are more flexibility in the fastener spacing both in the field, on seams, and while stitching the top and bottom plates, fewer tools to maintain.

Features:

• Touchscreen & Joystick operation

• One touch preset buttons for nail spacing and wall height

• Servo driven system

• Nail spacing accuracy

• Table clamping controls on both ends

• 12’4” x 16’ length

Options:

• Single tool beam with plate stitchers

• Dual beam single tool

• Multiple screw tool bridge

• 16’4” x 16’ length

• Custom lengths available

• Pop-up Skatewheel Conveyor

• Powered Height Adjustment (6'-11" to 12'-5" wall heights)

• Fixed Squaring Stops

• Excludes Tool Dollies

• 110 Volt / 20 Amps

• Add $6,600 for Stud Locators at 16" & 24" O.C.

• Add $3,500 for 1 Pair of 15' Skatewheel Conveyor with Stands

• Ad d $13,900 for Sub-Component Layup Tables with Pop-up Skatewheel Conveyors

• E QUIPMENT FINANCING available from SLS Financial Services $39,500 FOB NE

ProStack Wall Panel Stacker

Reduced labor, increased safety, the benefits just keep stacking up. Stacking wall panels at the end of your production line can be a real labor-intensive and safety-challenging task. But it doesn’t have to be now, thanks to ProStack. This innovative wall panel stacker literally stacks from the bottom up, reducing awkward overhead lifting & placement, and the risk of head injury. Plus, ProStack frees up at least one worker to return more productively to your core task—building wall panels. Enhanced worker safety and productivity is what ProStack is all about.

Developed for commercial wall panel production facilities this is the remarkable ProStack, fully automated wall panel stacker. The ProStackrelieves your build team from creating a stack of wall panels and keeps them building walls instead. Stacks 2×4 through 2×8 walls up to 20′ in length and up to 12′ in height (taller by special order). The ProStack will automatically center or left or right justify each layer including multiple wall segments on the same layer. For ease of loading in your yard or on the build site, fork pockets are created in two ways: The operator can attach blocking up to 5″ tall to the last wall of the stack prior to entering the stacker, or two shorter walls can be spread apart prior to the second to last row of the stacker. Designed without any overhead frame or apparatus, so no crane inspections are required. The ProStack is “event driven”, so there is no need to read a file. Setup and installation is easy too, without the need for complex training or disruption to workflow. So free up your team to do what they do best, and you need to do most, and let ProStack stack your wall panels instead. ProStack can even operate with your existing powered conveyors or select our optional matching conveyors (see the video shown below). 208 volt, 3 phase, 43 Amp base model electrical required. No air required. Footprint is 26′-5″L x 19′-3″W. For additional information Click Here

By The Building Center Team

NGrowing The Building Center in the Carolinas

ot every company can say they’ve been providing quality building products to their market for nearly 50 years, but The Building Center, Inc. can! We were founded in the Charlotte metro market in 1977, and since then, we’ve grown into one of the largest privately owned lumber and building products dealers in the U.S.

As our Chairman and Founder, Ed Norris, has said, “We’ve built our business on providing excellent and consistent service to our builder customers.” Accordingly, The Building Center maintains a fleet of more than 300 trucks serving the Carolinas, with locations in Georgetown, SC; Columbia, SC; Holly Hill, SC; Easley, SC; Rock Hill, SC; Pineville, NC; Gastonia, NC; Boone, NC; Greensboro, NC; Mebane, NC; Monroe, NC; and Ocean Isle Beach, NC. We’ve also recently added Willingham and Sons Building Supply and Septic Tank, Inc. in Newberry, SC, to our team.

The Building Center leverages its sizable regional presence to purchase and sell branded and commodity products at competitive market prices. Inventories are maintained and managed to meet the needs of individual markets, regional building practices, and metro architectural trends. As our CEO, Skip Norris, has said, “Our mission is to be our customers’ most valued building partner. That means having the products they need on hand, trucks to deliver them, and manufacturing support throughout every inch of the Carolinas.”

This level of product availability and service includes three truss plants located in Gastonia and Mebane, NC, and Georgetown, SC, as well as millwork and door shops in both the Triad and Charlotte metro areas. Additionally, custom millwork and prefab components are built in Pineville, which sources and fabricates exotic wood products such as reclaimed lumber flooring, siding, cabinetry, and mantels. “At the end of the day, construction is a people business,” adds Skip. “We’re here to provide assistance and solutions to the hardworking customers we serve.”

Now, our latest partnership with Willingham and Sons strengthens our presence in South Carolina and allows us to better serve builders, contractors, and homeowners throughout the region. As Skip Norris shared, “They have built a strong reputation for service and developed lasting relationships within their community. We look forward to building on that foundation as we continue to grow in South Carolina.” We are proud to welcome the Willingham and Sons team and customers into The Building Center family, and we look forward to continuing to grow together while delivering the quality products, trusted service, and strong partnerships our customers have relied on for nearly five decades.

The Raked Wall Extruder is a Game Changer!

Designed to assemble and simplify the process of making raking wall frames. The Raked Wall Extruder can also produce common wall frames, making it a Spida all-rounder.

Automating what is currently a manual operation in most plants - the Raked Wall Extruder is the start of the most efficient and productive Frame Line in the market.

FAST ACCURATE SIMPLE TO USE EFFICIENT VERSATILE

Visit our website to learn more and to see the capabilities of the Raked Wall Extruder in action.

•Vastly enhanced operator control for even greater productivity

•A redesigned nail-feed supplying EverWin PN90-PAL industrial nail guns

•Simplified pneumatics featuring direct air-supply to all six nail guns

•Even more sub-component profiles for wall design flexibility

•Rugged durability with pharmaceutical grade assembly

By Craig Webb

The Hidden Assets Revealed in the 2026 CS150

Each year, the 2026 Construction Supply 150, powered by Webb Analytics, reveals and analyzes the size and scope of America’s key lumber and building material dealers. It tells what they did in the previous year, updates their activities in current year, and uses past trends to forecast where dealers are headed.

At 73 pages, the 2026 CS150 is bigger than ever. We’re reporting the usual headlines that come out of this report: Total sales up 1.4% from 2024 to $424.25 billion, total branches up 10% to 25,097, total employee count up 1.2% to nearly 975,000. But we’re titling the report “Hidden Assets” for three reasons, each of which are having a big impact on LBM in ways that are only beginning to be noticed.

The first involves the more than 1,500 pro-oriented locations acquired by The Home Depot, Lowe’s, and QXO in four deals last year and the nearly 600 more locations that QXO and The Home Depot are making deals to buy this year. Now that The Home Depot’s SRS Distribution has purchased HVAC specialist Mingledorff’s, SRS has pro expertise in roofing, drywall, landscaping, pool supply, and now HVAC. Combine that with The Home Depot’s flatbed distribution centers and the fact it sells over $11 billion worth of lumber annually, then add its massive quantities of electrical, plumbing, insulation, and appliances. If the typical homebuilder has to work with two dozen subcontractors to erect a house, The Home Depot with SRS is setting itself up as a one-stop shop in a way that no major construction supply company has ever done before.

Meanwhile, QXO’s takeover of Beacon in 2025 and both Kodiak Building Partners and TopBuild so far in 2026 give it prowess in selling roofing, insulation, installation services, lumber, steel, and component manufacturing. And Lowe’s 2025 acquisitions of drywall Foundation Building Materials (FBM) and specialty provider Artisan Design Group (ADG) make it a formidable competitor for interior work.

The challenge for reports like the CS150 is that opaque financial reporting already makes it hard to determine how much revenue these stores are getting from their various supersized subsidiaries. The article “What Lies Beneath” tells what it took to tease out the numbers for SRS’ various units, and in 2027 the challenge will be even greater when full-year Gypsum Management & Supply and partial-year Mingledorff’s sales show up. Lowe’s hasn’t said yet how it will report FBM and ADG activity, and accountants have yet to describe how QXO’s financials will look. They could be like ABC Supply, which doesn’t publicly break down what share of its $20.2 billion in revenues come from its roofing operations, its drywall units, and its private label business.

The result of all this is that several of the biggest companies on the CS150 are sure to get bigger, but we’re likely to have fewer insights into the performance of their numerous multi-billion-dollar subsidiaries. That will make it harder to know which parts of these giants are succeeding and which are stumbling.

The second reason for the “Hidden Assets” theme is to call attention to the big money CS150 members get from making and installing products. Lots of people still think that building material dealers just sell stuff. That’s true for about half this year’s CS150 membership, particularly for specialty dealers. But for 86 CS150 members, making building components, creating millwork, and running door shops brings in $15.8 billion, or 23% of their total revenues. And for this same group, installing products they sell—particularly windows, doors, and cabinets— contributes another $7.7 billion, or 11% of their revenues. Not much is written about how The Home Depot and Lowe’s collect $8.2 billion from managing installations.

The final Hidden Asset involves the CS150 membership itself. Decades ago, ProSales magazine published top dealer lists with numbers for up to 400 companies. That was before early 21st century consolidators like ProBuild and Stock Building Supply bought up hundreds of companies, followed by similarly eager aggregators like US LBM and Kodiak Building Partners. Now QXO and the big boxes are getting headlines.

One result of all this is that there are fewer individual companies to list in reports like the CS150. In addition, over the last 20 years we’ve seen a steady increase in the number of dealers that used to provide numbers for these reports but now decline to reveal anything.

Through last year, Webb Analytics was able to report revenues on 150 companies by collecting survey responses, combing public records, and doing best estimates. But even that wasn’t enough this year. As a result, this CS150 lists revenues for only 144 companies. But we managed a workaround this year: 10 other companies agreed to fill out the survey form if they didn’t reveal their revenues. Some of these companies easily would fit into the middle third of the CS150 if they had reported sales. All are good examples of LBM dealers. So their responses to the other questions were added to those of the 144 that reported sales numbers, thus improving the quality of the many benchmarks this report contains. They are the 2026 CS150’s most hidden assets.

The entire 73-page PDF report is available for download at https://www.webb-analytics.com. Best of all, it’s FREE, thanks to the sponsors.

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.

"The bottleneck eliminator"

Lateral Transfer Station

The Transfer Table accommodates two parallel lines. It can convey wall panels straight across from either line or receive a panel from one line and unload it on the other.

The infeed and outfeed devices can be powered or manual. Powered infeed and outfeed devices will be interlocked with the Transfer Table to prevent accidental unloading or overrunning.

Capacity & Specs:

• Requires less "mindfulness" by the operators

• Eliminates production bottlenecks

A single start command will inhibit the unloading of a panel. The second start command will transfer the panel between lines and a third start command will set it to return automatically when completed.

Air: N/A

Electrical: 120 V, 1 PH, 30 AMPs

*Specifications subject to change without notice.

CT Darnell Construction’s design-build approach

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.

Long Span Trusses

By Bill Krick, P.E. Chief Engineer

Designing long-span trusses starts with a clear definition. Establishing what constitutes a long-span truss sets expectations early, helping to drive smarter design, manufacturing, and logistics decisions from the outset.

Defining Long-Span Trusses

According to the Building Component Safety Information (BCSI), long-span trusses are defined as trusses with a clear span of 60 feet (ft) or greater. In practice, however, a good working definition is any truss that cannot be transported as a single unit. In other words, does it fit on a typical flatbed trailer? If not, it is a long-span truss.

A standard flatbed trailer is typically 8.5 ft wide and 48 to 53 ft long (see Figure 1). When trusses exceed these transport limitations, they present unique challenges for the truss manufacturer, contractor, and erection contractor (or framing contractor).

This article focuses on the challenges faced by truss manufacturers and highlights how Alpine® Engineers help support navigating these complexities.

Figure 1. Dimensional limitations of a standard flatbed trailer, typically 8.5 ft wide by 48 to 53 ft long, used to determine if a truss qualifies as a long-span unit.

Reviewing Construction Documents

Before starting the design process, confirm that the following questions can be clearly answered based on the project’s construction documents. If information is missing or unclear, contact the building designer to obtain the necessary details. The checklist below serves as a practical reference to support a thorough and efficient design review.

Building & Site Parameters

❑ Construction Type: Identify the primary building construction method.

❑ Wall Specifications: Confirm the type of wall construction and wall heights.

❑ Occupancy & Use: Verify the occupancy and intended use of the building.

❑ Exposure: Note the presence of open sides.

Structural & Load Requirements

❑ Bearing Points: Locate all interior bearings.

❑ Mechanical & Special Loading: Identify requirements for HVAC equipment, movable partitions, or material handling systems.

❑ Drainage: Confirm any special drainage provisions that will be required for flat or slopingflat trusses.

Logistics & Assembly

❑ Field Splices: Determine if the framing contractor requires trusses to be field spliced.

Framing Contractor Assessment

The next step, and equally important, is to assess the capabilities of the team on-site. An understanding of available experience, equipment, and installation expertise helps identify potential constraints early while reducing potential installation problems. Consider the following:

❑ Experience: Is the framing contractor experienced in handling long-span trusses?

❑ Equipment: Does the framing contractor have proper lift equipment, such as an adequate crane and a spreader bar of the correct length?

❑ Support: Will the framing contractor be willing to install temporary scaffolding down the center of the building until the roof deck is secured, and all bracing is installed?

❑ Knowledge: Does the architect, engineer, and framing contractor have—and understand— BCSI truss handling and bracing requirements?

❑ Supervision: What is the contact information for the architect or engineer responsible for design and field supervision?

Special Considerations

To ensure structural integrity and ease of handling for long-span trusses, the following recommendations help reduce risk, enhance efficiency, and promote consistent structural performance:

❑ Lumber: Dense or MSR lumber is recommended for the top and bottom chord. For improved handling, 2×8 members are recommended for both top and bottom chord sizes.

❑ Configuration: For better handling and stability, long-span trusses should be two-ply. These may be spaced greater than 24” O.C. (on center).

❑ Field Splices: For field splices, a jack-scab is required on both faces. Please contact your Alpine Engineer for guidance.

❑ Installation: It is recommended the framing contractor review the video “Proper Erection and Bracing Procedures” and that the engineer be present at the jobsite while trusses are being installed.

Design Example With an 80-FT Scissor Truss

With the above checklists addressed and a clear path forward, this section provides an example to help illustrate key design concepts in application. The following explores an 80-ft scissor truss with a 6/12 top-chord pitch and 2/12 bottom-chord pitch.

Step 1: The Baseline Design

The first step is to revisit the checklist outlined earlier to ensure all project requirements are understood. Once verified, design an 80-ft truss using all design criteria provided in the construction documents. This full-span design serves as the baseline for developing the two splice segments (see Figure 2).

2. Full 80-ft scissor truss diagram showing the 6/12 and 2/12 pitches.

Step 2: Field Splicing and Segmentation

In this example, the project requires a field-spliced truss. The most straightforward approach is to design two 40-ft trusses that can be connected in the field. However, a critical requirement is to use the same lumber grades, plate sizes, and web-bracing requirements specified in the original 80-ft truss design. Using materials or plate sizes appropriate for a standard 40-ft truss will result in inadequate capacity. Once assembled, the system functions as an 80-ft long-span truss, not two independent 40-ft trusses.

Figure

Additionally, because the full truss will be divided into two halves, two vertical webs must be incorporated at the peak of each 40ft truss, as illustrated (see Figure 3).

Step 3: Creating the Segment Designs

The design for the left 40-ft segment of the overall 80-ft long-span truss is shown in Figure 4. The same design process is then applied to develop the corresponding 40-ft right-side of the truss, shown in Figure 5.

Step 4: The Jack-Scab Truss

The next step is to design the two-ply jack-scab truss. This component must include the full topchord section on both sides up to the peak, along with the full bottom-chord section. Matching webs are required to ensure proper transfer of forces through each chord and web member (Figure 6).

Note: The connection details between the jackscab truss and two 40-ft truss halves must be provided by an Alpine Engineer or another Registered Design Professional (Figure 7).

Figure 3. Diagram of the truss peak with vertical webs.

Figure 4. Design diagram for the left 40-ft segment.

Figure 5. Design diagram for the right 40-ft segment.

Figure 6. Two-ply jack-scab truss configuration diagram.

Jobsite Installation Guidelines

Once all truss sections have been designed, fabricated, and delivered to the jobsite, BCSI provides several key guidelines to ensure proper and safe installation:

❑ Professional Oversight: Engage a Registered Design Professional to prepare a temporary restraint and bracing plan and to oversee the process. This is required by the International Building Code.

❑ BCSI Standards: Review and understand the latest BCSI documents before installation begins.

❑ Safety Planning: Develop a safe and effective truss installation plan and ensure all crew members understand their responsibilities.

❑ Experienced Personnel: Use personnel experienced in installing long-span trusses, particularly those spanning 60 ft or more.

❑ Pre-Installation Inspection: Inspect all trusses prior to installation to verify they are in suitable condition.

❑ Damage Documentation: Document any truss damage before installation and ensure all repairs are completed in accordance with repair details prepared by the Truss Designer or a Registered Design Professional.

❑ Support Stability: Confirm that all walls and supporting structures are stable, properly restrained, and adequately braced prior to setting trusses.

❑ Equipment Readiness: Verify that all necessary lifting equipment and materials are on site and ensure the crane operator understands the unique hoisting requirements associated with long-span trusses.

Figure 7. Two-ply jack-scab truss connected to 40-f truss halves diagram.

Requirements for Spans Exceeding 80–90 FT

Long-span trusses exceeding 80 ft require additional coordination and design consideration. For projects over the 80–90 ft range, the following information and requirements should be reviewed in collaboration with an Alpine Engineer to ensure structural performance.

Checklist:

❑ Contact Information: Provide the name and phone number of the architect or engineer responsible for the design and field supervision.

❑ Double Trusses: Alpine normally requires double trusses on spans above 90 ft. These trusses may be spaced out at intervals greater than 2 ft O.C. and fastened together either at the truss plant or on the ground at the jobsite. All double trusses must be lifted as pairs. Acceptance of double trusses should be confirmed early in the design process.

❑ Lumber Grade: Truss chord members shall be MSR lumber or visual grade of Select Structural or Dense Select Structural to meet the strength and consistency requirements.

❑ Analysis: For spans greater than 90 ft, Alpine’s standard analysis is required. Empirical analysis methods will not be permitted for these applications.

❑ Compression Limits: Maximum permitted axial compression force in chord members is 25,000 pounds (lbs.) per ply.

❑ Materials: Roofing and ceiling materials must be clearly identified.

❑ Dead Loads: Design dead loads must be verified to account for the weight of all specified materials, including the weight of the trusses.

❑ Bracing: All continuous lateral web bracing must be eliminated by means of increasing web grade and/or web size, or by use of Alpine Web Block, T-bracing, L-bracing, or scab reinforcement.

❑ Environmental Loads: Trusses must be designed for all code-required environmental loads, including unbalanced snow and wind loads, in accordance with the ASCE-7.

❑ Piggyback Bracing: Flat top chord of all piggybacked trusses must be laterally braced with structural sheathing decking.

Addressing these considerations early in the design process helps reduce risk and improves jobsite coordination, while supporting an overall execution of long-span trusses. For further guidance or projectspecific support, contact your Alpine® Engineer.

Reference(s): Building Component Safety Information (BCSI); International Building Code 2024 (IBC).

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.

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

• Hydraulic Lift

• Sliding Tandems

• Air Ride

• Roller Locks & Brakes

• Headache Rack

• DOT is current

• Video available upon request

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

wheel connection, and locking rollers. The trailer has a current DOT certification and an estimated 80% brake life remaining and 75% tire tread remaining.

$11,900

TRUCKS &

•

• Roller Locks

• Winches & Straps

• Air Brakes & Auto Slacks

• Headache Rack

• Drop bumper has crack that needs to be

Stretch Trailer – 36′ to 50′ features sliding tandem axle, locking rollers, Hydraulic lift neck, 2 low-profile tires at 100%, 6 at 50%, brakes at 40%. 68,000 GVWR. Current DOT inspection.

$37,795 FOB MT Wood Tech Systems 765-751-9990

(Shown with Optional Headache Rack)

1997 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

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

• New 5th wheel

• New Undercarriage

• New rear bumper

• New wiring

• 70% rubber remaining Asking $19,500 NOW $10,500 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 $14,990 FOB NC Wood Tech Systems 765-751-9990

www.woodtechsystems.com

Mansard-type Truss Design

By MiTek Staff

Mansard-type trusses are a type of roof truss that extend outward and are supported only on top and bottom of the tall end, allowing it to cantilever out without additional support.

They are commonly designed with a pin and vertical roller bearing condition. This configuration is critical because it accommodates the high horizontal push and pull forces generated by the cantilevered behavior of the truss. The top chord tends to pull away from the supporting wall, while the bottom chord pushes against it, requiring carefully engineered connections to resist these forces.

Unlike conventional trusses, mansard-type trusses generate significant horizontal reactions at their bearing points. Connections between the truss and the supporting wall must be designed to resist these horizontal thrust forces. Without proper design, the truss can push walls outward, potentially causing cracking, bowing, or long-term movement. As a result, the supporting wall often requires additional reinforcement.

When a mansard-type truss is attached to a girder truss, additional considerations are required. Trusses are inherently weak when loads are applied perpendicular to their plane. The horizontal thrust from the mansard truss acts on the weak axis of the girder truss chord, which is not designed to resist such forces. There is no practical way to fully resolve these forces within the truss or girder design alone, as trusses are designed to resist loads primarily within their own plane. To address this condition, the load path within the truss system must be designed to transfer this out-of-plane load. Both temporary and permanent bracing along the chords of the girder truss are required to prevent lateral displacement and potential instability.

When selecting hangers for mansard-type trusses, ensure the chosen hanger is capable of resisting both vertical loads and the associated horizontal thrust forces. Manufacturer catalog values often assume short-term wind loading, which can result in higher listed allowable capacities. However, mansard-type trusses are frequently governed by gravity load cases. In these situations, hanger capacities must be adjusted to reflect the applicable load duration and governing load combination. Also, when a connector is subjected to simultaneous loading in multiple directions, the allowable load shall be determined using the interaction equation provided in the applicable manufacturer’s catalog.

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

ACTUALLY, WE CAN SAY QUITE A LOT WITH LASER ACCURACY.

productivity of any

Used - 2014, R157 48” Roll -Off Precision Trailer

Tandem Axles | Air Ride Suspension : Air Operated Load Control, Air Operated Pin

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

www.eidemachinery.com/equipment/ trailers

Used - 2014, R156 48” Roll -Off Precision Trailer

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

www.eidemachinery.com/equipment/ trailers

•

TRUCKS & TRAILERS

2000 Haulin 36' Truss/Panel Roll-Off Trailer

• Bed Length: 36'

• GVWR: 26,000 Lbs

• Battery Operated Hydraulic Tilt

• Electric Brakes

• Locking Rollers

•

• Trailer Inspection is current

steel plate/weld

•

• 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

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

stage compressor, model 7.5–V80E, with Eaton controls, 7.5 HP motor, 80 gal vertical tank, rated for 22 cfm @ 175 PSI. 208/230/ 460 volt, 3 phase electrical required. $2,495 FOB AZ Wood Tech Systems 765-751-9990

•

• 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

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.

FC Curtis model E-15 two-stage, piston drive, air compressor with dryer and 80 Gal. horizontal storage tank, 175 PSI, 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

EMSI Teeter Cart Width – 46” / Length – 73” / Load Capacity – 2850 pounds / Pneumatic tires – 14.5 inch / Maximum utility in truss plants, panel plants, and lumber yards / Quick Assembly by bolting parts together / All hardware is supplied / Upright 2 x 4’s not supplied / Medium duty tires rated at 1500 lbs each are included. Call for Price

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

Used - Quincy 25 Horsepower Screw Compressor

Taken from service $3500

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

NAPA 25 HP rotary screw compressor model 8025B, with Rogers CLS46 dryer. Compressor reconditioned in 2021. 125 PSIG, 8,292 hours. 460 volt, 3 phase, 29 Amp electrical required.

$11,997 NOW $9,997 FOB OR Wood Tech Systems 765-751-9990 www.woodtechsystems.com NEW GALVANIZED STEEL STRAPPING 1 1/4" wide x .035 thick. $95 per coil. $1,900 per skid (21 coils). FOB PA. Wasserman & Associates 800-382-0329 www.wasserman-associates.com

2017

SL-Laser

Truss Projection System

• (6) 2017 SL-Laser ProDirector 6 Heads

• Currently used with Desktop PC & Monitor

• Original SL Laser Touch Screen/Cabinet is included

• Excludes SL-Laser Software License

• Price in US Dollars

$52,500 FOB ON

2019 LAP Laser, 2-head System

Two-head LAP Laser system, model CADPro, 10 mW green lasers. 0.5mm beam width, laser class 3R. Includes PRO SOFT TP 5.1 software, all available mounting brackets, distribution box, projector cables, remote control, hardware and manuals. Can work in a US location with some additional regulatory steps. OEM installation & support available for an additional fee of approx. $5,000. 110v, 1 phase electrical required.

$21,995

Wood Tech Systems 765-751-9990

www.woodtechsystems.com

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.

information Click Here

www.woodtechsystems.com

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

Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Component Manufacturing

By Simpson Strong-Tie Staff

Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology is everywhere we look lately. From health care to education to manufacturing operations, AI leaders claim their applications will improve productivity and streamline business processes in every way imaginable. Some say it will replace jobs, while others argue it will only enhance the workforce, since AI depends on human input and real-world data to be effective. In practice, AI is best understood as a tool — one that can support decision-making, surface patterns, and help teams operate more efficiently. So, what does the advent of AI in the building industry mean for component manufacturers?

Truss plant production is already impacted by AI and will continue to be as more sophisticated tools are developed, and as users find better ways to communicate with the technology. AI can optimize the production process by identifying quality issues, improving material handling, and streamlining cutting and assembly processes.

AI also promises to make huge strides in truss plant management where using the most cost-effective practices is critical for success. Tools can now help plant managers optimize logistics and plan strategy in order to maximize profitability.

Continued advances in AI technology will enable truss designers to reach new levels of productivity as component design automation expands. What once took hours to manually design may now be created in minutes, with the use of a few specific AI prompts.

The best part about AI is that there’s no need to wait for fully packaged, industry-specific AI solutions to arrive to make use of this amazing technology. Many of the capabilities mentioned above, such as identifying patterns, testing process improvements, and interpreting project information, can be explored today through AI tools that are already widely available. The businesses that benefit most will not necessarily be those that are first to adopt new software, but those that begin learning how to apply AI within their existing workflows.

A practical way to get started is to simply interact with AI as a thought partner. Ask questions about specific challenges your business is facing or how to best use AI to solve a problem. As you move beyond conversation and are ready to provide the application with project data or internal files, it is vital to ensure you are using a secure sandbox. Public AI platforms can use your inputs to train their models; therefore, to protect your intellectual property, ensure you are using an enterprise-grade environment where your data remains private and encrypted.

Ultimately, AI does not replace the experience of a designer, sawyer, or production manager — it enhances it. In an industry where small improvements in efficiency and accuracy compound quickly, that enhancement can make a measurable difference in the long-term success of a facility. The examples described here focus on only a few ideas, but huge potential exists for AI to reach into every corner of the component manufacturing business.

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

• Steel

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

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

www.woodtechsystems.com

20' Live Deck (5 Chain)

• 20' Live Deck (5 Chain)

• Foot Pedal Control

• 3 HP / 3 Phase Motor

• Buyer to dismantle/load the equipment

• Se ller will provide forklift for equipment dismantle/load

$12,500 NOW $11,000 FOB OH 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.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

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.

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 Bas ic 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

BAM Stair Wedge Saw

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…

2023 MiTek Component

Delivery System (CDS)

Quantity of two, priced per each. Automated conveyor system for moving cut boards from a linear saw towards assembly tables. Cut boards move from the linear saw to a staging conveyor with the ability to divert boards for use later. Board capacities from 2×3″ minimum to 2×12″ maximum, to 20-ft maximum length. Shortest lengths governed by the linear saw. Each CDS includes operator bridge platform, HMI control stands with touchscreen tablet, one 5-ft transfer conveyor, one 22-ft push conveyor, one 30-ft staging conveyor assembly, one 10-ft staging conveyor, one power and control module, one 24″ wide bridge, pushbutton emergency stop and any available spare parts

$178,995 FOB GA

2006 SL-Laser ProDirector 4, 3-Head System

3-head system includes three (3) projectors with universal mounts, one (1) PC terminal with stand and all available cables. Green laser projection. Lasers project roof truss, floor truss and wall panel design images accurately onto building surface for faster setup and fabrication times. More information here

$12,995 FOB KS

Wood Tech Systems 765-751-9990 www.woodtechsystems.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

2020 Ranger RS Lumber Retrieval System

• Fully Automatic Laser Guided Lumber Retrieval System

• 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

Enventek Smart Conveyor

• 12' Live Deck (10 Chain)

• Adjustable Height

• Foot Pedal Control

• 220 Volt / 3 Phase Motor

• Buyer to dismantle/load the equipment

• S eller will provide forklift for equipment dismantle/load.

$12,000 FOB WI

Wasserman & Associates 800-382-0329

www.wasserman-associates.com

BAM Staircase Assembly Clamp Builders Automation Machinery (BAM) staircase assembly clamp, model 2210, accommodates up to 20 foot long stringers with a maximum width of 54″…

2015 SL-Laser (7) Head Projection System

2015 SL-Lasers PD-6 Projector system. Fixed-head laser projection system allows for quick and accurate laser-guided setups, consisting of (7) GREEN laser heads for 140-feet of projection at 15’ table-to-ceiling height. Includes one SL touchscreen PC control, any available cables & universal mounting brackets. OEM installation and one-time software license required. 120 volt, 1 phase electrical, OEM Software license and installation required.

$59,497 FOB OR

www.woodtechsystems.com

Update your Pro Stair Shop OR add a new profit center to your existing business!

Wedge Cutter

Turn your off-cut scrap into profits.

The Triad Wedge Cutter cuts wedges OR glue blocks from 1x or 2x material.

Walk-Away, Hands-Free Operation with automatic shutoff when no material is detected.

wopenStringer Saw

Re-Engineered for even Higher Capacity: Cuts up to 4 LVL Open Stringers at one time, up to 16" wide

Multi-purpose Stair Router

FOB PA Wasserman & Associates

800-382-0329

www.wasserman-associates.com

1/2 HP Motor (115/208-230 Volt)

$1,900 NOW $1,750 FOB NE.

Spida Ink Jet Plate Marker

• Aut omated Wall Panel Component Cutting & Marking as directed by your Wall Panel Design Software

• DeWalt Miter Saw with Saw Table

• 20' of Steel Framed/Plastic Top Table with Automated Length Stop/Plate Positioner

• 10' Infeed Steel Framed/MDF Top Table

• Workstation, Control Cabinet Enclosure & 17" Touch Screen Integration

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

• Made in the USA with USA Steel $2,210 FOB SD Wasserman & Associates 800-382-0329 www.wasserman-associates.com Sweed Scrap (Band) Chopper with Stand

• Ink Jet Printer marks Wall Member Locations, Wall ID & Job Name

• Current use is a low volume shop

• Excludes: Dust Collector, Installation/ Training & Annual Technical Support Fee

$45,000 NOW $38,500 FOB MO Wasserman & Associates 800-382-0329 www.wasserman-associates.com

3,000 Lb Capacity • White Powder Coat Finish (Optional Custom Colors)

BAM 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

drive train

(30) seconds per

By Sean Shields, SBCA Director of Strategic Partnerships

Incredible Value Awaits You in Columbus at BCMC 2026

We all know how fast this industry moves, and how hard it can be to stay ahead. That’s exactly why you need to begin planning to attend BCMC 2026 in Columbus, Ohio, September 14–18. If you’re serious about improving your operation, strengthening your team, and finding better ways to compete, this is the one industry event you don’t want to miss.

BCMC is built specifically for component manufacturers (CMs) and their supply chain. This isn’t a general construction show where CMs are an afterthought. Everything, from the education sessions to the equipment on the show floor, is tailored to the realities you deal with every day. Hosted by the Structural Building Components Association (SBCA), every moment of the show is intended to keep the focus on practical, real-world solutions for you.

Past attendees consistently share that the biggest value comes from the ideas you can take home and actually use immediately. Whether it’s improving plant flow, tightening up quality control, or learning how others are integrating new design software and automation, the BCMC show floor and education sessions are packed with insights that translate directly to your operation. This isn’t theory either, it’s manufacturers and peers sharing what’s working (and sometimes what’s not) so everyone can get better.

The show floor is literally a huge reason to attend. There’s simply no better place to see the latest equipment and technology in one place. You can watch machines run, ask detailed questions, and compare options sideby-side. If you’re considering an investment, whether it’s a new saw, a material handling system, or software to better manage your business, there’s no substitute for seeing it in person and talking directly with people who understand how your plants operate.

One thing to especially look forward to in 2026 is the line-up of high-impact speakers . This year’s keynote speaker, Jesse Itzler, is the kind of session that pushes you to think differently about leadership, discipline, and personal growth, issues that directly translate into how you run your businesses and lead your teams. On the economic side, Zonda’s Todd Tomalak will provide a data-driven forecast of where the housing and construction markets are headed. If you’re considering making capital investments, managing capacity, or trying to plan for the next 12–24 months, Todd’s presentation will provide the kind of insight you need.

But at the end of the day, the most valuable part of BCMC isn’t just the sessions or the equipment, it’s the people. This industry has always been built on relationships, and BCMC is where those relationships are formed and strengthened. You get the chance to sit down with other CMs, talk through challenges, and share ideas openly. Every year, attendees tell us about how they come back from BCMC knowing they can pick up the phone and call someone across the country to get their perspective on an issue they’re facing. That kind of networking is hard to put a price on.

If you are looking to grow, or to gain a competitive edge, it’s worth prioritizing the show. There’s no better way to get up to speed on how successful operations are thinking about design, production, safety, and customer relationships. Even the most established and successful companies will find opportunities to improve.

Attending BCMC is about investing in your business. It’s about finding ways to run a tighter operation, make smarter decisions, and stay connected to an industry that’s constantly evolving. Early Bird Registration ends July 31, so don’t wait, register today at www.bcmcshow.com.

CalENdar of EvENts

JUNE 2026

June 9–13

June 9–11

June 10–11

June 10–13

June 11

June 14–16

June

JULY 2026

CalENdar of EvENts

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

Safety First!

Safety Meeting Topics

Meeting Topics

From State Fund CA.

From State Fund, CA.

Accident Investigation

Accidents are unplanned and unexpected events that cause injury, property damage, and/or financial loss in the workplace. Incidents or “near misses” don’t result in loss, but have the potential to do so.

Accidents are unplanned and unexpected events that cause injury, property damage, and/or ﬁnancial loss in the workplace. Incidents or “near misses” don’t result in loss, but have the potential to do so.

Ideally, safety programs focus on preventing accidents and incidents, but if one occurs, have an accident investigation procedure ready and train your employees how to use it. Investigate ALL accidents and injuries; the severity determines the extent of the investigation. Handled properly, accident investigation helps you look at problems, solve them, improve your safety programs, and prevent future accidents.

Investigación de accidentes

Los accidentes son eventos no planificados e inesperados que causan lesiones, daños a la propiedad y/o pérdidas económicas en el lugar de trabajo. Los incidentes o “casi accidentes” no causan pérdidas, pero tienen el potencial de hacerlo.

Investigación de accidentes

Los accidentes son eventos no planiﬁcados e inesperados que causan lesiones, daños a la propiedad y/o pérdidas económicas en el lugar de trabajo. Los incidentes o “casi accidentes” no causan pérdidas, pero tienen el potencial de hacerlo.

Idealmente, los programas de seguridad están dirigidos a prevenir accidentes e incidentes, pero si uno ocurre, tenga listo un procedimiento de investigación de accidentes y capacite a sus empleados en su implementación. Investigue TODOS los accidentes y lesiones; la gravedad determina el alcance de la investigación. Si se conduce correctamente, la investigación del accidente le ayuda a identificar problemas, solucionarlos, mejorar sus programas de seguridad y prevenir futuros accidentes.

Idealmente, los programas de seguridad están dirigidos a prevenir accidentes e incidentes, pero si uno ocurre, tenga listo un procedimiento de investigación de accidentes y capacite a sus empleados en su implementación. Investigue TODOS los accidentes y lesiones; la gravedad determina el alcance de la investigación. Si se conduce correctamente, la investigación del accidente le ayuda a identiﬁcar problemas, solucionarlos, mejorar sus programas de seguridad y prevenir futuros accidentes.

Accident investigation should prevent recurrence. Adhering strictly to fact finding in a neutral, nonconfrontational manner identifies the true attitudes, behaviors, and other factors that led to the problem. Analyzing facts and asking a neutral “why” question helps find the root cause of the accident. For example, if employee error caused the accident, dig further to determine why the employee made the error.

Accident investigation should prevent recurrence. Adhering strictly to fact finding in a neutral, non-confrontational manner identifies the true attitudes, behaviors, and other factors that led to the problem. Analyzing facts and asking a neutral “why” question helps find the root cause of the accident. For example, if employee error caused the accident, dig further to determine why the employee made the error.

Accident investigation should not be used to blame, punish or exonerate workers and managers; true facts will not emerge in this environment. If you investigate an accident just to complete paperwork and satisfy insurance requirements, you will erode conﬁdence in the system and you won’t achieve your goal of prevention and loss reduction.

Accident investigation should not be used to blame, punish or exonerate workers and managers; true facts will not emerge in this environment. If you investigate an accident just to complete paperwork and satisfy insurance requirements, you will erode confidence in the system and you won’t achieve your goal of prevention and loss reduction.

A supervisor in the aﬀected area is the best person to conduct an investigation because they are most familiar with the tools, equipment, and people involved. Experts in equipment, outside agencies, and other technical resources may also be needed.

La investigación del accidente debe prevenir que éste se repita. La adherencia estricta al hallazgo de los hechos de una manera neutra y sin enfrentamiento identifi ca las actitudes, los comportamientos y otros factores reales que condujeron al problema. El análisis de los hechos y hacer las preguntas en un “por qué” neutro ayuda a encontrar la raíz del accidente. Por ejemplo, si el accidente fue causado por error de un empleado, averigüe más a fondo para determinar por qué el empleado cometió el error.

La investigación del accidente debe prevenir que éste se repita. La adherencia estricta al hallazgo de los hechos de una manera neutra y sin enfrentamiento identiﬁca las actitudes, los comportamientos y otros factores reales que condujeron al problema. El análisis de los hechos y hacer las preguntas en un “por qué” neutro ayuda a encontrar la raíz del accidente. Por ejemplo, si el accidente fue causado por error de un empleado, averigüe más a fondo para determinar por qué el empleado cometió el error.

La investigación del accidente no debe usarse para culpar, castigar o exonerar a trabajadores y gerentes; en ese ambiente no saldrá a la luz la verdad. Si investiga un accidente simplemente para completar el papeleo y cumplir con los requerimientos del seguro, erosionará la conﬁanza en el sistema y no alcanzará su objetivo de prevención y reducción de pérdidas.

La investigación del accidente no debe usarse para culpar, castigar o exonerar a trabajadores y gerentes; en ese ambiente no saldrá a la luz la verdad. Si investiga un accidente simplemente para completar el papeleo y cumplir con los requerimientos del seguro, erosionará la confianza en el sistema y no alcanzará su objetivo de prevención y reducción de pérdidas.

Start your investigation by securing the scene, placing equipment out of service if necessary, and taking photos. Interview victims and witnesses. Collect evidence and records and document your observations. Find the contributing factors to determine the accident’s root cause. Document the recommended corrective actions, the people assigned to complete them, and a due date for completion.

A supervisor in the affected area is the best person to conduct an investigation because they are most familiar with the tools, equipment, and people involved. Experts in equipment, outside agencies, and other technical resources may also be needed.

La mejor persona para conducir la investigación es un supervisor en el área afectada, porque es el más familiarizado con las herramientas, los equipos y las personas afectadas. También puede que se necesiten expertos en equipos, agencias externas y otros recursos técnicos.

Comience su investigación resguardando la escena, retirando de servicio equipos y, si fuera necesario, tomando fotos. Entreviste a las víctimas y a los testigos. Reúna pruebas y registros y documente sus observaciones. Encuentre los factores contribuyentes para determinar la causa que dio origen al accidente. Documente las acciones correctivas, las personas asignadas para completar las mismas y la fecha límite para terminarlas.

Senior Designer - J15413 Southern Alberta

Remote Truss Designer J14203 Indiana

Remote Wall Panel Designer - MiTek J15407 SoCal

Remote Truss & Wall Panel Designer J15406 So Cal

Component Manufacturing Technical Sales Engineer J15360 Western US

Technical Sales Engineer J15410 USA

Senior Truss Designer J15409 South

Outside Sales - J15411 Western Ontario

Design Manager - J15295 Western Ontario

Remote Truss Designer J15408 SoCal

Truss Designer - MiTek software J15392 Ohio

Remote Multifamily Truss Designer J15326 REMOTE

Senior Multifamily Wall Panel Designer J15405 REMOTE

Multifamily Truss Designer - MiTek J5399 South or Remote

Truss Designer - AG/SF/MiTek J15385 Upper Midwest

Senior Truss Designer -Alpine J15412 Western Canada - remote option

Wall Panel Designer-J15402 Alberta - remote

Senior Designer-Truss/EWP-J15400 Alberta - remote

Design & Estimating Manager/Sales Coord. J15397 Mid-South

Senior Truss Designer J15396 Indiana/Kentucky

Senior Truss Designer - J15342 Mountains

Truss Designer - J15394 South

In Office Truss Designer - MiTek Software J15393 Florida

Truss Production Supervisor-J15389 Greater Toronto Area

Plant Manager - Wall Panels - J15375 Central Florida

In Office Wall Panel Designer - MiTek Software J15388 Florida

Production Manager - Truss J15387 South

Outside Sales Technical - Truss/Bldg Mtls/MiTek J15386 South

Outside Sales/Design/AG/SF/MiTek J15384 Upper Midwest

Senior Designer-Truss/EWP-J15382 Eastern Ontario

Truss Design Manager - MiTek software J15370 Florida

Sales Manager - J15373

Southern Alberta

Truss & EWP Design Manager - J15376 Central Ontario

Remote Mega-Multifamily Truss Designer J15368 Mid-Atlantic

Sales Representative - J15355 Central Ontario

Remote Truss Designer - MiTek J15228 Florida

Truss Designer J14165 Carolinas

Mass Timber Sales/Business Development-J15338 Central Ontario

Mass Timber Engineer-J15337 Central Ontario

Senior Truss Designer-J15300 Eastern Ontario

Truss Designer-J15299 Eastern Ontario

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+

Inflation Outpaces Wage Growth for First Time Since 2023

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

Inflation reached a nearly three-year high in April due to increases in energy costs stemming from the war in Iran. Energy costs drove more than 40% of the monthly increase as national gasoline prices rose to their highest totals in nearly four years.

Americans’ budgets are constraining due to the rising cost of energy, marking the first time inflation has outpaced wage growth since May of 2023, and the tenuous ceasefire means prices are expected to stay high for months.

What’s causing shelter inflation?

Shelter inflation is likely elevated in April due to a statistical quirk from the October government shutdown. After missing normal collection, the Bureau of Labor Statistics used a six-month panel carry-forward imputation method to calculate shelter inflation, resulting in lower readings through March. Shelter inflation should normalize in the coming months.

How did the non-seasonally adjusted basis Consumer Price Index (CPI) change in April?

The CPI rose by 3.8% in April, the largest annual increase since May 2023, following a 3.3% increase in March. Other CPI changes include:

• The “core” CPI, excluding the volatile food and energy components, increased by 2.8% over the last 12 months

• The housing shelter index, which makes up a large portion of “core” CPI, rose 3.3% over the year

• The component index of food rose by 3.2% and the energy component index increased by 17.9%, the largest annual increase since September 2022

• On a monthly basis, the CPI rose by 0.6% in April and the “core” CPI increased by 0.4%.

The price index increased for: fuel oil (5.8%); gasoline (5.4%); and electricity (2.1%).

Fan-Yu Kuo, NAHB Principal Economist, provides more details in this Eye on Housing post

Building Material Prices Increase at Fastest Pace in Three Years

Posted May 14, 2026 on NAHB Now | The News Blog of the National Association of Home Builders Reprinted with permission.

Prices of building materials used in residential construction, excluding energy, were up 3.7% in April, the fastest pace in three years, according to the most recent Producer Price Index. Building material prices have seen annualized inflation above 3% every month since July of last year.

Soaring energy prices caused a spike in the overall April PPI reading to 6% compared to last year. Including energy, the price index for inputs to new residential construction was up 5.9% from last year, with the price of goods used in new residential construction up 6.1% from last year, while the price of services was up 3.7% from last year.

Among input goods, the largest year-over-year increase was for No. 2 diesel fuel as prices were 74.4% higher than a year ago. Asphalt prices were up 18% after declining in March. Softwood lumber prices were up 1.1% in April after declining on a yearly basis for several months. Particleboard and fiberboard prices were down 12%, while softwood veneer/plywood prices were down 1.7%.

For more on the latest PPI release, see this post on NAHB’s economics blog Eye on Housing.

Builder Sentiment Posts Gain in May But Significant Affordability Challenges Persist

Posted May 18, 2026 on NAHB Now | The News Blog of the National Association of Home Builders. Reprinted with permission.

Builder confidence posted a modest gain in May even as buyers grapple with rising mortgage rates and economic uncertainty while builders continue to contend with elevated land, labor and construction costs.

Builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes increased three points to 37 in May, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/ Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) released today.

“The housing market remains soft as higher mortgage rates, rising gas prices and economic uncertainty related to the war in Iran continue to dampen buyer demand,” said NAHB Chairman Bill Owens, a home builder and remodeler from Worthington, Ohio. “However, efforts in the House to modify the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act could increase the nation’s housing supply and help ease builder concerns.”

“Recent increases for long-term interest rates will continue to hold back home buyer demand,” said NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz. “Although some regional markets, including parts of the Midwest, are showing relative strength, the housing market continues to face significant affordability challenges.”

The latest HMI survey also revealed that 32% of builders cut prices in May, down from 36% in April. The average price reduction was 6%, up from the 5% figure in April. The use of sales incentives was 61% in May, up slightly from 60% in April, and marking the 14th consecutive month this share has reached 60% or higher.

All three of the major HMI indices posted gains in May, as some buyers who had been holding back decided to move forward this spring. The HMI index gauging current sales conditions rose three points to 40 from April to May, the index measuring future sales increased three points to 45 and the index charting traffic of prospective buyers posted a three-point gain to 25.

Looking at the three-month moving averages for regional HMI scores, the Midwest registered a one-point gain to 43, the Northeast rose one point to 42, the South held constant at 35 and the West fell one point to 28.

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

Single-Family Starts Fall Amid Economic Uncertainty and Affordability Pressures

Posted May 21, 2026 on NAHB Now | The News Blog of the National Association of Home Builders. Reprinted with permission.

Single-family housing starts declined in April as builders faced continued economic uncertainty and affordability challenges, including higher construction costs, ongoing labor shortages and elevated financing expenses.

Overall housing starts decreased 2.8% in April to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.47 million units, according to a report from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Census Bureau.

The April reading of 1.47 million starts is the number of housing units builders would begin if development kept this pace for the next 12 months. Within this overall number, single-family starts decreased 9% to a 930,000 seasonally adjusted annual rate and are down 2.4% compared to April 2025. The multifamily sector, which includes apartment buildings and condos, increased 10.3% to an annualized 535,000 pace and are up 19.7% compared to April 2025.

“Housing starts pulled back in April as elevated mortgage rates and ongoing affordability challenges continued to weigh on the market,” said Bill Owens, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and a home builder and remodeler from Worthington, Ohio. “The drop indicates builders remain cautious as softer buyer demand and higher financing costs limit new construction activity. However, the Midwest looks to be more stable compared to the other regions.”

“The decline in housing starts highlights growing pressure from tighter financial conditions and rising construction costs,” said Danushka Nanayakkara-Skillington, NAHB’s assistant vice president for forecasting and analysis. “Recent increases in the 10-year Treasury yield have driven mortgage rates higher, further reducing affordability and weakening demand for new homes. As a result, home building is likely to remain under pressure in the coming months, especially as higher diesel and gas prices continue to raise construction costs.”

On a regional and year-to-date basis, combined single-family and multifamily starts were 16.6% higher in the Northeast, 2.9% lower in the Midwest, 1.8% higher in the South and 0.4% lower in the West. Overall permits increased 5.8% to a 1.44 million unit annualized rate in April. Single-family permits decreased 2.6% to an 872,000unit rate and are down 5.5% compared to April 2025. Multifamily permits increased 21.8% to an annualized 570,000 pace and are up 9.2% compared to April 2025.

Looking at regional permit data on a year-to-date basis, permits were 14.2% higher in the Northeast, 7.3% higher in the Midwest, 6.7% lower in the South and 0.7% higher in the West. The number of single-family homes under construction is at 588,000 units while the number of apartments under construction is at 687,000 units.

INdustry NEWs

Popular Mechanics Honors Simpson Strong-Tie with Award for Quik Drive® Project Pro™ Tool

May 20, 2026, Pleasanton, Calif. — Simpson Strong-Tie, the leader in engineered structural connectors and building solutions, has been awarded a 2026 Tool Award from Popular Mechanics magazine for the Quik Drive® Project Pro™ screw driving tool. The magazine’s annual awards program highlights the editors’ favorite tools among the many they tried and tested throughout the previous year.

The Quik Drive Project Pro attaches easily to nearly any cordless drill or driver, transforming it into an auto-feed screw driving tool that enables advanced DIYers to build or repair decks, fences, porches and flooring up to four times faster. The auto-feed technology drives screws repeatedly — just squeeze the trigger and apply pressure to drive — with no worry about fumbling or dropping screws.

“Simpson Strong-Tie’s Quik Drive Project Pro will turn your favorite drill driver into a speedy screw driving machine. Simply tighten your chuck on the hex drive shank and strap the base around your drill’s battery and it’s ready to go,” Popular Mechanics editors said. “We were really surprised how well it worked, and how fast we drove 2-1/2-inch deck screws. We could drive one strip of 30 screws in about two minutes.”

Though a lower-cost option, Project Pro uses some of the same designs, patents, and manufacturing channels as Simpson Strong-Tie’s Quik Drive pro-grade solutions. The tool includes an easily accessible depth-of-drive adjustment dial and comes with a battery strap and T-25 6-lobe bit.

To read more about the Project Pro™ screw driving tool and all the 2026 Tool Awards winners, visit the Popular Mechanics website.

For more information about Simpson Strong-Tie fastening and other building resources, visit www.strongtie.com

About Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc.

Simpson Strong-Tie is the world leader in structural solutions — products and technology that help people design and build safer, stronger homes, buildings, and communities. As a pioneer in the building industry, we have an unmatched passion for problem solving through skillful engineering and thoughtful innovation. Our structural systems research and rigorous testing enable us to design code-listed, value-engineered solutions for a multitude of applications in wood, steel, and concrete structures. Our dedication to pursuing ever-better construction products and technology and to surrounding our customers with exceptional service and support has been core to our mission since 1956. For more information, visit strongtie.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

Tools and Resources for Deck Safety Month

May 5, 2026, Pleasanton, Calif. — As outdoor living continues to top homeowners’ and homebuyers’ wish lists, deck safety practices are more critical than ever. Unfortunately, deck accidents are still far too common: According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission as reported in Consumer Reports, approximately 8,700 people were injured and two people died between 2020 and 2024 due to collapses or floors giving way on decks, porches, and balconies.

Fortunately, most deck incidents are preventable if both contractors and consumers practice due diligence. For existing decks, homeowners should inspect deck surfaces and structures regularly for signs of deterioration or failure, including rotting wood, corroded fasteners, and loose railings. For new decks, following code requirements and best practices is essential.

Education and support are available across the industry. Here are a few resources to help guide your installation and maintenance:

• NADRA Safety Tools: Simpson Strong-Tie is proud to be a Deck Safety Ambassador for the North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA). The organization offers numerous resources on its Deck Safety Month portal, including a Deck Evaluation/Inspection Class for pro contractors and a 10-Point Deck Safety Checklist for consumers.

• Simpson Strong-Tie Deck Center: Our Deck Center web portal offers everything you need to build strong, safe, beautiful decks, from installation guides to our Deck Planner Software™ and “Build a Stronger Deck” video series.

• Deck Connection Fastening Guide: Download our Deck Connection and Fastening Guide for instructions on how to recognize defects and deficiencies in existing decks, plus guidance for building strong, safe, long-lasting deck structures. It also goes detail by detail through a typical deck and identifies relevant building code requirements and connection options.

Deck Safety Month is the perfect opportunity for contractors not only to verify their deck construction practices and ensure that their code knowledge is up to date, but also to educate clients on the importance of inspections and regular maintenance. Deck education is the first step toward long-term safety and enjoyment. For more information, visit www.strongtie.com

About Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc.

MiTek Acquires Acer Lumber Retrieval Systems, Strengthening Automation Leadership

May 20, 2026 – Chesterfield, MO – MiTek, a global leader in construction technology, recently announced the acquisition of Acer Lumber Retrieval Systems, a long-time partner in automation solutions for the component manufacturing industry.

Acer designs and manufactures the Ranger™ Retrieval System, a critical material-handling solution integrated with the MiTek MatchPoint® Direct Drive™ system and widely used in component manufacturing facilities.

The Ranger™ Retrieval System will continue to integrate with a wide range of automated cutting solutions, including solutions from other manufacturers. This ensures customers maintain the workflows and operational flexibility they rely on today.

This acquisition deepens MiTek’s automation capabilities, supporting continued innovation and long-term product development while delivering the throughput, efficiency, and performance component manufacturers expect. Acer’s team will join MiTek and continue to support customers with no changes to existing products, service, support teams, or integration capabilities.

“This acquisition is a natural next step in a partnership that has delivered meaningful value to our customers for years,” said Tim Warran, VP of Offsite Solutions at MiTek. “By bringing Acer fully into MiTek, we are strengthening our ability to deliver reliable, integrated automation solutions – while continuing to invest in the equipment, services, and support programs our customers rely on to maximize throughput and efficiency.”

About MiTek

MiTek is a leading construction technology company dedicated to advancing offsite construction for more efficient and sustainable building. Established in 1955, MiTek transformed residential construction with the Gang-Nail plate, which made wood truss manufacturing affordable. Today, MiTek serves residential and commercial customers with software, services, engineered products, and automated solutions that promote an integrated Design-MakeBuild™ approach. With a global team of over 6,000 members, MiTek enables streamlined builds that enhance quality, speed, and value while reducing waste. As part of Berkshire Hathaway since 2001, MiTek has a strong track record of growth and innovation. Learn more at www.mii.com

$100,000 Donation to Support Victims and Families Impacted By Searsmont Explosion

May 18, 2026—Following the tragic fire and explosion in Searsmont, Hammond Lumber Company is announcing a $100,000 donation to support the victims and families impacted by this heartbreaking event. The contribution will be made directly to the Maine Strong Memorial Foundation to help provide financial assistance, resources, and ongoing support to those affected. Robbins Lumber, a longtime valued supplier partner of Hammond Lumber Company, has deep roots in the state, and this tragedy has been deeply felt across Maine’s lumber industry.

“As a Maine company, our communities are like family to us, and tragedies like this are felt deeply by all of us,” said Mike Hammond, president and CEO of Hammond Lumber Company. “Robbins Lumber has been a valued partner of ours for many years, and from one family business to another, our hearts are with everyone impacted by this tragedy. We are keeping the victims, their families, employees, first responders, and the entire community in our thoughts. On behalf of our company and employees, we hope this donation helps provide comfort, resources, and meaningful support to the individuals and families affected as they navigate the difficult road ahead.”

Hammond’s donation to the Maine Strong Memorial Foundation will provide direct financial support to the individuals injured in the tragedy and the families of those who lost their lives. The Maine Strong Memorial Foundation has launched a dedicated relief campaign to support those most directly impacted by the fire and explosion. The organization is working closely with the Town of Searsmont and official community representatives to help ensure that 100% of donations are distributed directly to confirmed victims and their immediate families. Funds raised will help assist with medical expenses, recovery and rehabilitation needs, funeral costs, lost income, and other unforeseen hardships families may face in the weeks and months ahead.

Hammond Lumber Company believes strongly in supporting its communities during times of hardship and recognizes the importance of standing together in moments like these. The donation to the Maine Strong Memorial Foundation will assist efforts focused on recovery, support services, and helping those directly affected move forward. Hammond will continue to assist where possible and stand alongside those affected in the days and months ahead.

Hammond also extends its deepest gratitude to the fire departments whose courage, professionalism, and rapid response were critical during this tragedy, along with the emergency responders, medical personnel, law enforcement officers, and community members who demonstrated extraordinary compassion, strength, and dedication in the face of an incredibly difficult situation.

About Maine Strong Memorial Foundation

The Maine Strong Memorial Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing temporary financial relief to Maine families impacted by unexpected tragedy, including medical emergencies, accidents, sudden loss, and other life-altering hardships. Through emergency fundraising campaigns, annual events, donation matching efforts, and community partnerships, the Foundation works to provide immediate support during some of life’s most difficult moments. Guided by a mission of compassion, community, and resilience, the Maine Strong Memorial Foundation remains committed to helping Maine families navigate challenges while honoring the strength and spirit that continue to bring communities together. Learn more at http://www.mainestrongfoundation.org/

NEWs

US LBM Acquires Carolina’s Builders Supply Company

May 14, 2026—US LBM, a leading distributor of specialty building materials in the United States, has acquired Builders Supply Company in Lancaster, S.C.

Serving the greater Charlotte market since 1908, Builders Supply Company offers one of the largest lumber and millwork inventories in the Carolinas, with products ranging from framing material and engineered wood to window and door distribution and install services.

“There is a clear strategic need to serve the national production builder segment in the Charlotte market,” said John Merritt, US LBM Southeast Regional Vice President. “Bringing Builders Supply Company into our network strengthens our ability to support these customers with both full-line product distribution and turnkey specialty solutions.”

Greg Gregory, Builders Supply Company President, will continue to run day-to-day operations.

“Builders Supply Company has been in my family for four generations,” Gregory said. “Joining the US LBM family of companies allows us to continue delivering the quality and service our customers have trusted for decades.”

“We’re excited to welcome Builders Supply Company to US LBM,” said US LBM President and CEO L.T. Gibson. “Production builder activity continues to grow south and west of Charlotte, and Builders Supply Company’s location provides a strong position to serve that demand. It also creates an opportunity to extend our reach into Columbia, S.C. — a key white space market for US LBM.”

LBM-Network’s Jim Enter served as the advisor to Builders Supply Company of Lancaster during the transaction.

About US LBM

US LBM is the largest privately owned, full-line distributor of specialty building materials in the United States. Offering a comprehensive portfolio of specialty products, including windows, doors, millwork, wallboard, roofing, siding, engineered components and cabinetry, US LBM combines the scale and operational advantages of a national platform with a local go-to-market strategy through its national network of locations across the country. For more information, please visit uslbm.com or follow US LBM on LinkedIn.

Carter Lumber Expands into Savannah, GA

May 21, 2026 – Carter Lumber, one of the nation’s largest building materials suppliers, announced the acquisition of Gaster Lumber and Hardware, a three-location building materials supplier serving the Savannah, Georgia, metro area. This acquisition continues the expansion of Carter Lumber’s footprint in the Southeast, giving the company full coverage across Georgia and adding the area from Hilton Head to northern Florida to its coastal service presence.

Gaster Lumber was founded in 1985 and remained a Gaster family-owned and operated business until its acquisition by Carter Lumber. Over the years, Carter Lumber has built a track record of partnering with family-run companies that value relationships, local leadership, and long-term stability, offering a transition that preserves what made those businesses successful.

“Gaster Lumber is exactly the kind of company we look to partner with: a strong, family-run business that shares our values around people, hard work, service, and long-term relationships,” said Jeff Donley, President and COO of Carter Lumber. “We’re proud to continue the legacy Ray and the Gaster team have built and look forward to building on that foundation as we grow in the Savannah market.”

The Gaster Lumber locations mark Carter Lumber’s entry into the Savannah metro area and will operate as part of the Coastal Carolinas market under the direction of Market Vice President Brian Sento. With this addition, the Coastal Carolinas team will serve professional builders from Wilmington, North Carolina, through northern Florida.

“Like the Charleston, South Carolina, location we added last year, this acquisition was driven by customer demand in Savannah. Builders aren’t satisfied with the options in the market today, they want partners who value long-term relationships, not just transactions. That’s what we bring, and we’re excited to introduce that approach in Savannah,” said Brian Sento.

Gaster Lumber will operate as part of Carter Lumber effective immediately, with no disruption to customers. Carter Lumber plans to invest significantly in expanding reach, capacity, and capabilities to better serve builders across all segments of the Savannah market.

About Carter Lumber

Carter Lumber is one of the biggest and best building materials suppliers in the United States, but we are a family company first. Since our beginnings, we’ve persevered with determination and integrity, all with a family-oriented mindset of working together and having fun while we do it. We’ve been a family company since 1932 and because of this, many of our employees have stayed with Carter Lumber throughout their entire careers.

NEWs

LBM Advantage Launches Women’s Alliance to Support Leadership, Connection, and Growth in the LBM Industry

May 27, 2026 — LBM Advantage is proud to announce the launch of the LBM Advantage Women’s Alliance, a new initiative designed to foster connection, professional development, and leadership opportunities for women across the co-op’s membership of independent lumberyards.

The Alliance soft launched in March with a virtual leadership webinar featuring Lynne Jensen-Nelson, CEO of Conversionomics, who presented “Lead with Impact, Influence & Inspiration.” The session received overwhelmingly positive feedback from members and reinforced the demand for meaningful conversations and programming focused on bringing more women into the lumber and building materials industry, leadership development and career growth.

Building on the success of the inaugural event, LBM Advantage will host its second Women’s Alliance program on Thursday, September 3 – a live Teams webinar featuring a panel comprised of respected female professionals who hold various roles at the co-op’s member organizations. Panelists include Louise Eddy, Owner of Saratoga Quality Hardware; Clara Collins, Operations Manager at S.W. Collins Co.; Donna DiMarco, Vice President at Monmouth Building Center; and Ivy Su-Johanson, Director of Purchasing at Spahn and Rose. The discussion will focus on career journeys, leadership experiences, challenges and opportunities, and practical insights for women at all stages of their careers.

“Our goal is to create an engaging and authentic conversation that highlights the many career paths available within our industry while providing practical insight and inspiration for those who wish to advance their careers,” said Kellianne Lundgren, Director of Human Resources at LBM Advantage.

The LBM Advantage Women’s Alliance is part of the organization’s ongoing commitment to supporting its members through education, networking, leadership development, and industry collaboration.

For more information about LBM Advantage and upcoming events, please visit the company’s website at lbmadvantage. com or call 800-456-4300.

About LBM Advantage, Inc.

LBM Advantage is a member-owned cooperative comprised of the industry’s premier independent lumber and building materials dealers. The cooperative operates locations in New Windsor, NY; Grand Rapids, MI; Smithfield, NC; and Conroe, TX.

INdustry NEWs

ICC Report on Accelerating Off-Site Construction

May 22, 2026 — In response to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) recently released Action Plan for Accelerating U.S. Offsite Construction for Housing, the International Code Council (ICC) published a report titled Accelerating Off-Site Construction Through Collaboration. The report explains how ICC addresses the needs outlined in the Action Plan.

Off-Site Construction as a Solution

As the nation faces a growing shortage of affordable, available housing, off-site construction is gaining renewed attention as a solution. The idea isn’t new, as building homes in factories and assembling them on-site has been around for decades, but scaling it to meet today’s housing needs requires fresh coordination across policy, industry practice, research and public understanding.

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, HUD launched Operation Breakthrough, an ambitious effort to modernize homebuilding through industrialized methods. Today, HUD is returning to that mission with its Offsite Construction Research Roadmap and its new Action Plan for Accelerating U.S. Offsite Construction for Housing.

ICC has continued to contribute and engage with HUD throughout this journey. Through its standards and guidelines and its subsidiaries, ICC-NTA and ICC Evaluation Service, ICC has helped shape the regulatory and technical foundation needed to bring off-site construction to scale.

HUD’s Research Roadmap highlights two priority areas where ICC has already shown leadership:

• Regulatory frameworks that make off-site construction easier to approve and inspect,

• System performance standards that ensure safety, quality, and consistency.

These same strengths support ICC’s response to HUD’s Action Plan, demonstrating how ICC’s ongoing work supports the nation’s push toward faster, safer and more affordable housing delivery.

In short, ICC’s efforts—past and present—are helping create the conditions needed for off-site construction to grow from a promising idea into a practical, scalable housing solution. As HUD advances its Action Plan, ICC’s standards, inspection pathways and technical expertise will continue to play a central role in making off-site construction a reliable tool for addressing America’s housing challenges. Read the full report here. Learn more about off-site construction here

About the ICC

The International Code Council is a nonprofit association that provides a wide range of building safety solutions, including product evaluation, accreditation, certification, codification and training. It develops model codes and standards used worldwide to construct safe, sustainable, affordable and resilient structures.

INdustry NEWs

Updated for 2024 IRC: APA Simplified Wall Bracing Method Using Wood Structural Panel Continuous Sheathing

Wall bracing is one of the most important structural elements of any home – and one of the most confusing.

The APA Simplified Wall Bracing Method provides building officials, builders and designers with an approach that uses wood structural panels, the most common type of wall sheathing, and is applicable to a wide variety of home designs.

A new version of APA System Report 102 is now available, updated to meet the requirements of the 2024–2012 International Residential Code (IRC).

Download now to learn how to use the APA Simplified Wall Bracing Method.

The 16-page report includes:

1. Basis of the System Report 2. System Description

Methodology

Lateral Support

5. Limitations

6. Appendix A: The Multiple-Rectangle Procedure

7. Appendix B: Example for Computing Qualified Wall Bracing Length.

►Download the System Report: APA Simplified Wall Bracing Method Using Wood Structural Panel Continuous Sheathing

NCSEA’s New AI Agent, Archie

NEWs

Searching for answers shouldn’t mean digging through menus, PDFs, or multiple websites. Archie, NCSEA’s new AI agent, brings the full NCSEA ecosystem into a single, intelligent tool.

What Can Archie Do?

• Answer structural engineering questions

• Locate webinars, publications and technical resources

• Summarize STRUCTURE Magazine content

• Discover member benefits and programs

• Find NCSEA Foundation and We SEE materials

What’s in a Name?

Why “Ask Archie”? The name comes from the arch in the NCSEA logo — a shape deeply rooted in structural engineering and echoed across many SEA logos nationwide. Just like an arch distributes load by connecting every piece together, Ask Archie is designed to connect members with answers, resources, and each other in a smarter, faster way.

Try Asking Archie

• What guidance exists for designing diaphragm collectors?

• What are common structural irregularities?

• How do I get the member discount for an upcoming webinar?

• What’s a good material for a seismic retrofit?

How Archie Will Work

Archie reviews and synthesizes multiple trusted sources. You may notice a brief pause as Archie thinks — that’s the depth working in your favor.

Archie is in beta. Use the thumbs-up and thumbs-down buttons after each response. Your feedback directly shapes accuracy and usefulness over time.

Questions? Contact ncsea@ncsea.com.

INdustry NEWs

Statistics Canada: Investment in Building Construction, March 2026

May 25, 2026—The total value of investment in building construction decreased $304.6 million (-1.3%) to $22.6 billion in March. Investment in the residential sector declined 2.2%, while the non-residential sector edged up 0.6%. Year over year, investment in building construction was down 2.9% in March.

On a constant dollar basis (2023=100), the total value of investment in building construction in March decreased 1.6% from the previous month to $20.6 billion and was down 6.4% year over year.

Widespread decline within residential investment

In March, investment in residential building construction decreased $345.4 million to $15.5 billion. Declines were recorded in both the multi-unit (-2.3%) and single-family (-2.1%) components.

Investment in multi-unit construction was down $195.5 million to $8.4 billion in March, marking the third consecutive monthly decrease. Ontario (-$152.2 million) drove the decline, supported by Alberta (-$59.0 million) and British Columbia (-$43.7 million). The decrease was tempered by gains in three provinces and two territories, led by Newfoundland and Labrador (+$29.0 million).

Meanwhile, investment in single-family home construction was down $149.9 million to $7.2 billion in March. Ontario (-$119.5 million) led the decrease, supported by broad declines across seven other provinces and one territory.

Industrial component leads non-residential growth

In March, the value of non-residential investment in building construction edged up $40.8 million to $7.0 billion. Growth in the industrial component (+3.3%) and, though smaller, the commercial component (+0.1%) was moderated by a slight decline in the institutional component (-0.3%).

Industrial construction investment increased $42.5 million to $1.3 billion in March. The gain in British Columbia (+$52.2 million) was moderated by broad declines across seven provinces and one territory, led by Ontario (-$7.0 million).

Investment in the commercial component edged up $4.4 million to $3.6 billion in March. Alberta (+$9.7 million) and British Columbia (+$3.0 million) were the primary contributors to the increase, while Ontario (-$5.9 million) and Quebec (-$2.0 million) partially offset it.

Meanwhile, investment in the institutional component edged down $6.1 million to $2.1 billion in March. Declines in Quebec (-$9.3 million) and Ontario (-$2.0 million) were tempered by an increase in Alberta (+$4.4 million).

For more information on construction, please visit the Construction statistics portal. For more information on housing, please visit the Housing statistics portal.

Designer-Truss

HZ00031 | Indiana, USA

Truss Designers (2 Positions

Available) GHK Truss is a growing, quality-driven manufacturer seeking two Truss Designers to join our team. We offer opportunities for both entry-level (Associate) and experienced (Senior) designers in a collaborative, performance-focused environment.

Designer- Truss Multifamily

HZ00029 | Texas, USA

We are assisting a well established construction and building materials company that is launching a new truss manufacturing division. This is a ground...

HiriNg-ZoNE

Production Manager

HZ00026 | Alabama, USA

We’re seeking an energetic and knowledgeable leader to manage truss production—or to step up into management if you have strong experience supervising...

Today

Estimator

HZ00019 | Texas, USA

We are seeking a seasoned Lumber Estimator with handson expertise in structural framing take-offs for both residential and light commercial proje...

Today

Outside Sales Representative

HZ00021 | Wisconsin, USA

We are looking for an experienced Truss Designer with at least three years of experience to design roof and floor trusses for agricultural projects an...

Inventory Control Specialist

HZ00028 | Texas, USA

This Inventory Control Specialist with Synergos Lumber + Truss in Gonzales, TX, is responsible for accurately maintaining inventory levels and associa...

Designer-Wall Panel

HZ00027 | Florida, USA

A leading provider of building materials is seeking an experienced Wall Panel Designer to join its expanding design team. This is a full-time in-offic...

Designer-Truss

HZ00024 | Colorado, USA

Truss design using MiTek software responsible for designing accurate and structurally sound roof and floor truss systems for singlefamily and multifa...

Designer-Multifamily

HZ00017 | Texas, USA

A growing building components manufacturer in Texas is hiring an experienced Truss Designer for an in-office role, with potential flexibility for remo...

Outside Sales Representative/ Designer/Estimator

HZ00025 | Alabama, USA

This position offers an exceptional opportunity to join a wellestablished building materials supplier launching a new truss manufacturing division. T...

Outside Sales Rep. Designer/ Estimator

HZ00023 | Wisconsin, USA

#About the Company: Our client is a small but growing truss and engineered wood product (EWP) manufacturer specializing in agricultural, single-f...

Outside Sales Representative

HZ00012 | New York, USA

Engineered Wood Products OSR/ Specialist : We’re looking for a results-oriented Outside Sales Representative to drive sales of engineered wood prod...

Designer-Multifamily

HZ00008 | Texas, USA

We have a client in Texas who needs Remote Multifamily Truss Designer(s) familiar with the Houston, San Antonio, Austin, and DFW areas. In addition to... 2 months ago

YOUR COMPLETE PARTNER FOR HIGHER PROFITABILITY

That’s the MiTek advantage—helping you streamline operations, create consistency at scale, and support better, faster, safer builds.

Joe Kannapell, P.E.

The Last Word

Labor Measurement After Houlihan

Two highly consequential labor-saving innovations were hatched at the 1993 National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Show at the Astrodome complex in Houston, Texas. Outside the Astrodome, two identical model homes were being framed side-by-side, proving the labor savings of components. Inside the Astrodome, a chance meeting sparked creation of the industry’s dominant labor tracking system. While the benefits of both persist, the lasting value of that labor management system and its unlikely genesis are worth further examination.

The chance meeting was between Bob Jones and me, and it resulted in a later meeting at Boozer Lumber in Columbia, South Carolina. As Bob took me down a dusty path through the sprawling, but largely underutilized, Boozer complex, he explained that he was recruited from an unrelated industry to take over Boozer, not long after the death of consummate lumberman William L. Boozer. When we arrived at the very back of the property, the truss plant was a welcome hub of activity, with too little automation and too many hard-working hands, shortcomings that Bob was intent on rectifying with a two-prong approach.

Bob began acquiring automated equipment incrementally for his plant, as volume levels continued to expand during the unprecedented housing runup of the 1990s. Boozer was in the center of the hotbed of that expansion, midway between Charlotte, NC and Charleston, SC. To enable his staff to exploit this opportunity, post-Houlihan, Bob called upon South Carolina’s Manufacturing Technology Center (MTC) with unexpectantly positive results. The MTC’s mission was to redeploy the talent from the declining textile sector to the development of new manufacturing industry. And, fortunately, the MTC sent Ed Buck, who had mastered the latest industrial engineering practice, including Lean Manufacturing and the Theory of Constraints. Thus, Boozer Lumber would eventually lead the application of these technologies to the truss business.

Ed possessed the ideal temperament and coaching skills that both trained and motivated the Boozer team. As Bob lauded the results of Ed’s work, he also worried whether those results could be sustained when Ed departed for his next assignment. Consequentially, Bob corned MiTek’s top management at a Building Component Manufacturers Conference (BCMC) and sold them on the value of incorporating topflight industrial engineering tools in their software. Fortunately, the assignment to work with Boozer was given to an unusually talented field tech rep, Michael T. McMahon. While Michael T. served other customers and supported bootleg programs that he had written and installed across the country, he viewed this opportunity as the culmination of a life’s work and jumped in with both feet.

Michael T. continued his normal support work, while driving the eight hours to Boozer weekly, establishing himself as a contributing member of the Boozer team. Michael T. also became an ardent disciple of Ed’s, encountering industrial engineering theory for the first time but recognizing its relevance to the several truss plants where he had worked and the dozens he had serviced. He was particularly taken with a book by Dr. Eliyahu Goldratt, The Goal, which described the Theory of Constraints and that all of Boozer’s team members had been asked to master. After multiple visits and extensive consideration, Michael T. created the framework of a software project which he conceived as a Real-Time Factory Management system (RTFM).

In embarking upon this project, even very early in the Internet era, Michael T. became enamored with the ubiquity of browser-based software. He was among the first to grasp the power of being able to display plant operations data instantly in any place, from the shop floor to the owner’s residence. Michael T. taught himself this technology, with little or no outside assistance. And into this framework, he incorporated the practices Ed was implementing at the Boozer plant, including just-in-time production, pull-through scheduling, and bottleneck identification.

Beginning in the year 2000, after Michael T.’s work had proven itself at Boozer Lumber, MiTek renamed his project as the MiTek Virtual Plant (MVP) and began installing it across its customer base. Having been developed in close concert with a busy plant, and with its embrace of the latest Internet technology, MVP quickly became the mainstay of scores of truss plants across the country.

Although MVP’s development required the convergence of several hard-to-replicate occurrences, that has often been the case with great inventions. At the heart of these breakthroughs are persistent, near-geniuses like Michael T. McMahon, who worked in and studied truss manufacturing his whole nearly 50-year career. During Michael T.’s funeral following his untimely death, his 90+ year-old father told me that Michael T’s eighth grade math teacher said Michael was smarter than he was, and that was why he didn’t finish high school. Michael T. was smarter than his teachers, and his life’s work made thousands of truss people smarter on the principles of industrial engineering.

Design. Cut. Connect. Build. Boost your productivity from end to end.

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.

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