Fence News November 2022

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COATINGS & WOOD FENCING

Wood fencing has a legacy of beauty, function, and affordability. Techniques and products now available can enhance its longevity, aesthetics, and maintenance. This section provides a look at trends, protection, and how the wood industry responded to the pandemic, and came out more solid than ever.

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Wood Fence Trends

According to the team of lumber professionals at J&W Lumber, there is a range of variations that remain in demand year after year, and others that find new life after years on hiatus. Regardless of the style requested, finding the right fit means taking the trend and customizing for your customers. Here are five current fencing trends that are becoming increasingly popular.

HORIZONTAL FENCE INSTALLATION

Though not a new design, there’s been a resurgence of horizontal fencing in recent years. The traditional setup for board fencing is vertical installation to ensure both privacy and design needs. However, this literal shift in direction, combined with sleek hardwoods and modern designs, make this long-admired fencing trend feel fresh and new again. Turning the boards sideways opens up the design to different species of wood, which isn’t as common vertically, where the goal is more about logistics and less about design. This trend also allows room for creativity with sym metry, textures, width and combining dark with light fencing to create a semi-cus tomized look for an outdoor space.

CEDAR SPLIT RAIL FENCES

When it comes to fencing design trends, hardwoods and redwoods are always ontrend when it comes to the type of wood to work with. However, cedar is the most common, and a cedar split rail fence, in particular, is a preferable option for large properties that need to divide proper ty lines. Because of the space between boards, it’s not a design known for its privacy appeal, but rather its beautiful, rustic aesthetic. Though often favored in rural areas, where homes have more land between them, this design option is also popular when a homeowner wants to add a design element for a backyard garden or other enhanced aesthetics.

STAINING UPGRADES

Rather than investing in new fence, an other fencing trend is staining instead. It immediately adds new life to a fence and can completely change the appearance, depending on the color and sheen of the stain used. When the fence boards are structurally sound but the design calls for revitalization, staining is an optimal solu tion. There are many new stain options to choose from, including a wide range of colors. More and more stain products also provide mildew and/or UV resistance.

GOOD NEIGHBOR FENCES

A good neighbor fence is a trend people choose so the fence looks good on both sides. There’s a focus on creating a design that’s desirable from all angles. This neigh bor-friendly style works well on both ver tical and horizontal installations and can withstand wind better than the traditional privacy fence.

METAL FENCE POSTS

Using metal versus wood fence posts for a wood fence project has been a steady trend for the past several years but has recently become more prominent. When improving the exterior of a home, design is always top of mind, but it’s equally important to choose durable materials that are built to last. Metal posts won’t rot, allowing for a longer life. Creating this structurally sound foundation doesn’t compromise the actual design, as wood boards can cover the posts and achieve the desired look.

Family-owned J&W Lumber company has been serving the greater San Diego area since 1957. Learn more at www.jwlumber.com.

Just as interior design trends change over the years, exterior design style elements change as well. Though updates may not occur as often, there are several ways to improve the curb appeal and overall aesthetic of a home or business, starting from the outside. One of the most common approaches is by updating fencing styles.

Wood Fence Industry Rose to the Challenge of the COVID Years

Historically, the fence industry has had specialty niches when it comes to wood material. Contractors typically like a certain product and that’s what they choose to build their wood fences with. The COVID pandemic resulted in many challenges to the industry, most significantly, the disruption of the supply chain. This had a huge impact on contractors’ ability to secure the wood fencing products they normally used. As a result, the fencing community was forced to think outside of the box, adapt and adjust, leaving behind their established approach to delivering projects, and working with what was available to get the job done. Not only were they sourcing western red cedar, but also imported cedar, Alaskan yellow cedar, Douglas fir, incense cedar, treated pine, whitewood, and more. Anything available was being used in order to satisfy the insatiable fence demand throughout the country resulting from stay-at-home orders during the pandemic.

“The fence industry was forced to get creative, and we rose to the occasion,” says Jessica Ammons, National Wood Product Manager for Fencing Supply Group. “All these different species were welcomed in markets where for years we thought they would not be accepted. Products that were counted out were now providing fencers an opportunity – and ability – to install a fence during a time where finding wood products was extremely difficult. It also helped fence contractors not only survive, but thrive, during this time of economic uncertainty for businesses across all industries.”

As the end of 2022 approaches, wood fencing has become much more available, which naturally leads to the question: What happens to these product options fencers have relied on so heavily during their time of need? The short answer, according to Ammons, is nothing. She says the

wood fence market has become more diversified with options. ”It’s a great silver lining to the challenges of the past two years. Many fence distributors are now providing multiple wood fence species for all price points. The COVID years gave the fence community a chance to try new products and test their performance, giving them a whole new range of options to offer to their customers. This opportunity to provide multiple wood fence options for a variety of applications will allow installers to diversify their clientele and enter new segments of the industry.”

This species diversification with the good, better, best mentality could not have happened at a better time now that the wood market is starting to soften. “This has given the consumer confidence in using a broader range of species they would have been skeptical to install in the past,” says Douglas Himes, Binford Supply distribution manager.

“The wood fence industry, more specifically its installers, has become more resilient due to the supply challenges experienced during COVID and is now better prepared to deal with supply challenges in the future.”

Himes says it is clear with the price fluctuations of fence materials that many will revert to using a specific species such as western red cedar, but they are now able to offer alternative fence solutions. “Fencing as we know it will forever be changed after the COVID years,” he adds, “and this industry has proven they can roll with the changes and learn from the past.”

Contact your local Fencing Supply Group location to learn more about wood fencing options at www.fencingsupplygroup.com.

FENCE FOR EVERY APPLICATION

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Staining Protects and Beautifies

After installing a new wood fence, it’s natural to stand back and admire the precision, construction, and overall look. Next, it’s time to stain, according to Stain & Seal Experts.

“There are several reasons why you should consider staining and sealing wooden fences,” says Ashley Roth, owner and co-chief executive officer with Stain & Seal Experts. “It keeps the fence beautiful. Fence contractors want to give their customers the best service possible. Staining and sealing exterior wood projects also prevents the boards from warping, twisting, and cracking.”

Wood fences should be stained as soon as possible. Pressure treated lumber is usually dry and ready for stain within two to three weeks of installation. Most cedar projects dry faster and can be stained sooner. A moisture meter is recommended to test the moisture content of the fence prior to staining.

“One of the great things about oil-based stains is they penetrate into the wood, protecting it from the inside out. It prevents warping, twisting, rotting, cracking, and graying. With proper maintenance, a penetrating oil-based stain can help wood fences last almost a lifetime,” explains Roth.

In most cases, the more oil in the stain, the more protection, and a better finished project. “The best and easiest way to tell if your stain is top quality is to do the sniff test,” Roth says. “The smellier your stain is, the less oil it contains.”

By adding staining to the list of fence installation contractor services, it helps differentiate them from the competition while increasing revenue and customer satisfaction rates. One route is to hire a stain crew to the company, or find a reputable company in your area and work out an arrangement to subcontract.

“If a contractor would like to add a stain crew, there are a lot of training avenues available,” Roth explains. “To learn more about wood care and staining services, join Staining University on Facebook or reach out to any reputable stain company to inquire about training opportunities.”

Visit www.stainandsealexperts.com.

Prevent fence post failure before it begins. STOP the Rot

In 2021, the U.S. fence market was estimated at USD 8.20 billion, with an expected 5% compounded annual growth rate from 2022 to 2030. These numbers are based on increased demand for new housing construction, and a growing demand from the commercial, residential, and agricultural sectors.

This data was released by Grand View Research, in, “U.S. Fencing Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Material (Metal, Wood, Concrete, Plastic & Composites), by Application, by Region, and Segment Forecasts, 2022 –2030.” According to the report, wood fencing material made up the second largest revenue share in the U.S. in 2021. It’s expected to spur the market by a 3.2% growth rate in the residential sector alone. Key benefits such as low maintenance, affordability, and its natural appearance are the main drivers for this sector.

Of all the fencing materials available today, the report noted that among composite and other forms of recycled fencing materials, wood is considered one of the most popular eco-friendly fence building products. With a regular

GROUND ROT AND ITS AFFECT ON WOOD POSTS

maintenance schedule, the average lifespan for wood fencing is approximately 8 to 12 years. This makes wood fences a high-value investment that’s worthwhile to maintain.

Most fences going in the ground today are pressure-treated. These preservatives help protect wood against most environmental damage. However, because of health and environmental concerns, pressure-treated lumber has undergone a significant reformulation over the past decade. While new pressure-treated lumber still provides a level of protection, it is diminished in its efficacy and longevity.

“This coupled with damages inflicted by lawn care equipment leaves new pressure-treated lumber further exposed to inclement weather and other harsh elements above ground,” says Al Martins, director/owner of Fence Armor® “This concentrated attack on wood posts above and below ground level will significantly shorten the lifespan of new pressure-treated wood posts the moment they enter the ground.”

Martins explains that ground rot occurs within the first 6 inches of topsoil, the place where oxygen, moisture, and fungi thrive. The nutrients already in the soil, accompanied by temperatures above 10°C or 50°F, create the perfect atmosphere for rot to feed, grow and take hold of wood posts. Over time, these conditions degrade post strength, causing premature post failure.

Beyond the first 6 inches, rot and decay cannot occur because temperatures are well below the level where nutrients, fungi, and oxygen can survive and grow.

WHAT’S GOOD FOR WOOD IS GOOD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

Wood is loved not only for its natural beauty – It’s an environmentally friendly, living entity that, when handled with proper sustainability, replenishes itself. At the end of its life cycle, it rots away naturally, without adding to landfill. And unlike steel and concrete, wood requires far less water in its production.

In addition, wood emits minimal CO2 as well as greenhouse gases. Putting this into perspective, consider that the global steel industry is responsible for 7.2% of the world’s total greenhouse gas submissions – an estimated 1.4 billion tonnes per year. Together the materials and the industries that produce them can be damaging to our environment.

By comparison, roughly half of the dry fibrous mass of wood is carbon. This means that wooden posts strike an environmental balance by outweighing their production emissions.

There is an environmental pressure on our wood source. Consider how many trees and forests will be cut down to make fence posts. All that felling and manufacturing can be damaging to the environment. This is where Fence Armor® and Postsaver® make a difference, simply by adding fence post protection to the equation. Prolonging a fence’s lifespan by an additional 20 years can result in a significant positive environmental impact.

The environmental benefits don’t end there. Postsaver Pro Sleeves also stop the leaching of any preservatives in the wood back into the soil. There will also be less need to spray around the posts or add extra chemicals to protect the wood. Longer-lasting fence posts and less reliance on chemicals can only be good for the environment.

EFFECTIVELY PREVENTING IN-GROUND ROT

Postsaver’s Pro Sleeve is comprised of a dual-layer protection system. The first exterior, highly durable, thermoplastic outer sleeve surrounds a bituminous interior liner that provides vapor and water-proof protection. The Pro Sleeve is placed around the post’s vulnerable in-ground section, then heated using a heat gun or blow torch that serves to shrink the sleeve and adheres the interior bituminous layer to the post. Together, this provides an impenetrable, air-tight, and water-tight seal, locking moisture and fungi out - and wood preservatives in.

Tested since 1994, Postsaver Pro Sleeves have proven to be an effective, preventive measure. When applied to new wood posts before installation, they can extend the post-life by approximately 20 years – which is a product guarantee.

Postsaver Pro Sleeves can be used on replacement posts as well. Simply remove the failed post and install a new post fitted with Postsaver Pro Sleeves at the ground line section.

STOP THE ROT — FULL STOP

Martins says Fence Armor’s Signature Series™ combines the protection of Postsaver Pro Sleeves with Fence Armor Post Guards and Post Caps, providing triple protection that extends the life, beauty, and health of new and existing wood fences. “You can add an extra layer of protection with EXPERT Stain & Seal oil-based wood stains, designed to lock wood’s natural oils in and add more conditioning oils for a longer-lasting protective barrier against rot, weathering, and more. We’re proud of the range of innovative products we offer that prolong the life and beauty of all wood fences.”

Fence Armor has been crafting fence prevention and protection products since 2008. All products are made in North America or in the UK. Learn more at www.fencearmor.com.

Spray Tech Systems Merges with PROEM Solutions to Form Spray

Tech Industrial Solutions

Electrostatic painting, which is a technology used in the coatings industry to promote transfer efficiency, in progress. This technology is used with liquid coatings to paint complex profiles and/or two sides of a given part, such as an ornate fence.

Spray Tech Systems and PROEM Solutions have merged to form Spray Tech Industrial Solutions, Inc.

Since 2016, PROEM has been providing process and finishing related services to industry partners and customers in the United States. Many customers valued PROEM for their ability to find solutions that were independent of brand preference. Jeff Behymer, managing partner with PROEM says, “We are excited for the opportunities and expanded capabilities this merger brings to our industry partners.”

Spray Tech Industrial Solutions provides solutions for powder coating and liquid coating applications. They also provide a variety of equipment for powder coating or liquid coating. Batch ovens, powder coating guns, plural component mixing systems and fluid handling systems are some of the industrial equipment supplied by Spray Tech Industrial Solutions. With the addition of PROEM’s staff, Spray Tech Industrial Solutions also provides services: paint or powder coating application training, process development and implementation, factory installation and startup of paint application equipment, paint line or powder line assessment and process flow improvement, and preventive maintenance and training. Many customers have also utilized PROEM as their finishing resource for hire and to provide continuous improvement, along with cost savings analysis.

Jeff Cummins, technical sales director with Spray Tech Industrial Solutions, says, “Our customers will benefit with the addition of the industrial paint and powder coating services. We are thrilled to have their system expertise as part of a complete offering for industrial paint systems.”

Spray Tech Industrial Solutions provides paint and powder coating solutions across the nation. They are members of the Powder Coating Institute (PCI).

Learn more at www.spraytechind.com.

Powder Coating Advancements for Wood Products from the Powder Coating Institute

Many people are familiar with powdercoated metal products, which includes fences, gates, poles, and other products that are used outdoors. This type of coating provides a durable, colorful, and sustainable finish.

Technological advancements in powder coating materials, application, and curing methods have also brought the advantages of powder coating to heat-sensitive substrates such as wood-based substrates (WBS). Powder coating is now used on a variety of products such as medium-density fiberboard (MDF), hardwood, and other wood-based products. WBS products include office furniture, kitchen and bath cabinets, doors, store fixtures, and displays, barbecue trays, and ready-to-assemble furniture for the office and home. Wood fencing would be the next area of interest for powder coating.

Powder coating is revolutionizing the WBS market because it offers design freedoms other finishing methods and laminating processes just can’t provide. Powder coating provides a beautiful, durable, seamless finish in every color of the rainbow. Powder coating also protects WBS products from chips, stains, spills, and scratches. Seamless coatings and a variety of colors and effects are available. Another advantage is that powder application is a one-step finishing process, not requiring successive coats or long drying times. In addition, powder coating can save many sanding procedures between coats, resulting in operational efficiency and cost savings over liquid coating.

Powder coating on WBS began in earnest in the early 2000s with several companies and suppliers working together to develop the processes required to accomplish it. As with anything new, there were setbacks, but they persevered. After hard work, they were able to get the system working consistently and with great quality. The basic difference between wood and metal is that the wood product requires an Infrared (IR) preheat oven to bring enough of the moisture in the wood to the surface. Once this occurs, it creates the conductive means for the electrostatically charged powder to adhere to the surface and be transported into the IR cure oven or an IR oven to flow the powder prior to being cured by an ultraviolet (UV) lamp.

Using powder coating on WBS products gives these companies a quality finish that was more durable, met their sustainability goals, enabled them to obtain LEED points, and saved money due to the reduced operations needed in the finishing process, and eliminated hazardous materials and wastes in the manufacturing process. It is a win-win situation. The powder-coated wood products can resist fading from the sun and provide excellent water resistance from rain and snow.

If you are interested in learning more about powder coating on WBS, please contact Kevin Coursin, Executive Director of the Powder Coating Institute at kevin@powdercoating.org

AkzoNobel’s Powder Coating Brings the Look of Wood with the Durability of Metal

AkzoNobel's Interpon Powder Coatings business has developed Sublimation Transfer Finish (STF) technology that combines the look of wood with the long-lasting durability of metal.

STF is the method used to camouflage one material to look like another. Applying Interpon D STF powder coatings to architectural metalwork such as facades, windows, doors, screens, shutters, louvers, railing, fencing, and even outdoor furniture can create a natural-looking timber effect.

Kristine Muscedere, regional segment manager – Architectural for AkzoNobel’s Powder Coatings business in North America, explains, "Wood is a popular choice in North America. However, it can be expensive, heavy, susceptible to adverse weather conditions, has design limitations, and needs constant aftercare to maintain its look. Powder coatings don't have these limitations. They are cost-effective, virtually maintenance-free, tough, and offer greater design flexibility. The aluminum wood grain finish from the Interpon D STF range is so realistic that it's almost indistinguishable from the real thing."

As well as a cost-effective solution, powder coating offers many other benefits. Its superior durability extends the lifetime of the product it coats, a claim supported by AkzoNobel’s 20-year performance warranty. Powder is also a sustainable solution as it contains no Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and no toxic metals such as lead or chromium (VI). It is easy to apply, and any overspray can be recycled, so there’s minimal waste.

"Interpon D STF is available in a range of textures and finishes in addition to wood, and it’s available in both interior and exterior formats,” says Muscedere. “We conduct extensive global trend research so we can develop colors and designs that meet our customers' needs. We are proud that the Interpon brand offers the best warranties in the industry.”

AkzoNobel was the first global powder coatings supplier to obtain the Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) back in 2015. The international EPD system reveals the environmental performance of a product throughout its lifecycle and underlines AkzoNobel’s ongoing commitment to providing sustainable products for its customers.

All products in the Interpon D range meet globally recognized AAMA 2603 & AAMA 2604 standards, which set out the performance requirements relating to gloss retention, color uniformity, weathering durability, humidity, impact, and chemical resistance. The Interpon D range has a powder for every climate, building type, and taste.

For more information, visit Interpon.com

Expanding Options for Environmentally Friendly Coatings for Wood

U-C Coatings has been innovating environmentally safe exterior wood protection products delivering exceptional results cross all segments of wood fencing since 1971. As the industry focus on environmentally friendly products as increased, the company has expanded their product line to meet that need.

“We know that in-house pre-finishing of wood fencing adds value, expands product offerings, and increases margins,” says Eric Degenfelder, Chief Executive Officer, U-C Coating. “For that growing prefinished market, our Eco Chemical® stains are designed for easy application in the factory with strong, long-lasting color. Our technical support ensures a productive, high quality application process with fast dry times and consistent color. In addition, for efficient, controlled application, we offer custom designed spray systems that take up a very small footprint in the factory. They are engineered to deliver ease of operation, consistency and cost effectiveness even at very high production rates.”

Seal-Once®, is a line of eco-friendly, long lasting, water-based sealers from U-C Coatings that provides excellent water repellant performance. Degenfelder says these products are great for contractors or DIY homeowners on wood in wood decking, siding, docks, log homes, fencing and many other exterior wood applications. These sealers perform like oil-based products. Seal-Once provides beautiful, long-lasting protection, with a 10-year warranty against water penetration in vertical applications. “We are also excited to announce a new development in the Seal-Once line,” he adds. “Through outside lab testing we have confirmed that the Seal-Once Marine product is non-hazardous to aquatic life, a unique feature not offered by other wood coatings. This product is safe to use over open water on decks, docks, piers and any other wood applications on the coast, lake or river!”

Fence Guard® stain concentrate is another environmentally friendly product from U-C Coatings. It is mixed with two parts water to make an economical ready-to-use stain. Fence Guard’s finish rivals that of oil-based stains, but with a water-based formula for easy preparation and application. It comes in four popular premixed colors: Sierra Cedar, Espresso, Western Redwood, and Cocoa Brown. “This innovative product provides a cost effective, beautiful long-lasting finish on all varieties of wood fences, and is a great companion, value-adding product for wood fence material distributors and professional fence contractors,” says Degenfelder.

U-C Coatings range of product lines, include: ANCHORSEAL®, GEMPAINT®, CONTECHEM®, SEAL-ONCE®, and ECO CHEMICAL®. The company is a member of the American Fence Association and all products are manufactured in the USA at plants in Buffalo, New York, and Seattle, Washington. To learn more, visit www.uccoatings.com, www.Seal-Once.com, or call us 888-363-2628.

United Finishing Systems offers Turnkey Industrial Finishing Systems

United Finishing Systems recently opened for business in Statesville, North Carolina. The company offers custom turnkey industrial finishing solutions for electrocoating, powder coating and liquid coating.

The company focuses on the southeastern U.S and offers full industrial automatic powder and paint finishing systems, and batch systems, as well as service on all manufacturers’ powder and wet paint lines. In addition to new finishing systems, the company can provide retrofits to existing systems.

United Finishing System’s philosophy revolves around customization and service. “Whether you need an electro-coating, powder coating, or liquid coating system, we

offer custom solutions to meet your requirements. Our approach to powder coating and liquid finishing systems is first to listen – we hear the needs of our customer,” says Alwyn Moody, president. “And then we draw on our team’s collective experience to create versatile, adaptable, efficient and effective surface treatment lines.”

The team at United Finishing Systems brings together 100 years of combined finishing experience for industrial, furniture, heavy truck and bus, and automotive tier suppliers.

For more information visit www.unitedfinishing.net

Flood Coat: Eco Chemical stains provide productivity and beauty on pre-stained wood.

Seal-Once Marine is non-hazardous to aquatic life. Fence Guard is a beautiful cost-effective water based stain.

Fencing Global Market Report 2022 Now Available

According to their research, the global fencing market is expected to grow from $28.19 billion in 2021 to $29.53 billion in 2022 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.75%. The fencing market is expected to reach $40.05 billion in 2026 at a CAGR of 7.93%.

North America was the largest region in the fencing market in 2021 and is also expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period.

The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, competitive landscape, market shares, trends and strategies for this market.

For more information, visit www.researchandmarkets.com.

The Fencing Global Market Report 2022 is available. It provides leaders within the fencing industry information to assess the global fencing market.

Orlando Tampa Tavares Jacksonville 904-512-0599 Tallahassee 850-739-7448 Atlanta 404-736-6685

Zekelman Industries to Expand Inline Galvanized Tube Manufacturing Capacity

Zekelman Industries announces construction will begin in December on its new state-of-the-art inline steel tube galvanizing factory in Blytheville, Arkansas. Similar to the company’s most recent expansion in Rochelle, Illinois, this factory will utilize best-in-class manufacturing technology and a fully automated Matter warehouse system. This facility is designed to set industryleading benchmarks for safety, product quality and service.

When completed, the production lines will have an annual operating capacity exceeding 200,000 tons. The facility will produce tubes featuring Wheatland’s leading ThunderCoat™ inline galvanized coating. The factory will also support the fence, solar, and mechanical markets. Commissioning of the mills is expected to begin in late 2023.

“Beyond expanding our current capacity, this new factory enables our Wheatland Tube brand to bring new products and services to the market,” states Barry Zekelman, chairman and CEO. “Our goal is to lead the industry with continued investments in our factories, teammates and communities. Together, these investments improve on the leading service levels our customers already experience and the flexibility that will benefit high-growth industries such as utility scale solar.”

This is Zekelman Industries’ third major investment in Arkansas, having recently commissioned its Jumbo HSS mill there in early 2022. This new Wheatland facility will share a campus with Zekelman’s existing Atlas Tube operations in Blytheville, a growing industrial sector in northeast Arkansas that also offers excellent access to domestic steel production and multiple transportation options.

“We’ve been working with the state of Arkansas and Mississippi County since 2007. Our collective vision is delivering real economic opportunity in Arkansas,” explains Tom Muth, Zekelman executive vice president and COO. “We are excited to see the local community grow and look forward to our continued partnership.”

The company expects to begin recruiting activities ahead of commissioning and to hire 80 employees to support initial operations.

Zekelman Industries includes the operating divisions of Atlas Tube, Picoma, Sharon Tube, Wheatland Tube, Western Tube and Z Modular.

For more information, visit www.zekelman.com

with

Barry Zekelman

EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER ZEKELMAN INDUSTRIES

The companies of Zekelman Industries, headquartered in Illinois, manufacture distinct tube, pipe and modular building innovations to help designers, developers and builders work with greater efficiency. Within the family are Atlas Tube, Sharon Tube, Picoma, Western Tube, Z Modular and Hayes Modular.

Barry Zekelman leads the largest independent steel pipe and tube manufacturer in North America with sales in excess of $5 billion. He began his career working at the company his father founded, which was struggling to survive at the time.

YOUR FATHER, HARRY, FOUNDED ATLAS TUBE, IN 1984. HOW DID THAT COME ABOUT?

My father owned a mobile home manufacturing business in the 60’s and sold it to Beatrice Foods in the early 70’s. He used tubing for the base frames and axles. He liked the product and had always wanted to manufacture it. Thus, Atlas Tube was born.

WHAT BUSINESS PRACTICES DID YOU LEARN FROM YOUR FATHER?

I didn’t get to spend any time in the business with my father. I was focused on my first year of school. We always talked about business and I had a decent understanding of how the product was made, but really nothing else.

We were a small company, $2 million in sales and losing $60,000 a month; the business was about to go bankrupt.

One thing I remember was a version of the golden rule, “He who has the gold, rules!” Another principle was we don’t ever say “I can’t.” We will find a way.

ATLAS ACHIEVED INCREDIBLE GROWTH WITH YOU AS CEO. HOW DID YOU ACCOMPLISH THIS?

listened to our customers, gave them what they wanted, not what we thought they wanted. We were laser focused on what we did, committed to service and speed, and we were always willing to listen and learn.

WHAT WERE YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES WHEN YOU BEGAN WORKING AT ATLAS TUBE?

I started in 1986 at age 19, shortly after my father passed away. I guess you could say my role was everything. We only had five employees and we all did whatever it took to survive. I helped slit steel, run the mill, load trucks, do all the paperwork; whatever was needed.

We concentrated on getting productive, we stuck to our core, and engaged our teammates. I realized early on the most valuable asset you have are your people. If you engage and empower them, they are unstoppable. If you give people the ability to control their own destiny, provide them the tools to work and decision-making power, they will literally push you out of the way and make it happen. It’s incredible. We also

Be humble, never arrogant, that will kill you! We grew fast, $2 million then $7 million then $19 million then $24 million then $40 million and beyond. Every year was growth. We didn’t listen to “That’s the way it’s done in the industry”. We did what we needed to do for us, our team, and our customers.

WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR BUSINESS?

Make sure the business has all the needed tools to take care of our customers, teammates, suppliers, and our communities. To continue our search for excellence, growth when appropriate, and maintain financial strength and discipline.

HOW DO YOU MOTIVATE YOUR 2,300 EMPLOYEES TO MAINTAIN THE INTEGRITY AND INNOVATION ZEKELMAN INDUSTRIES IS KNOWN FOR?

Keep showing them the energy, love, and commitment we have for the business and their future. They want to know you care, that you are engaged, and always striving for better. We always put health and safety first. I think that’s a huge part of them knowing we appreciate our team and they are the most important part of our success.

HOW DO YOU STAY MOTIVATED?

I love what I do. I don’t think I have worked a day in my life in the tube business. It is my existence. I have zero issues with motivation.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING CEO OF ZEKELMAN?

Watching the success of our team, seeing them achieve their goals and beyond, and having second and third generations of families come join our team. I love building a better mousetrap, and seeing the communities prosper from our success. It’s just fun to make stuff.

WHAT NOTEWORTHY PROJECTS HAS ZEKELMAN HANDLED RECENTLY?

Facebook data centers, Vanderbilt One in New York City, JP Morgan Chase Headquarters in New York City, Atlanta Hartsfield airport and departure terminal, and the Space X launch tower.

WHAT BUSINESS ADVICE HAVE YOU RECEIVED

Always do the right thing. Don’t

where you started from.

be

Irrigation Considerations when Installing a New Fence

Irrigation systems provide nourishing water to landscapes and crops, but can devastate the stability and appeal of a fence if the two come into contact without proper planning. Before installing a new fence, it’s important to evaluate any irrigation systems that are already in place, or any that are planned.

Irrigation involves water and sod, both of which can be detrimental to fence stability when handled improperly. According to the fence professionals at Denco Fence Company in Denver, Colorado, when either a fence or irrigation system is installed incorrectly, the resulting damage to one or both of these can be extensive. Denco offers the following guidelines for preventing fencing and irrigation disasters:

FOLLOW THE CORRECT ORDER.

With new construction, work with other contractors to install the fence in the right order to minimize problems with irrigation systems, landscape or cropland elements – both now and in the future. If possible:

• Install a fence after the finished grade is done but before the sprinkler system, brickwork, or planting are completed to construct the fence correctly based on the planned irrigation system setup.

• Time sod placement carefully. If sod or grass seed is laid before fence installation, it will likely be damages by the fencing equipment or the excavation process, leading to additional expense. Make sure sod is never placed directly against a fence; it may cause discoloration and wood rot. The ground will also be wet if sod has recently been laid, making it more difficult or impossible to work in the area. This means a longer, more complex installation process, with potentially more expense.

If the fence is installed on a property where irrigation and landscaping is already in place, it will require some additional planning on the contractor’s part to work around any other irrigation issues.

DON’T PLACE IRRIGATION HEADS NEAR THE FENCE.

Irrigation heads near a fence can result in multiple problems, including:

• Discoloration.

• Mold, mildew, wood rot and other structural issues.

• Shorter lifespan.

SPRINKLER SYSTEM 101.

Watering a fence won’t make it grow but can cause a lot of damage. The best way to prevent accidental spraying of the fence is to have the sprinkler system placed at least two feet away from the fence structure. This will reduce problems and ensure your fencing isn’t damaged due to water or moisture build-up.

KEEP PLANTS OFF THE FENCE.

Some homeowners may desire to have plants crawl up the side or front or back of a fence, but contractors should discuss this with their customers. Depending on the type of fence material, this can be very damaging to the structure. Plants collect moisture which can damage the fencing panels.

STAIN OR SEAL THE FENCE

Seal or stain a wood fence to give it a protective barrier against the elements, including watering systems, such as discoloration, wood rot, mold and more. Use a clear, silicone-based sealant if you want to keep the fence color the same. Otherwise, enjoy a color-boosting enhancement from one of the many options available.

Denco Fence Company specializes in fence and gate installation and repair. Learn more at www.dencofence.com

Guidelines for Paying Travel Time

Not surprising, the laws concerning compensable, or eligible for compensation, working hours can be confusing to say the least, but the fair and accurate determination of compensable working hours is a major concern in the fencing industry for both employer and employee alike, applying to both hourly and salaried employees.

Some of the issues of concern regarding compensable working hours include time spent picking up supplies, waiting in line at the lumber yard, driving to and from work or a work site, or attending training classes.

Some years back, because of the high degree of concern by so many of my clients in this area, I researched the applicable laws and, while I am not a lawyer and therefore the information contained in this article is not legal advice but merely information, I found many interesting and noteworthy opinions concerning compensable travel time.

This topic is long and complicated and for brevities sake I will try to touch on only the main points. The entire text of my research is available for Fence News USA readers free of charge by writing directly to me at my offices.

My sources of information are the US DOL and

the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) of 1947, and the amendment commonly referred to as the “Portal-to-Portal” Act, named for the nineteenth century miners it was originally written to protect.

There are many notable exceptions to this rule, however. The DOL and the FLSA law provides for these qualifications of four basic categories of employee travel time, all of which are applicable to the fencing industry. They are:

1. Portal-to-portal travel, (Not in the sense of the original miner’s portal, but traveling to and from work) which is not compensable

2. Travel between work sites, which generally is compensable

3. Special one-day assignments, which are compensable with certain exceptions that I will discuss in a moment

4. Overnight travel, which is part compensable and part non compensable, depending on circumstances.

PORTAL-TO-PORTAL TRAVEL

Portal-to-portal travel consists of the time it takes an employee to report to work and to

return home from work and is not considered part of the whistle-to-whistle workday hours. The travel to and from work portion is therefore not compensable. The exception to this rule would be if the company has an established policy or contract to the contrary and then that policy or contract would supersede and govern compensable hours.

A notable exception to this rule would be if the employee’s travel time to and/or from work includes work related duties, such as picking up tools, materials, or instructions. I have found a good rule of thumb to be that compensable time begins as soon as the employee begins a workrelated activity and ends as soon as the employee ends all work-related activities.

Remember that if your employee must, for example, drop off a truck then return to the office to pick up his or her own vehicle before returning home, that employee’s time is compensable until the last work-related duty is fulfilled. Again. the same is true for picking up or dropping off tools or even instructions prior to the beginning of the workday.

Tom Luby, Business Consultant and Fence Industry Spokesperson

A QUESTION I AM OFTEN ASKED BY FENCE INDUSTRY CLIENTS IS, “HOW DO I PAY MY CREWS FOR TRAVEL TIME WHEN THEY ARE WORKING OUT OF TOWN OR ON JOBS THAT REQUIRE A LOT OF TRAVEL?”

TRAVEL BETWEEN SITES

When any employee, crew, yard or even office employee is required to travel from one site to another within the confines of the whistleto-whistle time frame, all that time is also compensable.

Similarly, if a crew completes a job and then travels back to the yard prior to leaving for the day, that travel time is compensable, however if the remote worksite is the established principal location of work-related activities for that workday, the employer is only responsible for the whistleto-whistle time that the employee is at that work site, even though it is not the principal place of employment for that employee.

In other words, an employee can be required to show up at the job site and the time spent getting to that job site is not compensable. However, if the employee must first stop at the shop, for whatever reason, the compensable work time begins as soon as that employee arrives at the first place of business activity, in this example, the shop.

ONE-DAY SPECIAL ASSIGNMENTS

The one-day special assignment travel category typically applies when an employer requires an employee, who typically works at a fixed location, to report for a day or more than one day to an alternate work site which is more than 30 miles (48 km) from his/her primary work location. In this

case that travel time is compensable.

One word of caution. In our industry there is some gray areas in this portion of the law. Because crews may report every day to the staging area of the yard to pick up their supplies for the day, and then be sent out on various assignment in a wide radius, they could be considered fixed or non-fixed employment personnel, depending on your point of view.

OVERNIGHT TRAVEL

The overnight travel rule, as the name implies, applies to employees whose work keeps them away from home for one or more nights. During overnight trips, the time an employee spends as a passenger during typical working hours must be compensated, because the employee is substituting travel time for other duties. Employers are not required to compensate workers for travel time outside normal working hours unless the employee is required to drive.

When taking an overnight trip, the employer is only required to pay wages for time spent for normal working hours, unless however the employee actually works or is engaged in work related duties for longer than his or her normal working hours. In which case of course, the extra hours would be compensable.

As I mentioned, an exception to this rule is if the employee is required to drive and, in that

case, he or she is entitled to full compensation for all the hours traveled. However, if the employee voluntarily chooses to drive, he or she is only entitled to compensation for normal working hours.

Without getting too complicated, when computing compensable travel time try to always use my rule of thumb that compensable time “begins as soon as the employee begins any workrelated activity and ends as soon as the employee ends all work-related activities, regardless of what that activity is.”

If you have any further questions about the “Portal-to-Portal Act” please do not hesitate to contact me at Profit Builders International, 941981-3677 or by email at tluby@profitbuilder.org. I will try to answer any specific questions and send you all of my research, but I must again qualify that I am not a lawyer and any interpretation of the law is only my learned opinion.

Thomas Luby, and Profit Builders International

PROFIT BUILDERS INTERNATIONAL 3421 10th Lane West Palmetto, Florida 34221 www.profitbuilder.org tluby@profitbuilder.org 941-981-3677

Max Keypad

P.O.

Tel: 800-843-3745

Fax: 336-674-6690

Just in Time

by Mark Levin, CAE, CSP Executive Vice President, Chain Link Fence Manufacturers Institute 2022 Inductee, American Fence Association Hall of Fame

Back in what my grandkids would call the “olden days” (the 1970’s!) I was doing some consulting work with a new association that had been created by the major players in the automobile industry. When I say major players, I mean major, as in the big three auto manufacturers, the American Petroleum Institute, the tire manufacturers, and all the major suppliers. The new organization’s goal was to establish manufacturing, supply, and delivery standards for the automotive industry that would lead to the bottom line: increased productivity.

This organization was formed to support the auto industry’s “just in time” manufacturing philosophy. Just in time manufacturing is a strategy for eliminating waste of over production and employee down time by delivering just the right quantity at just the right time–no more and no less.

In the 1970’s, in the rather monolithic U.S. auto industry, “just in time” processing meant billions of dollars in savings to industry companies. Part of the reason it worked so well was because the Big Three auto manufacturers controlled so much of the process.

It is not the 1970’s anymore. Think what supply chain disruptions have done to just in time. Think what COVID has done to just in time. Think what labor shortages have done to just in time. Think what all that, and more, has done to consumer confidence about the availability, and the quality, of goods and services.

Now, think of how all of that applies to the fence industry in today’s world. What has happened to “guaranteed on time delivery” in our industry? How can we guarantee delivery when a) we are just as susceptible to disruptions as every other industry and b) fencing is many times the last part of a project, so we are almost entirely dependent on the performance of other suppliers and contractors?

What has happened to employee down time and productivity? We have labor shortages everywhere, the people we do have are not at the same skill level as the ones they replaced during COVID, and supply chain problems still mean waiting on materials, schedule changes, and transportation nightmares.

What is all this about? It is about realizing what increased productivity, improved quality control, and flexible work rules could mean for the fence industry.

It is about opportunity. An opportunity to make a major step in raising the visibility of the fence industry, the credibility of the fence industry, and the recognition of the fence industry as a major “player” in the construction industry. Not an afterthought, not a minor subcontractor, not an “end of project” necessity. A partner from the beginning to the finish of construction projects of all sizes.

Here are three ways we can make this happen:

1) FOCUS ON WORKFORCE PRODUCTIVITY. Productivity has been identified as the single biggest challenge facing the construction industry in 2023. Worker shortages and skill development have seen industry production rates level off in recent years, just as demand has been increasing. Think about more cross-training (where appropriate) to decrease employee down time. Implement creative incentive programs for meeting production goals, reduced absenteeism, and length of employment.

2) SOLIDIFY SUPPLIER RELATIONSHIPS. Yes, misery loves company, and we can still create a sense of “we’re all in this together” by continuing to focus on industry problems. But it’s time to move from excuses (COVID) to solutions (ideas and suggestions). Your suppliers are just as anxious as you are to be more profitable and productive. Discuss some shared cost-cutting opportunities, rework delivery schedules and inventory requirements, lock in some inducement’s (for both parties) for future orders and project completion.

3) USE TECHNOLOGY MORE EFFECTIVELY. Keep all your employees and business partners informed of where production levels are improving (and why). Celebrate success in as many ways as possible – new contracts, new business partners, employee accomplishments in both their work and personal lives, company recognitions, etc., through social media, employee enewsletters and periodic personalized emails. Follow your key partners on social media and respond whenever appropriate, to let them see how well you want to know them and work with them.

I believe that over the past few years many of us have developed an uncomfortable feeling of loss of control of many things in our lives. Whether it has been our health, our jobs, our economic well-being, or societal changes that we don’t like or want, there is a level of frustration we see in ourselves and others that is unsettling. Do not let this carry over into our companies.

The fence industry is sometimes frustrating and challenging, of course, but it is also a vibrant, growing, important, and (in my humble opinion) friendly industry in which to work. With cooperation and a willingness to be share the rewards of success, we have a terrific opportunity to make the industry even better.

Just in time.

Homeowner Association Fence Rules: Considerations when Installing a Fence

All too often, property owners and/or their contractors are faced with modifying a recently installed fence, all because they didn't consult the homeowner association (HOA) prior to putting it up. When installing a fence in a neighborhood with an HOA, it pays to consider a few of the common restrictions they have on fencing, and to understand why those restrictions exist.

HOA guidelines exist to maintain neighborhood standards that improve quality of life and ultimately, property values. The reality is that a fence can have a significant impact on other residents since it’s within their line of sight. And a poorly-placed fence or the wrong style of fence can obstruct views – a major problem, particularly if views are one of the main community draws.

Fortress Building Products provides a closer look at some common HOA guidelines on fencing and the reasoning behind them:

WIND AND STORM RESISTANCE

In many storm-prone areas of the country, high winds can transform fencing components into dangerous projectiles. These projectiles can cause serious injury and major damage to nearby structures and vehicles. This is especially true of solid fences and fencing with wide slats. For this reason, many HOAs prohibit the installation of wooden fences and other more substantial fencing styles that tend to “catch” the wind. Associations may only allow for fences with narrow metal bars, cables or other styles that offer little wind resistance. It’s also not uncommon to see requirements for the depth of the fence posts and the construction/style of hardware so as to maximize durability.

FENCE HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS

Fence height is a frequent point of regulation, with rules often varying between the height restrictions for the front yard and the back. HOA restrictions on fence height are often rooted in aesthetics and visibility issues, but there are some exceptions. For example, fences can obstruct a driver’s view at an intersection, making it impossible to see if there’s another vehicle, a pedestrian, or an unleashed dog about to pop out from around the corner. And similarly, a pedestrian or cyclist may not see a vehicle due to a solid fence. So, some regulations are intended to promote greater neighborhood safety. When this is the case, there may be restrictions on solid structures, like a solid wooden or aluminum fence, whereas a tall metal picket fence may be deemed permissible.

VIEWS AND VISIBILITY

Gated communities and other HOA-governed neighborhoods are often built in scenic locations. Many communities also invest heavily in landscaping, which can include the creation of man-made lakes and ponds. In these environments, it’s understandable that people might be unhappy if a fence interferes with or obstructs the view of the landscape. For this reason, a homeowner may be prohibited from putting up a fence or may face restrictions concerning fence height, style, type and location. High, privacystyle fences may be banned entirely in favor of shorter fences with narrow metal or wood pickets, or other styles that do not obstruct visibility.

Snavely Forest Products Joins Trex Distribution Network

Leading Building Products Distributor Widens Trex Footprint in Texas

They say everything is bigger in Texas and that now includes the distribution footprint of Trex Company. A leading manufacturer of high-performance, woodalternative decking and railing, and leader in low-maintenance, eco-friendly outdoor living products has bolstered its service in the growing Texas market with the addition of long-time distributor partner Snavely Forest Products to its South Central network.

“The South Central region is one of the most active areas of the country right now for building and remodeling,” notes Bret Martz, vice president of North American professional sales for Trex. “As Trex continues to experience broad-based demand driven by strong consumer interest in outdoor living, expanding our alliance with a known and highly respected distribution partner like Snavely will enable us to serve our channel partners across the region more efficiently and effectively.”

Trex has enjoyed a decades-long relationship with Snavely Forest Products, a recognized leader in the wholesale lumber and building products industry. Commemorating its 120th anniversary, Snavely serves independent dealers and home centers across the U.S., delivering superior materials, exceptional service and marketplace expertise. With this expanded partnership, Snavely will supply Trex products throughout Texas and the surrounding markets through its distribution centers in Dallas and Houston.

“Our strategy for success is to align with the best suppliers in the industry,” says Clark Spitzer, COO of Snavely Forest Products. “Our partners, like Trex, produce the highest quality product lines that are manufactured with superior engineering, competitive price points, and with sustainability and environmental standards in mind. Through these selective and long-standing relationships, we offer the most relevant products to our customers every day.”

For more information about Trex, visit www.trex.com. For more information about Snavely Forest Products, visit www.snavelyforest.com.

Binford Supply Opens New Location in Katy, Texas

Binford Supply, a Texas-based leading distributor of fence and access control systems, recently announced the opening of its new location in Katy, Texas.

“Professional contractors and retailers in west Houston and the surrounding area now have more options for fencing, access control, and outdoor living products for residential, commercial, industrial, and agriculture applications,” says Carl Hartmann, branch manager of Binford Supply, Katy. “They will find what they need from a single source and have access to people with decades of knowledge and product experience.”

The Katy location comprises more than 84,000 square feet of warehouse and yard space to accommodate a complete inventory of fencing, from chain link, vinyl, and wood to PVC, ornamental, and barbed wire along with access controls, gates, decking, arbors, gate fabrication and more. Materials and supplies will be on-hand for will-call or delivery.

Binford Supply has 13 branches and two complementary manufacturing facilities. Binford, a US-owned company in business for over 70 years, offers a full line of fencing, supplies, and access controls.

For more information, visit www.binfordsupply.com or call (281) 645-2430.

Superior Fence & Rail Opens Location in The Woodlands, Texas

Superior Fence & Rail (SFR) announces the opening of its newest location in The Woodlands, Texas. Owned by Simon and Noreen Kane, the new location is now the sixth franchise in the state of Texas.

Simon Kane has spent the last 22 years in leadership and management roles for both large and small businesses while Noreen is a health care provider with a passion to serve people. In addition, they own a mosquito control company in Montgomery and Harris counties and manage a portfolio of rental properties. When looking to further diversify, Superior Fence & Rail became an opportunity.

“The expertise and skill sets of the Superior Fence & Rail team stood apart from other opportunities,” says Simon. “In such a fragmented industry, SFR excels with their exceptional quality service and products. Their standards and expectations align very well with what we want to deliver as business owners.”

“We are excited to welcome Simon and Noreen to the Superior family,” says Zach Peyton, brand president of Superior Fence & Rail. “They know how to build a team that is dedicated to client service.”

Superior Fence & Rail of Spring, Texas services the greater Spring area, including The Woodlands, Cypress, and Humble.

STYLE AND UNIFORMITY

While many HOA requirements are rooted in the practical, it’s not uncommon to encounter rules and regulations that are created based on appearances. Some communities require properties to fall in line with a certain aesthetic style, such as modern and minimalist or ornate and elegant. Others offer very specific directives, such as “only wrought iron fencing or substitute materials that have the appearance of wrought iron.” Each community is unique, so it’s essential to understand the specific neighborhood’s guidelines.

HOAs and other similar associations have the ability to impose serious fines and penalties on the homeowner. Ultimately, when fees, interest, and penalties are factored in, the total cost to the property owner can be many times the original fine amount. And that says nothing of the stress and inconvenience it causes, and the possible blame they may place with their contractor.

The right choice in fence and hardware style can vary dramatically depending upon an HOA’s requirements and the property owner’s needs including their reason for installing the fence, whether that’s for privacy, security, aesthetics or safety of their children and pets. Fortress offers a wide range of fence styles and materials that meet even the most demanding HOA guidelines.

Learn more about these options at www.fortressbp.com.

Richard’s High-Security Mesh Fence delivers protection without sacrificing aesthetic appeal. Available in 3/8", 1/2", 5/8" or 1" mesh, our security mesh can be effective in deterring and delaying intruders and provide protection from vehicular impact in high security applications when properly specified and installed (see chainlinkinfo.org).

can be ordered in galvanized, aluminized, or a multiple of PVC Vinyl-Coated colors as well as a number of wire gauges depending on your level of threats.

added security we domestically manufacture barbed wire in PVC Vinyl-Coated, aluminized, or galvanized finish as well as spring tension wire.

your project with Pre-Tied Ties and Hog Rings.

number one fence tie in the industry available in many lengths, gauges, and finishes.

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ASSA ABLOY Acquires DoorBird

The ASSA ABLOY group, a global leader in access solutions, has acquired 100% of the shares in Bird Home Automation GmbH. The aim is to further expand and scale the business in the coming years in view of changing market requirements.

Sascha Keller, CEO of Bird Home Automation, says, “Having founded DoorBird in 2014 and continuously developing it since then, we have had an incredible journey and built a very successful business. To continue to grow and scale the company, we concluded that it was time to find a new owner to take the company forward and help it thrive in the years to come. ASSA ABLOY emerged as the best candidate to acquire DoorBird. They bring a wealth of technology, resources, and capabilities to support the continued success of our business.”

“I look forward to welcoming DoorBird and their employees into the ASSA ABLOY Group. Door Bird is a strategic technological addition to the ASSA ABLOY Group and will reinforce our offering with IP door intercom and provide

complementary growth opportunities,” says Nico Delvaux, president and CEO of ASSA ABLOY.

ASSA ABLOY has the size and scale to further invest in the relevant market sector and further expand the Door Bird brand as part of its smart home and access control offering.

Bird Home Automation develops and manufactures high-quality IP-based video door intercoms, access control devices, indoor stations, and accessories under the trademark “DoorBird”. The company’s headquarters and production plant are in Berlin, Germany, with sales offices in San Francisco, California and Jacksonville, Florida.

Being part of the ASSA ABLOY Group offers both companies the opportunity to better serve their customers and develop new opportunities for the future through the complementary capabilities of both companies.

Learn more at www.doorbird.com.

OPEN WIDE!

When a project calls for a large gate turn to Pro Access Systems and Doorking to meet the speci cations. With over a 20 years of gate system design and fabrication expertise, Pro Access has been supplying premium quality gates for critical infrastructure security applications including Commercial / Industrial, Energy Distribution, Transportation, Municipal Facilities and Residential Properties. Pro Access Systems specializes in large systems and is a leading single-source provider of integrated gate hardware, access control solutions with experienced technical support.

North American Specialty Laminations Expands to Virginia

“In delivering on our vision to ensure service excellence across North America, we are pleased to announce our new 57,000-squarefoot facility in Roanoke, Virginia, that will be our production hub for profile lamination and fabrication capabilities to our door, window, cabinet, wall panel, fencing and molding customers across the Southeastern U.S. With our extensive analysis, we selected Virginia for its consistent pro-business stance, progressive supporting programs, and skilled workforce in the greater Roanoke area,” says Doug Rende, CEO, NASL.

Doug Pence will lead the Roanoke facility as general manager. He brings over 30 years building materials production and general management experience with such companies as Ply Gem, Simonton, and Alcoa. “With his extensive knowledge of the industry; the lamination processes and the local labor pools, we look forward to Doug’s experience and meaningful contributions in establishing this important new plant site,” says Zach Wiedenhoeft, President/ COO, NASL.

As with all NASL locations, Roanoke team members will participate in the company’s FACTOR Program which provides comprehensive, certified training and personal development programs for improved career and financial advancement opportunities. NASL is sponsored by Building Industry Partners (BIP), the leading private equity firm focused on the U.S. building industry. BIP has made a commitment to elevate the employee value proposition at each its portfolio companies. As part of this commitment, every NASL employee, including all Roanoke associates, participate in NASL’s employee equity ownership program. Mai-Tal Kennedy, BIP’s Director of HCM Transformation & Employee Ownership, says, “We are committed to being the employer of choice, and we believe that businesses perform best when the interests of investors are aligned with the interests of employees. Virginia is a great state in which to do business, and we are proud to be opening a facility in Roanoke. NASL is grateful for our collaboration with the Virginia Department of Economic Development to assist in these efforts.”

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, adds, “North American Specialty Laminations’ decision to establish its Mid-Atlantic operation in Roanoke County reinforces the many advantages leading manufacturers can find in Virginia. We look forward to supporting NASL as they ramp up in the Commonwealth.”

For more information, visit www.northamericanlam.com

Management

AVOIDING BURNOUT

Setting goals and being fueled by ambition are often considered two of the keys to success. However, taking a break from the daily grind is crucial to avoiding mental and physical exhaustion that can keep you from achieving your goals. Learning to work hard while maintaining the other parts of your life will help you avoid burnout.

ALLOW YOURSELF TO HAVE BALANCE.

It’s easy to be subjected to the idea that you must be “on” 24/7 to be successful. Social media feeds blast the message that you must never quit, or you will never be fulfilled. While you shouldn’t give up on your dreams, taking a break in order to perform your best is not failure. It is possible to work towards a goal and enjoy other parts of your life at the same time.

KEEP YOUR SENSE OF HUMOR. Sometimes things go wrong and that’s ok. Any project or new endeavor has ups and downs, and you will probably make a few mistakes. When mishaps come up, focus on what you learned from the situation, and if you can find the humor in it. Either way, you will have a great story to tell one day, and you are wiser because of it.

HAVE YOUR PRIORITIES IN VIEW.

Keep photos and other memories of your friends and family around you as a reminder of your life outside of work. It’s easy to take work home with you or become solely focused on the next item on your to-do list. Don’t forget to make time for your hobbies and the people and things you care about. Having a strong support network helps you remain resilient and overcome life’s difficulties.

STICK TO A ROUTINE.

Making time in your day for breaks will benefit your productivity and your overall health. If you tend to work late into the night or easily lose track of time, set alarms to remind you when it’s time to stop and rest. No matter if it’s walking your dog during lunch or taking a few hours to yourself on a Sunday, downtime helps you feel refreshed and ready to tackle your next assignment. You may even come up with new ideas for that project you’re working on!

KNOW YOUR LIMITS.

If you notice you are easily irritated, feel more tired than usual or have stopped your normal self-care routine, these can be signs of burnout. Regularly check in with yourself regarding your mental and physical health. If you determine your life outside of work is being impacted by long hours or emotional exhaustion, it may be time to give yourself a break.

ADJUST YOUR PERCEPTION OF BEING PRODUCTIVE.

As you begin to find balance between work and your personal life, your perception of being productive might change. Committing to small, achievable goals is an easy way to manage your time and make daily progress toward your goals. Even if you do not complete everything on your to-do list, finding a pattern that works for you will help you feel accomplished each day.

First Female Leader Named for CertainTeed Canada

Saint-Gobain has named Julie Bonamy Racine as the chief executive officer of CertainTeed Canada, its Canadian building

Bonamy is CertainTeed Canada’s first female chief executive and succeeds Richard Juggery, who led the company for four years before being named CEO of Saint-Gobain Benelux in July.

Bonamy comes to her role in Canada after serving as CEO of Saint-Gobain Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. She joined the company in 2017 in Paris as group vice president of strategy and planning. Earlier in her career, Bonamy was a public servant, most recently as an adviser for the budget and digital sector for the Office of the French Minister for the Economy. She is a graduate of the Parish Institute of Political Studies and the National School of Public Administration.

“From our acquisition of Kaycan to the creation of North America’s first zero-carbon wallboard plant, there has never been a more exciting time for our company in Canada, and we thank Richard Juggery for his leadership over the past four years,” Bonamy says. “I’m thrilled to join such a strong local team as we continue to grow our business and work to maximize our company’s positive impact, for our customers and the communities where we operate, while striving to minimize our environmental footprint.”

In Canada, Saint-Gobain and CertainTeed have 27 manufacturing locations and employ more than 2,200 people nationwide. For more information on CertainTeed, visit www.certainteed.ca and for information on Saint-Gobain, visit www.saint-gobain.com

FEEDBACK: AN OPPORTUNITY FOR GROWTH

From the moment we are born, we begin receiving constant feedback from those around us and continue to receive it in every area of our lives until the day we die. An infant cries and their need is met or neglected. A student submits a project and receives a passing or failing grade. Employees have performance evaluations.

Sometimes, feedback is positive and sometimes it’s negative. We may seek feedback or avoid it all together. At times, it’s desired and at others it’s resented. Regardless, when it comes to the workplace, what you choose to do with the feedback you receive from customers, supervisors, and employees is crucial.

Merriam-Webster defines feedback as, “The transmission of evaluative or corrective information about an action, event, or process to the original or controlling source.” In terms of psychology, feedback involves providing information about a process or interaction to an individual in order to make adjustments that eliminate problems or otherwise optimize functioning.

Since we have no control over what others say or do, our realm of control extends only to how we react and respond. Choosing to view feedback as an opportunity for growth, can help you set yourself and your company up for greater success. Here are a few tips to help you handle feedback positively:

CONSIDER THE SOURCE. Is it a credible, reliable, and trustworthy source? Self-reflect. Very few people, if any, enjoy anything less than positive praise, but in order to grow, you must step back and evaluate yourself and your company as you truly are, and how others perceive you.

EVALUATE THE VALIDITY. Ask yourself if the information you have been given is in any way, even to the slightest degree, true. This can be challenging. In instances in which you receive feedback that is negative, you must work past your initial desire to become defensive and set your ego aside. In instances in which the feedback is positive, many individuals, especially those with poor selfconfidence, struggle to accept and believe the praise they have received is valid.

TAKE NECESSARY STEPS. Whether you are receiving positive or negative feedback, there will always be additional steps to take that will lead to growth.

• When you receive positive feedback, give yourself and your team credit for your accomplishment. Then, do more of what is working, continuing to hone your skills.

• When receiving negative feedback, determine what is within your realm of control that can be adjusted in order to better align yourself and your company with the desired outcome. It can be very helpful to solicit additional feedback and ask for assistance to ensure you have a clear understanding of what is lacking, of expectations, and a solid plan to meet them.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

We are a leading and growing domestic supplier of residential galvanized and powder coated pipe dedicated to quality, on-time delivery, and excellent customer service.

We have an immediate opportunity for a Territory/Outside Sales Manager.

The Outside Sales Manager is responsible for:

• Contacts regular and prospective customers to see our line of tubular products.

• Recommends products to customers, based on customers’ needs and interests.

• Answers customers’ questions about products, prices, availability, product uses, and credit terms.

• Quotes prices, credit or contract terms, warranties, and delivery dates.

• Consults with clients after sales or contract signings to resolve problems and to provide ongoing support.

Please reach out to Jennifer.leasor@IBPHoldings.com.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Premier Fence, LLC is rapidly growing, and

are looking to hire

individuals. We fabricate, manufacture and install, every type of fence and guardrail available. We are an equal opportunity employer that strongly encourage women and minorities to apply. Our client base consists of commercial, state and federal contracts, as well as residential.

We

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CATEGORIES

•

•

(new or used)

OPPORTUNITIES (manufacturer’s reps, dealers, distributors, installers wanted, consultants, and other services)

•

$1 a word (25 word minimum) or by the column inch rate

$50 if camera furnished art

If publisher has to set $60.

Add $10 if a border is added.

10% discount on three-month consecutive insertions, paid in advance. Payment must accompany ads.

Deadline is 5th of the month prior to month of publication.

Email Katie at katie@fencenews.com for a price quote and to schedule your ad.

Send editorial submissions to editor@fencenews.com .

WOOD DEFENDER 2022 TRAINING CLASSES

November 18

Training classes are held monthly to ensure any interested party has the information and training required. In a single day, attendees are ready to hit the ground running and stain their first fence. Visit www.wooddefender.com to learn more about the content and registration details.

AMERICAN FENCE ASSOCIATION’S UPCOMING EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

Gate Automation Technician School

Arlington, Texas

November 6 – 12, 2022

Gate Automation Designer School Arlington, Texas

November 6 – 8, 2022

ACI Testing Event Arlington, Texas

November 12, 2022

For more information and to register, visit www.americanfenceassociation.com.

NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN FOR AFA AWARDS

Do you know a hard-working American Fence Association member who has devoted outstanding service, leadership and contributions to the fence industry? If so, nomate them for one or more of the following Association Awards: Ambassador Award

Distinguished Service Award Fence Contractor of the Year Award Hall of Fame Award Manufacrurer of the Year Award

GARDEN STATE AFA TRADE SHOW | JACKPOT 2023

January 20 & 21, 2023

Atlantic City, New Jersey

Registration and more details coming soon.

FENCETECH 2023

February 28 – March 3, 2023

Oklahoma City Convention Center

Registration is now open! Celebrate the 60th anniversary of American Fence Association with your peers at FENCETECH. Visit www.fencetech.com for updated information and to register.

COMMON GROUND ALLIANCE 2023 CONFERENCE AND EXPO

April 17 – 21, 2023

Orlando, Florida

For details, visit www.commongroundalliance.com.

If you have a fencing industry event you’d like included in an upcoming issue, please email the information to: editor@fencenews.com

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR STATE’S SPECIFIC 811 PROCESSES AND LAWS, VISIT WWW.CALL811.COM.