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MANUFACTURING » Central Trusses & Frames
Business South
Busy sector brings strong demand Karen Phelps A busy building sector in Central Otago is creating even greater demand for the services of Central Trusses & Frames. The company has been flat out producing wall frames and roof trusses to meet the industry’s needs, says one of the company’s directors Brian Ruddle. Based in Luggate, near Wanaka, Central Trusses & Frames was started in 1998 by Brian and business partner Andy Haig. Both had previously worked together and when the opportunity arose to run a truss plant they jumped at the chance. Due to Brian’s previous experience in the truss industry and Andy’s background as a carpenter and joiner it wasn’t long before they started Central Trusses & Frames. Over the years the company has steadily grown to its present team of seven staff. All products are made at the company’s well-equipped factory. As there is no such thing as a standard wall or roof these days each job is different, says Brian. It is detailed in the office using MiTek software, as Central Trusses & Frames is a licensed MiTek truss fabricator, to give a fully engineered result. Plans are then loaded via computer to the plant, which accurately manufactures each product to spec. MiTek GANG-NAIL connector plates are used and Brian says MiTek is continually streamlining building component design for improvements in timber truss and wall-frame design solutions and associated fixings. The steel connector plate has multiple spikes or teeth projecting from one face and is pressed into the timber using hydraulic or pneumatic presses allowing timber components to be quickly and strongly be joined together. Brian says that the ease of installation makes GANG-NAIL connector plates ideal for the prefabrication industry where speed and reliability are paramount. Timber used in the products is largely Douglas fir or laminated, the latter becoming increasingly popular due to its strength, which makes it ideal for big lintels and girder loads. It also brings benefits in wall framing as the builder does not need to straighten it as much as traditional timber as it keeps a truer shape, says Brian.
Central Trusses & Frames is a licensed MiTek truss fabricator, to give a fully engineered result.
Central Trusses & Frames also manufactures Posi-STRUT (a metal web system providing large clear spans in rafters, purlins or floor joist situations), Flitch Beams (a composite beam formed with a steel plate sandwiched between timber) and attractive feature exposed bolted trusses. Most work completed by Central Trusses & Frames is for residential projects for a variety of clients including builders, architects, home owners and merchants such as Mitre10, Bunnings and Placemakers. All work comes with a 50 year warranty and Central Trusses & Frames is a member of Frame & Truss Manufacturers Association.
Central Trusses and Frames
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“....we are well established here and have a good reputation. It’s good to see the building industry so busy as more people realise the benefits of living in this region.” Central Trusses & Frames works in Central Otago including Wanaka, Queenstown, Alexandra and Cromwell. It also occasionally completes projects for delivery to the West Coast and Dunedin. With the building industry currently so busy the company is always looking for staff, particularly those with a background in
woodwork, says Brian. “Because we have operated in Central Otago for nearly two decades we are well established here and have a good reputation. “It’s good to see the building industry so busy as more people realise the benefits of living in this region.”