Wendy Boyd

What to Consider Before Purchasing an Automated Linear Saw

Wendy Boyd

I’ve had the privilege of working with frame and truss manufacturers for many years now, and I’ve seen firsthand how the right equipment can transform a business. If you’re thinking about investing in an automated linear saw, I can honestly say, you can reap many benefits...

#17310 Cover image
May 2025
Issue #17310
Page 19
Ed Serrano

Optimizing Every Inch: Why Space Utilization Matters in Frame & Truss Manufacturing

Ed Serrano

Imagine a factory floor where every square foot contributes to efficiency and productivity. That’s the power of lean manufacturing: a philosophy centered on maximizing value and eliminating waste. In the fast-paced world of prefabricated frames and trusses, space optimization isn’t...

#17310 Cover image
May 2025
Issue #17310
Page 62
Daniel Fothke

Revolutionizing Construction: The Future of Automation in Off-Site Building Practices

Daniel Fothke

The construction industry is on the brink of a significant evolution, propelled by the integration of automation in off-site construction practices. This shift is not merely a trend but a necessary response to the growing demands for efficiency, quality, and sustainability in building...

#17310 Cover image
May 2025
Issue #17310
Page 78
Joe Kannapell, PE

Home Building Technology, Part IV: The $6,000 Question

Joe Kannapell, PE

Unions opposed it, builders dismissed it, but the American homebuyer would embrace prefabricated housing as soon as they could afford it. Despite fierce opposition, the government made it a reality by allowing FHA financing on prefabricated homes with loans of $6,000 or less. In announcing this...

#17309 Cover image
April 2025
Issue #17309
Page 10
Wendy Boyd

Importance of Factory Layouts and Investing in the Right Machinery!

Wendy Boyd

Factory layouts are important in any industry, and none more so than in the structural building components industry. Not only do factory layouts allow you to simplify and streamline workflow processes, but they can also assist you in maximizing your productivity and improving overall...

#17309 Cover image
April 2025
Issue #17309
Page 19
Todd Drummond

Proper Time Management is Essential for Proactive Management Best Practices

Todd Drummond

When it comes to the daily tasks of any executive, there doesn’t seem to be enough time in the day to implement everything that needs to be done. From sales to troubleshooting, there are constant interruptions in your day that keep you from accomplishing those goals you tell yourself need...

#17309 Cover image
April 2025
Issue #17309
Page 28
Edmond Lim, P.Eng.

Giant Kanban!

Edmond Lim, P.Eng.

Kanban systems are designed for “just in time” workflow to optimize production efficiency and inventory levels. The Enventek Lumber PickLine is essentially a “Giant Kanban System” designed to improve lumber handing and to efficiently cull lumber away from the saws. Did...

#17309 Cover image
April 2025
Issue #17309
Page 46
Ed Serrano

A Fork in the Road

Ed Serrano

“My only regret is that I didn’t do it sooner.” (— You, probably) It’s a common refrain from recent automation adopters, and you might just find yourself saying it one day. So, what makes that initial step feel like such a big leap and not just another step...

#17309 Cover image
April 2025
Issue #17309
Page 54
Steve Shrader

Labor Tweaks Won’t Save Manufacturing—Automation Will

Steve Shrader

Manufacturing, in truss production, means transforming lumber and plates into engineered components through machinery, labor, and precise processes. In 2025, it’s more than labor—it’s automation. Some cling to the old beat, stacking bodies and tuning schedules as if headcounts...

#17309 Cover image
April 2025
Issue #17309
Page 62
Jesse Southard

Constructing a Safer Tomorrow: The Safety Advantages of Off-Site Framing

Jesse Southard

In the construction industry, safety is a paramount concern no matter what task is being completed. For years, traditional on-site framing and assembly have exposed workers to significant risks, including falls, heavy lifting injuries, and adverse weather conditions. As construction elements...

#17309 Cover image
April 2025
Issue #17309
Page 78
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