This has been a very busy year for Panels Plus with shipments up 47% from 2021. I’m glad to see all the work out there and I’m grateful for the customers that have asked Panels Plus to help them increase their production with our equipment.
As we look back on this year and look forward to the year ahead, here are a few items I want to highlight.
1. New Panels Plus Location. With the increase in business in 2022 and the planned business increase expected for 2023, we needed to evaluate our space. The decision was made to rent a larger facility to accommodate the increased production expected to take place next year until a new space can be built. I’m excited to report that the entire Panels Plus operation has been moved to a new facility located at 411 South 1st Avenue, Albert Lea, MN. We were able to complete this move without impacting scheduled shipments to our customers.
Since moving to the new building, most components are powder coated instead of using liquid paint. This change improves paint durability and provides excellent coverage. I believe that our customers will appreciate this coating improvement that was planned into the location change.
2. New Territory Sales Manager. I would like to welcome our newest Territory Sales Manager, Paul Schmitt, to Panels Plus. He will be training with Tim Kaasa for several months. Paul’s role has been added so we can continue to provide the best service to both our new and existing customers. Paul has a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Technology from the University of Wisconsin–Stout, and he is currently training with our team to grow his understanding of the industry and our wide variety of product offerings.
3. Automated Sheathing Station Update. Did you see the updated Automated Sheathing Station at the BCMC show this year? Our new programming and controls resource made huge improvements to this machine. This sheather will be a great addition to our lineup. These will be available for purchase as soon as the field testing is complete. Look out for more information on this product soon!
4. Innovance R&D Group. The Innovance R&D group is busy working on the automated wall stacker. The initial design concept is complete, and we are working through component designs, reviews, and cost analysis. This product could be available in July.
5. A New Industry for Panels Plus. Do you build sheds? This year, Panels Plus has been working with two separate skid shed manufacturers to develop a Shed Combo Station to build floor sections and wall panels for the skid shed industry. This new product is similar to our current Combo Station but has been adapted to meet the growing demands of the Shed Industry. The new product accommodates the runners of the skid shed that span the base of the floor and can also accommodate a variety of shed sizes. The Shed Combo Station can manufacture sheds ranging in size from 6’ W x 6’ L and all the way up to 16’ W x 40’ L. The styles of skid sheds range from a simple tool shed to a classic barn or portable garage with many optional add-ons (such as porches, lofts, windows, and flower boxes). The skid sheds typically have two or four runners depending on the size of the shed. If you build sheds and never thought about this type of equipment, please give us a call.
As always, I encourage you to visit the Panels Plus website for all the latest news and literature. Panels Plus is also on LinkedIn and YouTube. Please visit us at www.panplus.com or write to us at sales@panplus.com.
The holiday season is here, and many people get together with their families. I hope that you find time to get away from work to be with your family and friends. At Panels Plus, we are wishing you and your family a joyous holiday season.