After the wonderful success that was BCMC 2024, I decided to take a quick holiday…to Japan! Having never visited that fascinating country before, I was excited to see what I might find. [For all photos, See PDF or View in Full Issue.]
While waiting in line for the Ubako and Owakudani Ropeways, I found myself studying and being mesmerized by the simple automation used in their cable car system. It is a massive and impressive feat of engineering that is both simple and immense.
In fact, it gave me my “A-ha moment” when this reminded me of the ingeniousness of Larry and Dave Dalson of Enventek and all of the engineering they have accomplished.
From Enventek, we have achieved a lumber gripping auto feeding component saw, a chain-fed Lumber PickLine, and now a Collated Plate Dispensing machine will help many truss fabricators squeeze out even more trusses.
While touring Japan, I was also impressed with so much beautiful architecture. Nothing will replace the charm of old-world craftsmanship, and building with wood can be a true art.
Over two hundred years ago, mass production was not necessary and craftsmanship ruled.
At the Gekkeikan Ōkura Sake Museum, these curving timbers are not a problem to solve but a natural feature that is showcased in the interior.
But in business, we need ways to automate and mass produce our products.
Trusses and components allow us to meet the housing needs of the current day. We can still showcase the beauty of building with natural wood, but we can also maximize our production processes, minimize our costs, and provide the products needed in modern society.
Our only limits are our imagination and a willingness to bring ideas to life in wood and steel.
As we look forward to 2025, let’s all consider what we have learned about construction and manufacturing processes from the past and present, and then start planning for what we would like to bring to life in the future.
When you’re ready to Feed Your Beast and see the efficient and effective systems of LimTek Process Organization Technology, please let us know! We will help you squeeze out more truss production and deliver quality trusses with shorter lead times to better service your customers by organizing your truss fabrication processes to maximize your investment in automation. https://limteksolutions.com/#solutions