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We’re starting 2025 with reserved optimism. Investors, the markets, and the world at large are still reviewing, digesting, and anticipating the implications of the results of last year’s U.S. Presidential and Congressional elections. One year ago, analysts and economists still...

Wood trusses are prefabricated frameworks made of lumber and connected by metal plates that support roofs, floors, and other structures. They are widely used in residential, commercial, and agricultural construction. While trusses can be designed in almost any shape or size, restricted only by...

To strengthen a truss member or web, add a scab to reinforce it. For example, if you have a point load in the middle of a panel, one or two scabs may be used instead of increasing the grade or size of the member or using a multi-ply truss. Scabs reinforce overhangs by enhancing bending and...

As discussed in this issue’s article, Growth and Accolades for Component Manufacturing,” Carolina Structural Systems (CSS) has been celebrated for its latest expansion plans in Virginia. As announced, CSS is investing at least $5.5 million to establish a new manufacturing...

Anyone who reads my column knows I’m always looking for the bright side in a challenge and the lesson that can be learned. Unfortunately, sometimes there is no bright side for us, and the lesson is merely that life is too short and too bittersweet. For My Sister, Susan When I left...

As we start 2025, we have surpassed the 125th year of offsite wall technology, so it seems fitting to return to the beginning and describe its early progression. Surprisingly, this includes the Ready-Frame® technology that is currently being marketed by Builders FirstSource, as well as the...

It’s no secret that 2024 brought a number of challenges for the construction sector across the world. However, as I’m writing this, I’m reflecting with pride how the expertise, hard work, and adaptability of our team ensured we continued to deliver high-quality machinery with...

As we all start the New Year, we see the road ahead and the challenges we must face. This is part of the life experience: as time moves forward, markets change, and competition will always try to take what you have built. Many difficulties may look daunting, but with the right attitude, we can...

Truss design software simply uses the lumber inventory to determine the least expensive solution when designing a truss simply based on price. Although this is a convenient function, there are several issues the software does not consider – and for these issues a designer should be making...

Of course, if you’re starting a truss plant from the ground up, it’s a snap to include an Enventek Lumber PickLine in your plans. The real beauty of the Lumber PickLine, however, is that it can be easily configured for existing truss plants – whether inside the plant or outside...