Number of search results: 110
Four Examples of Process Improvement Considerations
Todd Drummond
Right now, many CMs are waking up to the increased pressures of a slowing home-building market, and all the capital investments they have made are just not going to be enough because all their competition has done the same. Now that the new build season is ramping up to full swing, the ones who...
June 2023
Issue #15287
Page 27
Will ‘Too Little, Too Late’ Define Your Company?
Todd Drummond
Building history facts: Before the 2008 financial crash, there were about 2,100 wood truss and wall panel component manufacturing (CM) companies across North America. The vast majority of the locations were independently owned and operated. When the worst of the effects of the recession finally...
May 2023
Issue #15286
Page 27
A Message of Caution to New Component Manufacturers
Todd Drummond
This message is for the new component manufacturers (CM) who have recently and will shortly be entering the component manufacturing industry for wood trusses or wall panels. First, welcome to the industry – it is very rewarding, but I must caution you about this new endeavor. It is not for...
April 2023
Issue #15285
Page 25
How One Wood Truss Industry Leader Uses Industrial Engineering Practices of Work Minutes to Excel
Todd Drummond
We can always learn things from industry leaders, whether we work with them directly or simply appreciate what they have accomplished. A perfect example comes from A-1 Industries and their commitment to using industrial engineering practices and work minutes. Although TDC has not performed...
March 2023
Issue #15284
Page 25
Money Hides Many Sins (Waste)
Todd Drummond
A trending DIY post shows a long sequence of nail holes alongside a wall-mounted TV with a caption that says, “I knew that stud was in there somewhere.” Meant to be a humorous poke at the times when we’ve attempted new projects, it reveals how sometimes we might not have been...
February 2023
Issue #15283
Page 24
Don’t Be Blind to Simple Truths for the 2023 Build Season
Todd Drummond
An article written and published by Russ Kathrein on LinkedIn, “The Eyes See What the Brain Believes,” struck a nerve for me. In summary, the statement “believe it when I see it” is more often than not false. As someone who has made a living assisting others for over...
January 2023
Issue #15282
Page 26
Proof That Even the Largest Wood Truss CMs are Not Immune to Losing Tens of Millions of Dollars with Outdated Reporting
Todd Drummond
Despite the fantastic profits these past few years, some of the largest wood truss component manufacturers (CM) are losing tens of millions of dollars hidden in plain sight. Talk to any of the executives at these CMs, and they will be able to rattle off the EBITA or other P/L results, yet they...
December 2022
Issue #14281
Page 26
Labor Shortages Worse Than Most Understand and Automation is Not Going to Be the Cure-All Solution
Todd Drummond
Time and again, executives state they are having problems finding enough qualified people to staff all the needed positions within their company. The truth is that this problem will get much worse, and you need to understand why to fix it.
TDC has found that companies with the best employee...
November 2022
Issue #14280
Page 24
Including Meaningful Process Improvement on Your Capital Investment Checklist
Todd Drummond
Time and time again, TDC has witnessed too many companies spending millions on capital investments to achieve marginal improvements while others spend far less and achieve spectacular results. It may feel obvious that adding a saw or auto-puck table will significantly enhance output, but the...
October 2022
Issue #14279
Page 24
Four Commonly Held Practices That Cause Companies to Lose Millions in Net Profits
Todd Drummond
These four commonly held practices within the component industry (wood truss and wall panels manufacturing) are actually causing millions in lost profits. None of these practices should be acceptable, and all are correctable. Is your company ready to make lean manufacturing continuous...
September 2022
Issue #14278
Page 24
Mechanical Anchors: Screw vs. Expansion: Which is Right for Me?
Simpson Strong-Tie Staff
Not all post-installed mechanical anchors are created equal. There are key differences between screw and expansion anchor types — differences that include how they gain their holding strength, installation requirements, and overall anchor performance. In the following article, field...
December 2022
Issue #14281
Page 124