It was many months ago that I decided to conduct this 12-part series of product comparisons, and now we are in the final stretch! Last time, we compared Automated Saws, High End. This time, we’re taking a look at the lower end of the cost spectrum. When I refer to low end saws, I do so...

A statement far too managers make is that they are not able to get their employees to embrace change. If your company struggles with making changes in any given area, just keep in mind that real change always comes from the top down. If your company is struggling with change and you are the top...

Another year has come and gone, and what an invigorating year it has been for most companies. Net profits after taxes for most component manufacturers were in the high teens to mid-twenties—at least for those who do not allow for never-ending excuses. Once again, it is time to reevaluate...

Why are equipment sales booming when near-term housing starts are projected to be flat?  Possible reasons are: CMs know better and expect good growth and need more capacity. Some markets will grow well and others will contract. CMs buying equipment expect to do better on the same...

We are deep into the 2018 Product Comparisons now. I decided to delay the next comparisons until after the BCMC to better detail the latest advancements in technology. Having covered roofs, floors, and most of walls, I have updated the schedule to address other essential equipment for your...

Since the home building crash of ‘08, there has been a huge spike in mergers and acquisitions of wood truss and wall panel component manufacturers. With all the big players in the market, independents naturally have concerns about staying competitive. Believe it or not, independents still...

The 37th Annual BCMC show took place in late October at the Wisconsin Center in Milwaukee. It was the second time in the past four years at this location, so most of us already knew the great restaurants and bars to visit. Every year the show just seems to get bigger and better, and this...

We’re pleased to report that Acceptance Leasing and Financing Service, Inc., (ALFS) located near Pittsburgh in Moon Township, Pennsylvania, continues to be a key player in its niche market for small and mid‐sized manufacturing businesses seeking easy access for commercial equipment...

By the time you read this, the dust will have settled after an incredibly successful BCMC Show in Milwaukee, WI. What a privilege to talk with so many of you last week and see many of the exciting new automation products we can use in our operations to make us far more efficient, and, more...

BCMC 2018 topped even the 1973 Show. At the Louisville fairgrounds back then, we also sold a record amount of truss machinery, but under vastly different conditions in the U.S. Housing starts had just peaked at 2.4 Million units, nearly twice current levels and 20% higher than any level since...