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Vekta Automation is in the business of just that – automating timber truss and frame plants. From the Razer saws to an advanced product offering, Vekta is introducing automation machinery for every stage of the truss and frame manufacturing process. We have automation that is reducing the...

Ask anyone who attended the Building Component Manufacturers Conference (BCMC) in September and we think they will agree—the best in industry automation was on display in Indianapolis this year! We at Eide were very pleased to be a part of the great show this year. We know everyone will...

It’s easy to consider the bank down the block for your financing needs. After all, it’s close and you know the bank manager; it seems like you’re at the branch a lot dealing with the in’s and out’s of everyday business. But, is that bank always your best option for...

Some might say what makes a good salesperson is the results they deliver. In fact, I imagine this may be the most common response. I suppose I would have to agree, but I do think it matters greatly what results we are measuring. Are we merely considering revenue generated that can be directly...

As construction moves forward, the focus shifts from the exterior to the interior, making it harder to track progress from the outside. However, there’s still important work ahead. Tasks like leveling the surrounding area and ensuring proper grading away from the house are crucial....

A near certainty in the component business is that your customers will, to some extent at least, shop your price against your competition. Depending on the relationship history you have with your client, you may have the opportunity to match a lower price, but your competition will still be used...

MiTek engineers are often asked what maximum gaps are allowed for wood member-to-wood member in metal-plate-connected wood trusses. Gaps between wood members are addressed in Chapter 3 Quality Criteria for the Manufacture of Metal-Plate-Connected Wood Trusses of the ANSI/TPI 1-2014 (National...

Prior to joining Simpson Strong-Tie, I spent 13 years working as consulting structural engineer. As a specifier, I was amazed at the number of resources Simpson made available to me. From software, to blogs, to design guides, there were many resources to help me solve problems and streamline the...

A robot visited the BCMC Show floor again this year, and, for the first time, really showed its stuff, picking truss plates like there was no tomorrow. And its dynamic demo couldn’t be missed, as House of Design (HoD) positioned their Nail Plate Picking Cell right at the exhibit’s...

While sitting in my sister’s hospital room following her stroke, two very nice people from hospital security appeared. Using the security camera footage, they had tracked me from the hospital parking garage, walking through the night entrance, taking the elevators up to the third floor,...