As the North American truss market continues to evolve, fabricators are asking themselves how do we do more with the time, labor, and space we already have? How can we improve efficiency, reduce manual handling, and position our production lines to take advantage of the next wave of opportunity?
Labor availability, production volatility, and rising expectations for tighter lead times continue to shape daily operations in truss plants in North America. With another cycle ahead in 2026, now is the ideal moment to step back and examine whether your current workflow will support the level of output and consistency the market is likely to demand.
At Spida Machinery, we’ve seen firsthand that asking the right questions early can make a huge difference for manufacturers – not just in workflow, but in how a factory approaches growth, productivity, operational flexibility, and ultimately how they compete. But how do you know if your factory is ready to seize what’s coming next? Here are the key questions worth evaluating now.
Could Automation Be the Key to a More Reliable Workflow?
Is your truss plant still heavily reliant on manual material handling? Do bottlenecks appear when an operator calls in sick? Does production slow down because your systems and machinery aren’t working together as smoothly as they could? Do you still rely on extra labor as opposed to smarter processes?
Across North America, some truss plants don’t just choose automation to reduce labor, but instead, because they can’t find enough skilled labor to support growth. Well-designed automation can reduce repetitive strain, improve cutting consistency, and free your best people to focus on higher-value tasks like QC or production planning.
When it comes to truss manufacturing, our PieceGiver, feeding one or more PieceMaker saws, could save your team time, reduce repetitive strain, and eliminate errors. [For all photos, See PDF or View in Full Issue.]
The PieceGiver and PieceMaker work together as a “power duo” to automate lumber loading and cutting processes while still allowing flexibility in your workflow. With a range of configurations and a variety of options, these machines can be adapted to suit different productions lines – but first you need to decide what setup fits your operation best, and this is something we can help you with.
Automation can reduce labor, but it also creates opportunities to increase throughput and consistency and connects your design, software, systems, machinery, and processes.
What bottlenecks could automation solve in your current process? Whether you automate with existing equipment or explore new options, the important part is evaluating your bottlenecks early. Thinking about these questions now gives you the opportunity to explore options without feeling rushed.
Is Your Factory Layout Helping or Hindering Productivity?
Many fabricators have inherited their current plant layout – machines added over time, workstations squeezed in where space allowed, flow patterns built on convenience rather than strategy. But even small layout adjustments can have a measurable impact on throughput.
Have you ever stopped to consider your own factory and whether your current layout is holding back productivity? Could rearranging machinery, adding space for automation, or redesigning manufacturing flow improve efficiency?
Our team can help assess your factory layout, suggest adjustments, and optimize flow to get the most out of your existing footprint. Even if your factory is small, slight changes can have a big impact on efficiency. A minor adjustment to the placement of your saws or material feeders, adding a buffer zone, or reducing cross-traffic can significantly improve flow.
On the other hand, if your factory is larger, are you making full use of your available space? By thinking about layout now, you’re planting the seeds for smoother operations in 2026 – and perhaps even freeing up capacity for future expansion. Efficient factory layouts utilize your space, optimize workflow, provide smart material handling, improve worker safety, and can future-proof your operations.
How Do You Choose the Right Configuration for Your Operation?
Every truss manufacturer has unique needs, and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Every truss plant works differently – volume, labor availability, and types of jobs can all affect how production runs from day to day.
A good example comes from Fortruss in Australia – they started with a single PieceGiver feeding one PieceMaker, with the next evolution being one PieceGiver feeding two PieceMaker saws, dramatically increasing output without expanding their footprint by much. Could your operation benefit from a similar approach?
How many machines do you actually need to handle your projected production? Which configuration would maximize the efficiency of your floor space and staff? Considering these questions now helps you make informed decisions about which machines to add, what workflow adjustments to make, and how to set up your factory for success.
Exploring scenarios now allows you to test ideas before making long-term changes – could experimenting with layouts and configurations in small ways this year help you avoid costly mistakes next year?
Are You Planning Ahead?
Do you know what cutting volumes are realistic for your operation in 2026? How will you schedule production, allocate staff, and prioritize different projects? Planning early can give you more flexibility to select the right machines, configurations, and accessories for your workflow.
In essence, early planning gives you options, whereas late planning can give you headaches and can force you into compromises.
Thinking About 2026 Yet?
Preparing your factory for future growth doesn’t have to be overwhelming, nor does it require big changes right now. It starts with asking the right questions about automation, layout, and configuration, so you can plant the seeds for smarter, more efficient operations.
What opportunities could you unlock if you started planning for 2026 now? Are there small adjustments you could make this year, which might create a big impact later? The answers may not only improve your workflow but also position your factory for growth, flexibility, and success as the market evolves.
As the industry moves into its next cycle, the manufacturers who thrive will be the ones who step back and assess their operations with intention, now. Whether that means rethinking material flow, exploring smart automation, or simply tightening up the way people and machines interact on the floor, the value lies in preparing early. The start of 2026 is not too far away, so if you haven’t already, we recommend you ask yourself these questions now!