Most component manufacturers (CMs) do not choose a plate vendor based only on connector plate pricing. The decision also affects engineering, technical support, training, production planning, software, reporting, and other parts of the business. Over time, those systems can become so connected...

In the mid-20th century, Toyota revolutionized manufacturing with a clear idea: eliminate waste, optimize the flow of value, and improve continuously. Lean manufacturing changed how physical goods are built by putting the worker’s time and effort at the center of every decision. At...

There is a strange double standard in how component manufacturing plants allocate capital. Owners and general managers often view sales and production as the ultimate profit centers, treating the design department as a necessary evil: a cost center eating overhead without generating tangible...

The principle of limiting deflection in proportion to span was first established by Thomas Tredgold, a prominent British engineer born in 1788. He recognized that for a floor to be functional, its bending (deflection) needed to be restricted based on its length. Tredgold originally recommended a...

Real-world performance may not always match tested values. In light-frame construction, structural connectors are often treated as commodity hardware — selected from a catalog, installed in the field, and assumed to perform as designed. In reality, structural connectors are highly...

Join us at our booth at the BCMC Show in Columbus for a first look at the latest innovations designed to empower component manufacturers. Simpson Strong-Tie is excited to showcase new software, advanced equipment, and personalized services – all engineered to help your business grow. [For...

Over the years, more than one person has referred to JobLine as the “eHarmony of the truss industry.” I usually laugh when I hear it, but the comparison does make a point. The goal of recruiting shouldn’t be getting someone to change jobs. It should be finding the right match...

There is a quiet transformation happening in the backrooms of North American truss plants. Faced with a chronic shortage of experienced local design talent and unyielding demand for faster turnarounds, owners and general managers are turning to overnight, overseas design services. On paper, the...

For component manufacturers who rely on machine stress rated (MSR) lumber in their day-to-day operations, the annual MSR Workshop continues to distinguish itself as one of the most valuable events on the industry calendar. The 2026 Workshop, held at the end of April in Orange Beach, AL, once...

Per ANSI/TPI 1-2022 (National Design Standard for Metal Plate Connected Wood Truss Construction), Section 6.2.2.5, trusses with an overall span of 18 ft or greater must be evaluated for a 300 lb concentrated person load applied at the midpoint of any chord panel that is not sheathed with...