Joe Kannapell, PE

Home Building Technology, Part XVIII: Planned Communities and Off-site Construction

Joe Kannapell, PE

On my way to the component plants that supply The Villages, the most well-known planned community in Florida, I drove through the vastly expanding reaches of America’s last remaining bastion of true production building. When I entered the new 424-acre Governor Rick Scott Industrial Park, I...

#18325 Cover image
August 2026
Issue #18325
Page 10
Garry Roehr

What Should Be Measured to Improve ROI on a Wall Panel Line?

Garry Roehr

We often measure productivity and capacity using units that are readily available. Sometimes this can be described as looking for lost car keys under a streetlamp not because that’s where they were lost but because that’s where the light is better. Examples of readily available units...

#18325 Cover image
August 2026
Issue #18325
Page 79
Garry Roehr

Continuum Dual Coil Vertical Articulating Nails Heads = Solving a Maddening Problem

Garry Roehr

My previous articles have mentioned this innovative bit of technology, so it’s time to discuss it in more depth. When nailing heads on sheathing bridges run out of nails at different times, it causes multiple stoppages on the line – and it’s maddening to see how these...

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July 2026
Issue #18324
Page 91
Garry Roehr

How Fast Does a Wall Panel Factory Need to Be in North America?

Garry Roehr

How fast should a wall panel line be? A lot faster than it takes to frame on site. Sure, if the framing and sheathing speed is the same as on site there are still savings in reducing overall build time and the accompanying finance and insurance costs. But, framing on site doesn’t require...

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June 2026
Issue #18323
Garry Roehr

Take a HyperLeap with AMT Robotics

Garry Roehr

Last month, in “Say Hello to AMT Robotics,” I introduced our Datum Squaring Table. This month, I’d like to focus on our HyperLeap Sheathing Bridge. You’ll find that our modular approach allows you to install the machine that best suits your current needs while giving...

#18322 Cover image
May 2026
Issue #18322
Page 99
Garry Roehr

Say Hello to AMT Robotics

Garry Roehr

Last fall, I had the chance to catch up with many of my peers at BCMC Omaha, and now I’m pleased to say Hello to an even wider audience. As an Industrial Engineer with 3 decades’ experience in PreFab, I am eager to share our innovative solutions to continue to help move our industry...

#18321 Cover image
April 2026
Issue #18321
Page 70
Doug Steimle, PE

To Align or Not to Align

Doug Steimle, PE

This article originally appeared in STRUCTURE Magazine and is reprinted with permission. One of the more hotly debated topics in the multi-story wood community is whether wall stud and truss or joist alignment is required over the full height of a building, or whether it is beneficial to...

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February 2026
Issue #18319
Page 130
Dario Schmidt

It’s a Wrap: A Year of Transformation in Off-Site Construction

Dario Schmidt

As we close the books on 2025, it’s the perfect time to reflect on a year defined by innovation, adaptability, and forward momentum in the world of off-site construction and component manufacturing. Throughout the past twelve months, our editorial team has explored the trends,...

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December 2025
Issue #17317
Page 52
Triad | Merrick Machine Company Team

Refining End-of-Line Material Handling with Panel Lifts and Carts

TRIAD / Merrick Machine Company Team

In modular and off-site construction, productivity gains rarely come from dramatic changes in framing or sheathing techniques. Instead, the biggest improvements often occur at transition points and especially end-of-the-line material handling. Moving completed wall panels safely, efficiently,...

#17317 Cover image
December 2025
Issue #17317
Page 64
Wendy Boyd

Reflections on BCMC 2025: A Showcase of Machinery and Meaningful Connections

Wendy Boyd

It was wonderful to once again be an exhibitor at the annual Building Component Manufacturers Conference (BCMC). Spida Machinery has been involved in this event for many years and it’s always such an amazing event to be part of. Not only are the latest and greatest innovations on display,...

#17316 Cover image
November 2025
Issue #17316
Page 29
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