On a trip abroad in 2004, I was first introduced to an alternate method of wall panel construction. I was in awe at the cleanliness, the organization, the material flow, ergonomics, and simplicity of the concept. Not a single staff member raced up and down the wall. No one was carrying or throwing studs down or across the table. Not a soul appeared to be in a hurry, yet wall panels were flying out, stacked everywhere. Back then, I worked for Klaisler Mfg. Corp. and there were no plans to enter the wall panel equipment industry, so it was of minimal concern for me; but was one of those ideas/concepts that always remained with me.
The machines I witnessed were manufactured by Spida Machinery & MangoTech LTD. The concept was organic and natural. Practically every wall contained “noggins” or “fire blocks.” By nature, wall panel construction limits anyone from entering the wall efficiently, although every wall they produced needed attachments from stud to stud. The early versions were crude, not well guarded, and some required notching of the plates for each stud. Through advancements in technology, the Spida Wall Extruder has developed into one of the most advanced & efficient wall panel manufacturing systems on the market. Imagine your wall panel fabricators walking miles less, twisting and turning less, and even lifting less! Next time you’re in the market for wall panel equipment, consider the movements each crew members makes. Consider the footsteps each person takes. Consider the nonproductive time they are “producing” walls. Consider the material flow. Then I encourage you to research Wall Panel Extruder Systems. Watch videos, read testimonials, and even consult independent consultants before making a decision. Don’t succumb to the “we’ve always done it this way” mentality. Each equipment decision we make is typically a 10+ year commitment.