CM Toolkit Search

Online Tool Makes WTCA QC Inspectors More Efficient

  • A new online resource for quality control inspectors makes learning the inspection process convenient and more efficient.
  • Quality control teams get more out of in-person training sessions when they’ve pre-viewed the training modules.
  • Online Inspector Training is included in the cost of In-Plant WTCA QC certification.

The 5 Percents of Lumber

  • Wood, like other structural materials, exhibits an inherent variability in strength properties from piece to piece.
  • The design value is obtained by reducing the fifth percentile test result by a property reduction factor.
  • The grading of lumber is not an exact science; a reasonable amount of discrepancy is to be expected between individual pieces graded by different graders.
  • Cross-cutting stress-graded lumber into pieces shorter than the original piece is a common practice wherever lumber is used in construction.

Automation Has Arrived: But Can It Really Make Trusses More Accurately?

  • With the advent of component saws, bow and crook suddenly became an issue.
  • There’s only so much the saw manufacturers can do to compensate for crooked lumber.
  • We’ve all likely witnessed the snail’s pace of a complicated truss setup on a manually jigged pressing table.

It's Midnight. Do You Know What a Truss Costs You?

  • One Idaho manufacturer struggled with analyzing job costs with its existing system.
  • Building Components of Idaho now determines the true costs of different jobs; this data ties directly to the general ledger.
  • An incentive plan helped the company with accurate labor tracking and contributes to employee reviews.

Get to Know the Hidden Benefits of Member Meetings

  • Being involved with the WTCA Board benefits individual companies just as much as the collective industry.
  • Board members say participation helps them keep up with the latest trends and news in the industry.
  • Several companies have collaborated with one another to meet orders in an efficient way that makes customers happy.
  • In times of need, Board members say the first people they call for help are friends they’ve met at meetings.

BCMC 2007 Recap

Publisher's Message: Wall Panels, Etc. - A New Year Begins

  • This issue focuses on wall panel manufacturing. Turn to pages 20, 32 and 36 for wall panel-related articles. 
  • Two industry moguls leave the industry in 2008; check out their stories starting on page 44. 
  • Find out what’s going on inside SBCRI on page 42.

WTCA Update: New Program Spotlight: WTCA QC Wall Panel

  • WTCA is developing a quality control program for wall panels. 
  • WTCA Wall Panel QC is being modeled after the quality control panel for roof trusses, In-Plant WTCA QC. 
  • A group of beta testers is providing feedback as the program is developed.

How to...Save on Interest in 2008

  • Planning ahead for big equipment needs can reduce interest rates. 
  • Check out Master Lease/Finance Agreements which allow for multiple equipment purchases over a period of time at a lower interest rate.

Reduce Risk & Increase Revenue when Starting a Wall Panel Manufacturing Facility (Part 1 of 6)

  • A professional business plan is the first step to the long-term success of a wall panel plant. 
  • The business plan should be a fluid document that is modified often.

Wall Panel Success Is All About the Customer

  • Wall panel manufacturers, equipment and education had a big presence at BCMC 2007. 
  • Demonstrating the cost savings and increased efficiency of using panels is how one manufacturer sells builders on the product. 
  • By viewing every aspect of his operation through the eyes of his customers, one manufacturer has discovered the key of wall panel success.

SBC Research Institute Update: Testing Approach Defined, Fine-Tuned

  • Several testing stations were built inside of SBCRI since it opened in June 2007. 
  • Measuring the flow of loads through individual components and within a building system has been defined as the approach to most SBCRI industry testing. 
  • Preliminary industry testing projects have been conducted on roof trusses and wall panels.

Fond Farewells: Manenti Leaves a Lifetime's Impact in 30-Year Career

Fond Farewells: Entered Cold, Exited Warmly

WTCA's First International Chapter

  • WTCA’s newest chapter is made up of Canadian manufacturers and their suppliers. 
  • While legislation and building code interpretations differ, trusses and wall panels are designed and manufactured similarly in both the U.S. and Canada. 
  • Many Canada Chapter members see the benefits of leveraging the programs and work already created by WTCA. 
  • The chapter’s first project is creating English/French versions of the BCSI documents, which currently exist in an English/Spanish format.

Publisher's Message: Safety First!

  • Find out what qualities to look for in a good safety leader in Safety Scene. 
  • Understand your jobsite liability and what to do to minimize it from Kent Pagel on page 28. 
  • The story of how one manufacturer saved themselves nearly $40,000 in fines and citations by inviting OSHA into its facility.

BCMC & Your Business Plan: Exhibitor Connections

  • At association tradeshows, attendees tend to be more attentive and dedicated. 
  • BCMC is a channel to providing better customer service through connections made at the show. 
  • Regardless of the state of the housing market, exhibitors will find value in coming to BCMC.

WTCA Update: Manenti Bids Industry Adieu