Search
Article
2005 August
- In the last several years, linear saws have become quite popular with component manufacturers by offering greater flexibility than traditional component saws.
- Servo-driven motors are the technology behind linear saws. Servo technology continues to advance at a rapid pace in the building components industry.
- While linear saws are ideal for onesie-twosie set-ups, the standard component saw is the best type of saw for producing multiple accurate parts produced very quickly.
Article
2005 August
- After a long struggle to keep in compliance with covenants in their credit agreement and a failed recapitalization attempt, Trussway’s only option was to restructure the company financially.
- Their financial restructuring was completely via a five-month pre-packaged Chapter 11 filing process.
- Trussway’s financial storm dating back to 1998 has finally blown over, and the company is enjoying financial health, prosperity and growth in its core multi-family segment.
Article
2005 Sept/Oct
- The three enclosure classifications are: open, partially enclosed and enclosed.
- These classifications are common be-tween the IBC and IRC 2000/2003 and ASCE 7-98/02.
Article
2005 Sept/Oct
- This issue of SBC Magazine houses the BCMC 2005 Show Guide which includes important information for attendees.
- We’re celebrating two big anniversaries: SBC’s 20th year and BCMC’s 25th year.
- Don’t miss exciting articles about the industry’s shortage of skilled labor, a surprising announcement from WTCA’s Executive Director, and a personnel management concept called “human capital investment.”
Article
2005 Sept/Oct
- WTCA is currently experiencing a major growth spurt, the third of its kind.
- There are many reasons for the recent growth: increased membership, online training programs, new publications like BCSI 1-03, BCMC and SBC Magazine.
- Based on this surge in growth, the Board of Directors has approved the following: staff attendance at chapter meetings at least once per quarter and the development of a full-scale research and truss testing program.
Article
2005 Sept/Oct
- Inventor Cal Jureit created a prototype of the Gang-Nail metal connector plate fifty years ago.
- Jureit’s plate had metal teeth, eliminating the need for materials like nails, bolts or glue to be used in wood truss manufacturing.
- Jureit’s company Gang-Nails, Inc. be-came Automated Building Components, Inc. in 1961, and is now MiTek, Inc.
Article
2005 Sept/Oct
- Listening to the market through your employees that are closest to it may be your greatest strategic advantage.
- We are in a new age of marketing our companies and building brand loyalty.
- Utilizing your employee’s unique perspectives and qualities will make your business unique.
Article
2005 Sept/Oct
- Online Risk and Liability Management Best Practices for the Structural Compon-ent Manufacturing Industry, or ORisk, is currently in development and scheduled to be release within the next month.
- Phase 1 of ORisk contains the foundation content necessary to understand more advanced risk management.
- Any employee who works closely with risk management, claims handling, in-surance, safety and customer contracts should consider viewing Phase 1.
Article
2005 Sept/Oct
- Today’s software has the unique capability of providing knowledge that creates market opportunities.
- What additional products can you sell that fit your company, your culture, and what are your customer’s needs that you can economically fill?
Article
2005 Sept/Oct
- There is a shortage of skilled labor in both the manufacturing and construction industries, which in turn has affected component manufacturers.
- The industry’s labor shortage problem was brought to lawmakers at the 2005 WTCA Legislative Conference in Wash-ington, DC.
- The Work Force Development (WFD) web site offers component manufacturers one solution by providing a place to search résumés and post job openings.
Article
2005 November
- Twenty-three percent of all home sales in 2004 were for investments (not owner occupied).
- Today, U.S. interest rates depend as much on the global economy as national conditions.
- If interest rates remain low, house prices will continue to appreciate until they surpass "ability to pay" by prospective buyers.
Article
2005 November
- Our cover story features another WTCA member who volunteered on ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.
- This issue focuses on quality control and In-Plant WTCA QC.
- A new Truss Technology Workshop (TTW) web site has been rolled out, making continuing education and general knowledge about the building components industry easily accessible for professionals.
- This issue features new WTCA President Don Groom’s first Editor’s Message.
Article
2005 November
- The August OQM was held in Denver, CO.
- The Executive Committee reported on a joint relationship with NLBMDA, the current state of the discussion about the future of WTCA’s name and a number of recommendations from TPI.
- A subcommittee was appointed to work out the details of the construction of a new testing facility at WTCA Headquar-ters in Madison, WI.
- The Board unanimously approved a policy that the annual WTCA budget will in-clude funding for staff travel to up to four chapter meetings per chapter per year.
Article
2005 November
- Capital Structures of Fort Smith, AR was selected to provide materials, component design, fabrication and framing labor for an Extreme Makeover: Home Edition project in June.
- Ninety-two degrees, 97 percent humidity, and no breeze caused Team Capital framers to endure brutal conditions for much of the day.
- The framers set a framing record of eleven hours and 30 minutes.
- The crew encountered one set-back: the foundation slab was off almost two inches in some areas, making the wall panels difficult to get level.
Article
2005 November
- Annual production of machine stress rated (MSR) and machine evaluated lumber (MEL) has exceeded two billion board feet for the second year in a row.
- Stress rating equipment is capable of keeping up with production in excess of 3,200 lineal feet per minute.
- The grades with the largest production volume are 1650Fb 1.5E and 2100Fb 1.8E.
Article
2005 November
- Use this short quiz to help you determine how well you use your plant’s production data to manage your operation.
- A quality control program that aids in measuring this data can help you make decisions based on more tangible information.
- Using the data from In-Plant WTCA QC inspections can give you the ability to analyze data based on the specific plant performance issue you would like to consider.
Article
2005 November
- WTCA’s new Truss Technology Workshop (TTW) web site, ttw.woodtruss.com, offers a one-stop shop for continuing education (CEU) credits.
- The site is designed to serve as a year-round resource for those in professions who work with roof trusses, floor trusses, wall panels and related components.
- Users who purchase a year-long subscription also receive unlimited access to the site’s online resource library.
- The site offers component manufacturer members all the materials necessary to present their own live TTWs for free.
Article
2005 November
- WTCA helped NAHB-RC develop the Certified Trade Contractor Program, the first such program to develop quality assurance standards for the framing industry.
- WTCA’s goal in contributing to the Certified Trade Contractor program was to be able to ensure that reliable construction begins at a home’s foundation.
Article
2005 November
- The approach that has been taken by the truss industry to comply with the building code requirements for the last fifty years still applies today.
- Special inspections may be required for a given constriction project.
- The International Accreditation Service (IAS) has developed an accreditation program for agencies providing the special inspections that are required for specific construction projects under Chapter 17 of IBC.
- The third party inspection agencies in our industry have IAS accreditation.
Article
2005 December
- Structures designed to the IBC often use the broadly written code requirements that provide greater engineering design flexibility.
- Structures may also be designed using a combination of both prescriptive and engineered methods as indicated in IBC Section 2308.1.
- Structures may be designed within the prescriptive requirements of Section 2308. Limitations can be found in the sidebar on page 25.
Article
2005 December
- This issue of SBC Magazine covers manufacturing issues and houses the BCMC 2005 Recap, complete with exhibitor photos, a summary of the educational sessions and other highlights.
- This issue’s cover story features Bama Truss & Components, a wood and steel component manufacturer in Shelby, AL that services the multi-family and commercial building industry.
- Other feature articles highlight combined U.S. and Canadian lumber species groups, proper crane hoisting and rigging guidelines, and a new Truss Technician Training recertification process.