Raw Materials

What is Limiting 3D Printing from Mainstream Construction?

July 3, 2018

There are several different components of additive manufacturing, each of which must be developed and refined before the process can be successfully used in large-scale construction.

Employment, Negotiations & Union Dues Now Free Choice

July 3, 2018

The Supreme Court recently handed down a decision that gives public-sector employees the choice to not pay dues to the union that represents them in contract negotiations.

5 Projects Show Potential for CFS Steel to Replace Wood

July 2, 2018

When using steel, the savings made from reduced on-site labor and waste brings a greater cost-efficiency to the overall project. Here’s five projects from Melbourne, Australia, using SBS Group cold formed steel solutions to replace wood framed structures:

Why It’s So Hard to Find Truck Drivers and Trucks

July 2, 2018

The internet doesn’t carry goods, only more and more orders for them. Self-driving trucks are a long way off. In the meantime, somebody has to haul freight and make deliveries.

CFS Framing Steel Production Grows in Q1 2018

June 18, 2018

The volume of steel used to manufacture cold-formed steel (CFS) framing products ticked up 3.7 percent in the first quarter of 2018, according to the latest Nonresidential Market Volume Report released by the Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA).

Lumber from Federal Timberlands to Increase 30%

June 18, 2018

Interim Forest Service Chief Victoria Christiansen told Congress recently that the Forest Service expects its 2018 timber harvest will be the biggest in 20 years.

Canadian Lumber Production Up 11.4%, Shipments Up 10.5%

June 18, 2018

Lumber production rose 11.4% from February to 5,897.7 thousand cubic metres (2.5 billion board feet) of lumber in March. Production was 5.2% lower than in March 2017.

Lumber Companies Take Advantage of Historic Margins

June 10, 2018

As lumber costs remain at historically high levels, lumber companies are investing those profits into strengthening their positions and increasing production capacity.  

Is European Lumber a Viable Source of Supply?

June 10, 2018

In a recent presentation, Frank Turnbull of Mercer Timber Products discussed his company’s German imports to the US, tying the work of his company into a discussion of the opportunity for European lumber imports to compete in U.S. markets.

Charts: Why Lumber & Steel Costs Continue to Rise

May 14, 2018

Now into the second quarter of 2018 and raw material costs continue to hold steady at their increases or are trending upward again. Add transportation to the mix and the ability to manufacturer and sell products is more than challenging.