Contracts Solidify SBCA-TPI Realignment

Staff of the Structural Building Components Association (SBCA) and Truss Plate Institute (TPI) met on February 20-23, 2018 to further refine the approach to association realignment and related management issues.  In particular, staff from both associations have focused on the smooth transition of the Third Party Quality Inspection Program (inspection program) from TPI to SBCA and the SBC Research Institute (SBCRI).  To that end, contracts were finalized in the middle of April to complete that transition and SBCA staff has been engaged in a number of activities since to ensure component manufacturer’s (CMs) interests are well served.

For instance, staff have been reaching out to the Quality Inspection Program members through all lines of communication.  One of the first goals is to update the contacts of inspection program participants with SBCA and SBCRI information.  Staff has also held a series of virtual meetings and phone calls to assess how the TPI ThirdParty program has been going, how the current program can be improved and identify opportunities to enhance customer service.  Since the contractual transition, an additional plant was added to the program and further growth in the short term is anticipated.  Another short-term goal is to develop a strategic approach to QC inspection training and education opportunities for CMs and the broader market.

SBCA’s Executive Committee is excited by the progress that has been made in such a short time frame and staff is committed to further improvements.  If you are interested in learning more about the inspection program, please contact John Arne, Director of Inspection Services.

For further information on the SBCA-TPI realignment process, read the following articles:

• Should CMs Control Their Own Destiny? (9/5/17)
• Ruede Takes Lead on SBCA-TPI Association Alignment (9/11/17)
• SBCA & TPI Meet, Agree Upon Association Realignment (10/17/17)
• SBCA & TPI Progressing on Realignment of Roles (2/17/17)