The growing diversity in the design and application of I-joists in the UK is clearly reflected in developments at Simpson Strong-Tie (SS-T).
Traditionally, the company’s steel connectors and hangers have been made using large dies in 200-tonne presses, producing up to 60 per minute. However, with the rising number of I-joist variants and brands in the UK, SS-T has had to re-evaluate. On shorter runs the big dies become less efficient, with set-up exceeding operating time. So to make smaller orders of a wider range products economically, SS-T has installed Staubli robots to undertake part of the process.
“The robots take some of the manufacturing process out of the die, without significantly increasing costs,” said Richard Jarvis, head of SS-T’s Engineered Wood Division. “With simpler tools we can punch smaller quantities and change sizes quickly. The robots then form the hangers as a secondary process, to suit the new product mix.”
In another response to market diversification, SS-T has also appointed Stuart McBean to the sales team to guide customers through the technical and design challenges of switching to new I-joist manufacturers.
Double whammy
At the same time, the company has had to rise to the challenge of helping customers cope with the double whammy of a hike in steel prices during a housing downturn.
“To reduce the impact, Simpson has developed products with lower steel content, and reduced installation costs,” said Mr Jarvis. “In the past year alone we’ve launched 12 new products, including the ITBS skewable I-joist hanger, multi-joist connector, and Simpson end seal.”
But, while these are demanding times for the construction industry and its suppliers, Mr Jarvis believes the outlook for engineered wood products is bright.
“The drive to reduce energy/carbon in UK construction has created a dynamic market,” he said. “I-joists, open webs or any form of engineered joists are in prime position to capitalise. We’re predicting continued growth and already working on connecting engineered beams in many new applications, such as floor, roof and wall cassettes.”
