84 Lumber opens latest components plant
84 Lumber has opened its latest dedicated components plant in New Britain, Pa.
The facility will handle increasing demand for engineered and manufactured wood products in Philadelphia, Delaware and markets in New Jersey.
The new plant, which will primarily manufacture wall panels, roof trusses and floor trusses, was converted from an existing 84 Lumber store that originally opened in 1970. The new plant is fully automated, outfitted with the latest design software, computerized saws and laser projection equipment.
The facility opened this month and expects to hire 20 employees by spring, with plans to grow to 45 employees. The New Britain plant is located approximately 30 miles north of Philadelphia and 30 miles west of Trenton, N.J.
“Our strategic plan to convert our existing facility into a components plant is right in sync with our overall goal of becoming the preferred supplier for everything a builder needs in this region – and all the regions we serve,” said Steve Benko, Mid-Atlantic divisional components area manager at 84 Lumber. “We see the growth opportunity of a components plant in New Britain, so we’re extremely excited to open our doors and expand our relationships with area builders.”
84 Lumber said that components manufacturing has become an increasingly important part of the pro dealer’s business. The Eighty Four, Pa.-based company also said that it has “invested substantially” in opening new facilities and upgrading equipment at existing locations over the past five years.
With the New Britain opening, 84 Lumber now has nine manufacturing facilities across the country, with plans to open Richmond, Va. and Mansfield, OH later in 2020.
As the company continues to increase its presence westward, it also expects to create components facilities within a number of the planned new 84 Lumber stores.
“Expanding our components offerings is such a natural fit for us,” said Ken Kucera, vice president of installed sales and manufacturing at 84 Lumber. “Now, with our installed sales program working hand-in-hand with components, we can help all builders construct more houses, reduce cycle time and ultimately be better business owners.”
Last week, 84 Lumber announced that Kucera had been promoted to vice president of installed sales and manufacturing. Kucera joined 84 Lumber in 2001 and has played a key role in profitably managing installed sales and the multi-family business units, the company said.
Altogether, 84 Lumber operates about 250 stores, component manufacturing plants, custom door shops, custom millwork shops and engineered wood product centers in more than 30 states.
The facility will handle increasing demand for engineered and manufactured wood products in Philadelphia, Delaware and markets in New Jersey.
The new plant, which will primarily manufacture wall panels, roof trusses and floor trusses, was converted from an existing 84 Lumber store that originally opened in 1970. The new plant is fully automated, outfitted with the latest design software, computerized saws and laser projection equipment.
The facility opened this month and expects to hire 20 employees by spring, with plans to grow to 45 employees. The New Britain plant is located approximately 30 miles north of Philadelphia and 30 miles west of Trenton, N.J.“Our strategic plan to convert our existing facility into a components plant is right in sync with our overall goal of becoming the preferred supplier for everything a builder needs in this region – and all the regions we serve,” said Steve Benko, Mid-Atlantic divisional components area manager at 84 Lumber. “We see the growth opportunity of a components plant in New Britain, so we’re extremely excited to open our doors and expand our relationships with area builders.”
84 Lumber said that components manufacturing has become an increasingly important part of the pro dealer’s business. The Eighty Four, Pa.-based company also said that it has “invested substantially” in opening new facilities and upgrading equipment at existing locations over the past five years.
With the New Britain opening, 84 Lumber now has nine manufacturing facilities across the country, with plans to open Richmond, Va. and Mansfield, OH later in 2020.
As the company continues to increase its presence westward, it also expects to create components facilities within a number of the planned new 84 Lumber stores.
“Expanding our components offerings is such a natural fit for us,” said Ken Kucera, vice president of installed sales and manufacturing at 84 Lumber. “Now, with our installed sales program working hand-in-hand with components, we can help all builders construct more houses, reduce cycle time and ultimately be better business owners.”
Last week, 84 Lumber announced that Kucera had been promoted to vice president of installed sales and manufacturing. Kucera joined 84 Lumber in 2001 and has played a key role in profitably managing installed sales and the multi-family business units, the company said.
Altogether, 84 Lumber operates about 250 stores, component manufacturing plants, custom door shops, custom millwork shops and engineered wood product centers in more than 30 states.