Summary
• NHBC applications for new homes fell almost two-thirds year-on-year during November to January.
• Despite the recession, new trussed rafter businesses have started up.
• Trussed rafter fabricators are looking to expand into flooring and timber frame.
• The trend towards mechanical ventilation in homes could affect the trussed rafter industry.

With the latest figures from the NHBC revealing that the number of applications for new homes fell by almost two-thirds year-on-year during November to January, the outlook for the trussed rafter industry could be bleak. And although some trussed rafter companies have folded, Trussed Rafter Association (TRA) chairman Philip Bell believes around nine have started up – and he thinks they have a good chance, even in the current climate. “If they start small and keep an eye on capital costs, they will survive,” he said.

There’s similar optimism elsewhere as companies step up competitiveness and adapt to the market climate. It’s certainly the case at timber engineering design software and components supplier Wolf Systems.

“We’ve taken on a new customer and we’re talking to several prospects,” said sales and marketing director Karl Foster. “Because companies are relatively quiet it gives them the opportunity to look at their systems and costs and try to improve them.”

Sales rise

Last year sales of Wolf’s easi-joist timber and metal web beams rose 30-35% and, even though they tailed off at the end of the year, they are expected to grow by more than 20% this year. The growth has come from existing customers increasing business, and from new customers who are diversifying. “If you manufacture roof trusses, there’s an opportunity to manufacture a floor [with easi-joist] as well,” said Mr Foster.

While fronting up to the recession, he added, trussed rafter manufacturers still needed a longer-term plan as to how their industry would meet changes in house designs and new requirements such as the Code for Sustainable Homes. “As code levels increase, for instance, there’s a need for mechanical ventilation and putting ducting runs through houses,” said Mr Foster.

With this in mind, some Wolf customers are also looking at its panelised smartroof. “When they were flat out producing trusses, to take on a different roofing system probably wasn’t an option, but now it is something they can do. They need to be flexible,” said Mr Foster.

Evolution

James Sweet, commercial director of structural engineering and sustainable construction consultants C4Ci, said trussed rafter companies should ask how they are going to evolve in line with developments in buiding.

As an example, he cited buildings at the BRE Innovation Park, where there is a “prominent absence” of fink trusses. “Is this a sign of things to come?” he asked. “With more architects designing monopitch roofs. Will I-beams replace typical truss configurations?”

He also said the trend towards more mechanical ventilation could change roof product profiles. “Is this going to be an opportunity or a threat?” he said.

ITW Alpine’s marketing manager, Tim Widdershoven, said customers were reviewing their production. “Fabricators are looking at what other products to offer their customers, such as timber frame and open web floor joists. Some can make the latter without any investment and you don’t need a massive investment in machinery to make timber frame panelling,” he said.

Such diversification can help when times are tough, and when the economy improves, these fabricators will be able to tap into a broader market, he added.

In the current climate, Mr Widdershoven said companies had to market themselves and ITW Alpine is helping its customers by producing mailshots.

Keith Lister, national sales manager at Simpson Strong-Tie, confirmed that truss manufacturers are expanding into metal web floor joists, but insisted there are still trussed rafter orders to be found.

“There are more buoyant opportunities in the self-build market, especially through builders merchant branches,” said Mr Lister. “Also, more truss manufacturers are branching out into new commercial markets such as hotels, schools, hospitals and supermarkets.”

Recession opportunities

David Scott, chairman of Scotts of Thrapston, believes that, as well as looking at economic recovery, which will happen eventually, companies should be considering the opportunities offered by the recession.

“A lot of what we’re doing today we may not be doing the same even towards the end of this year because our businesses may take on a different identity and it’s up to us to respond,” he said.

Scotts’ trussed rafter work – 30% of business – was down by a third, but that has pleasantly surprised Mr Scott. “I thought it would be more,” he said.

The company is supplying quite a lot of commercial buildings, as well as self-build projects, and there was still some work on some housebuilders’ sites.

Mr Smith agreed it was also a time to consider what other products trussed rafter machinery could produce. “It’s about being as energetic as we can and having a larger share of a smaller market,” he said.