Some pro dealers are only dabbling in component manufacturing and installed sales, but Erickson Framing Operations is betting the farm on it. And, despite some turbulence after the Great Recession, this effort is paying off. The company made its debut on the ProSales 100 list this year at No. 35 by growing 2018’s revenue 31.5% to $173.6 million.
Founded in 1975, Erickson designs, sources, and manufactures complete panelized framing systems—including wall panels, floor panels, and roof systems—that are shipped and installed at job sites in the western United States. This combination of products and services helps home builders reduce construction time, material waste, labor inputs, and carrying costs.
To carry this out, Erickson operates computer-assisted production facilities in Chandler, Ariz., and Roseville, Calif., and provides doorways, trim, and millwork through Door Sales & Installations (DSI), a Chandler-based division of Erickson. The company’s more than 1,000 employees serve customers ranging from single-family local and regional home builders to large-scale residential and multifamily builders.
When asked how the company was able to grow its revenue more than 30% in one year, Reed Graham, chief operating officer at Erickson, cites the company’s ability to “accommodate changing needs in market dynamics,” as well as its focus on hiring and developing a highly skilled workforce.
The company’s success captured the interest of the U.S. subsidiary of Asahi Kasei Homes (AKH), which acquired Erickson in November, making it AKH’s first investment in the new-home-construction industry in the United States.
Moving forward, Reed states, “We will continue to invest in solution-minded human capital to help us overcome industry hurdles and look to grow our line of advanced equipment and automation to drive efficiency, quality, and consistency further through the construction cycle. Our customer’s needs are continuing to change, and we intend to continue to evolve to provide them with solutions that fit their needs.”
