84 Lumber opened a new plant dedicated to components manufacturing in New Britain, Pa. The plant will manufacture wall panels, roof trusses, and floor trusses. The facility will handle increasing demand for engineered and wood products in Delaware, New Jersey, and Philadelphia, according to the company.
The New Britain plant was converted from an existing 84 Lumber store that originally opened in 1970. The plant will be fully automated and outfitted with the latest design software, computerized saws, and laser projection equipment. The plant is ideally located for service to both major markets in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, 30 miles from both Philadelphia and Trenton.
“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,” Steve Benko, Mid-Atlantic divisional components area manager at 84 Lumber, said in a news release. “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.”
Components manufacturing has become an increasingly important part of business, according to the dealer. 84 Lumber has “invested substantially” in opening new facilities and upgrading equipment at existing locations over the past five years. The dealer has either other manufacturing facilities across the U.S., with plans to open two additional plants in Richmond, Va., and Mansfield, Ohio, in 2020.
“Expanding our components offerings is such a natural fit for us,” Ken Kucera, vice president of installed sales and manufacturing at 84 Lumber said. “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.”
Kucera was appointed to his position last week. In the role of vice president of installed sales and manufacturing, Kucera will lead the company’s strategy for growing business in the components manufacturing segment across the United States.
Eighty Four, Pa.-based 84 Lumber was the fourth largest company on the 2019 ProSales 100. The dealer operates nearly 250 stores, components manufacturing plants, custom door shops, custom millwork shops, and engineered wood product centers in more than 30 states.
