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Metals, Lumber and Gypsum Lead July Construction Materials Price Decline
8/25/2010
August 19, 2010 - Jim Haughey
The decline in the construction materials price index continued with a 1.1% fall in July. The most significant declines were for steel, copper, lumber and gypsum products. Prices declined for most construction items. However weaker pricing did not reach some lumber, energy and metal products by the survey week (2nd week in July). The only significant price increase from June was a 1.2% rise in construction equipment rental rates. This is more likely random than a new trend and may be due to the impact of the Gulf oil cleanup since oilfield equipment is included in the index.
Underlying economic trends still suggest that construction materials prices will rise much faster than overall inflation through 2011 but the June-July price declines were expected after the end of the tax credit boost to the housing market. Pricing will be weak for several more months with further small declines likely. However, the summer price reprieve for construction materials will be brief. The rapidly expanding world economy is raising all commodity prices and the depreciating $US dollar is further adding to US commodity prices. The price index for construction materials will rise as much as 6% this year while overall inflation remains near 1%.
The most ominous item in the July price report was the 7.5% rise in iron ore prices after a year of stable prices. Ore prices have doubled outside the US in recent months as suppliers moved from annual price negotiations to pricing based on current market conditions. The isolated US market has felt little impact so far from this pricing change but the impact will be felt quickly when a stronger US economy needs much more imported steel.
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Thoughts for Today
6/1/2010
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5,6 (NLT)
The desire to succeed means nothing without the will to
prepare.
Commit to the Lord, whatever you do, and your plans will SUCCEED!
Prov. 16:3 (NIV)
There is a lot of talk today about "Real Americans". However, we all have to respect the Native American Indians.
Like the two braves who were visiting New York City for the first time and a little old lady went up to one of them
and asked, "Are you a real Indian?"
"Yes, ma'am," answered the Indian.
"How do you like our city?" asked the lady.
"Fine", the Indian said. "How do you like our country?"
The fire fighters at the local firehouse got a call one night just after they had settled down for some sleep.
"Its an awful fire," cried the caller. "MY HOUSE IS BURNING DOWN!" "Did you throw water on it?" asked the chief.
"Yes!" yelled the caller. "But it didn't help!" "Well," said the chief, "there's no use in our coming over then. That's all we
were going to do." "Goodnight."
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Tri-State
Cold-Formed Steel Components was formed in 2003 with a shared
mission to be the best supplier of cold-formed trusses and related
components.
With a lot of faith and experience and even more hard work,
this team set out to accomplish its mission by offering very
competitive prices without sacrificing quality.
The commitment to our customers is evident in the way we communicate
with them and increase their bottom line through value-added
ideas and solutions. The independent testimonials of our customers
speak for themselves. There is
no reason to expect your experience to be any different. Give us
a call today! |
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Stuart
C. Melvin, President & CEO
Over the past 20 years, Stu has held positions of increasing
responsibility in the financial and operations management of
manufacturing organizations. These positions include Accounting
Manager, Materials Manager, Plant Manager, Corporate Controller,
Chief Financial Officer, and General Manager. He has a BS degree
in Accounting from North Carolina Central University. His experience
is gained from a broad spectrum of industries including financial
services, metal fabrication, chemical manufacturing, biotechnology,
and truss manufacturing. His leadership is the driving force
behind Tri-State CFS emphasizing teamwork, quality, value-added
customer service, and growth. |
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Karen Bickett, Design Administrator
Karen has over 10 years of progressive experience in customer relations. She has a thorough knowledge of truss design and job layouts and assists with all phases of the orders including preparing and coordinating sealed engineering drawings, expediting shop drawing approvals, and coordinating product delivery. Karen's personality and eagerness to solve problems is a matchless combination for delivering outstanding customer service. |
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Ed
French, Vice-President Operations
Ed has over 15 years of design experience in the truss industry.
He has a degree in Architectural Design from State University
of New York – Delhi and has been involved in the startup
of several truss manufacturing operations. Ed has been directly
involved with the Alpine TrusSteel product since its conceptual
development and inception. He has over 10 years of experience
in truss manufacturing design management and steel truss operations.
Ed utilizes Just-in-Time and Lean Manufacturing production strategies
to maximize efficiency and reduce operating costs. |
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Troy
Lutgens, Vice-President Engineering
Troy started in the truss industry as a production line leader
for a wood truss manufacturer. After completing a BS degree
in Physics from Lock Haven University (PA), he was promoted
to Designer. Troy has held the position of Senior Steel Truss
designer for 10 years. His strength is in his ability to communicate
directly with contractors, architects, engineers, and builders.
His thorough understanding of construction standards and roof
designs creates value-added solutions and cost saving ideas
that directly benefits the customer. He is currently completing
his degree in Civil Engineering-Structural Design from the University
of Louisville. |
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Steve
Beck, Vice-President Finance, Controller
Steve brings over 25 years of experience in financial management.
He has a BS degree in Accounting from the University of Louisville.
Steve is a solid hands-on Controller and has over 15 years experience
in manufacturing and construction project accounting. His extensive
experience in job costing, financial management, and information
systems comes from a variety of industries including construction,
electrical contracting, transportation, personnel services,
and truss manufacturing. |
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