Keeping up with a growing industry

By Emma Peterson. 

Learn how Malco Tools equips contractors to keep up with the high demand for metal roofing with their efficient and precise products. 

The metal industry is growing rapidly, with metal roof installations accounting for just under one fifth of all roofing installations. This growth is hugely beneficial to those in the field; however it does present a growing labor issue, similar to what the larger trades and construction industries are facing. In this MetalTalk™, Shane Norman of Malco Tools stopped by to talk to Karen Edwards about this issue and how Malco’s products can help those in the metal industry mitigate the labor issue. 

The rapid growth in this sector is due largely to the increased variety and versatility of metal roofing. Shane explained, “You're going to see metal wall panels on new areas and it's just gotten a lot more aesthetically pleasing over the last two decades. The options are almost limitless, as far as profiles, and we have seen things that have been used for decades in commercial transition more and more into that residential space, as well.” While this is great for business, it can also put stress on business owners trying to fulfill the demand. 

When it comes to addressing the labor shortage, you might be surprised by how important having the right tool for the job is. Shane explained, “We try to make tools that are going to make the job as efficient as possible and provide the best end result. By having the right tool for the job you can get in and get out and not have those callbacks when you don't have the labor to begin with.” Part of making the right tools for the job is designing tools that need fewer operators, like Malco’s standing seamers which are lighter than traditional models that needed two operators to move it. Shane elaborated, “Reducing the total number of guys or gals that you need to do a job in the first place is huge for efficiency. Ergonomics are also important. We don’t want the labor that we do have going on the injured reserve list.” 

Read the transcript, Listen to the webinar or Watch the interview for more about Malco’s products and how they can help your metal business.