Choosing a LGSF partner

It’s important to be meticulously thorough about due diligence when choosing a light gauge steel frame partner and to make sure you compare “like with like” when evaluating machinery, performance and service.

That’s the advice of Rob Moule, Regional Client Manager at FRAMECAD Dubai, who has seen first hand the problems that can occur when businesses have to make do with inferior equipment and unsuitable software.

Rob believes the biggest problem is that decisions are often made based solely on the cost of machine, without looking at the wider picture which has a much greater impact on business success and profitability.

Avoiding costly mistakes

“It is important to understand the true value of your system supplier or partner, beyond just the cost of the machine,” says Rob.

“It comes down to overall productivity and profitability and to achieve those things, you need to look really closely at the whole package and then put a microscope on all the individual parts.”

According to Rob, considerations such as ease and speed of installation, ergonomic planning, staff training, design and engineering software capability and technical back-up, all have a huge impact on how efficiently the business runs.

A bit-by-bit solution or all in one?

Rob believes that most business owners involved in building design and construction see the potential of light gauge steel frame manufacturing in a similar way.

“They recognize it’s the way of the future and they want to get up and running fast. They want to be able to get consistent quality standards, they need fast-track training, they want someone who can be there on-the-spot to sort out any issues quickly”, he says.

“It’s a business first and foremost and businesses need to make money. I think our system is better geared towards achieving that result because it’s a comprehensive, all-in-one solution from one company”.

Purpose designed software is key

With wide experience in the design and construction industry in the Middle East, Rob is critical of the piecemeal way some light gauge steel production facilities are set up.

“I’ve seen businesses buy machines with design and software that has been created by a third party and while the software might be ok for traditional timber frame designing, it is hopelessly inadequate for light gauge steel framing.”

Rob sights one example where designing a simple 180-sqm 3-bedroom house took about 3 weeks using third party software, while designing an equivalent house using FRAMECAD software took less than a day.

“The great thing about FRAMECAD is that the whole system has been designed as one fully integrated package so you don’t have to deal with a whole lot of different suppliers to get what you want.”

A proven track record

Rob urges anyone who is seriously looking to acquire light gauge steel manufacturing equipment to view the machinery and software running in a real business situation or talk to the business owner.

“It’s the best reassurance you can get,” says Rob “because you get an independent view.

“We see ourselves as a technology partner for our clients and we are fully focused on sharing knowledge and our experience to encourage their development and growth.”

Tags : LGSF, light gauge steel, roll formers, roll forming, steel frame, steel frame machines