Uni-saw, a highly sophisticated machine capable of simultaneously
making the necessary angle adjustments on four circular saw blades.
One of Wiley’s newest endeavors is the construction of prefabricated
wall panels, for which it now has a new wall panel machine to more
efficiently construct a higher quality wall panel. The new partially
computer-controlled machine was designed especially for Wiley and
is one of the best in the industry. In order to maximize the utility of its
automated capabilities, Wiley employs nearly 50 computer operators
and programmers experienced in engineering, design, export, sales,
and accounting software systems. Central to the operation is the
highly specialized wooden-truss design program used by the
engineering staff. To ensure that all of this technology results in the
highest quality products, the Wiley production facility is one of a very
small percentage of facilities that opens their doors to the rigid
quality-control specifications of the Pre-Fab Construction Industry.
Current Production Process
Wiley Housing Systems, Inc., is a batch production company that
specializes in make-to-order timber housing systems. The
manufacturing facility is over 100,000 square feet in size (see the
accompanying figure) and is sectioned off into different areas such as
wall, floor, and roof truss assembly, raw material cutting, and metal
storage. Each of the assembly lines is fed by a common 26,000 square
foot on-site supply point. The only required materials are commonsized lumber (i.e., 2 × 4, 2 × 6, etc.), aluminum connecting plates, and
nails. However, each of the processes is tailored to meet customer
demands and specifications.
All of Wiley’s products are constructed of standard dimensional
lumber that arrives via truck or train and is stockpiled in its lumber
yard. Typically, Wiley has enough lumber on site for two weeks of
continuous operation without replenishment. All other inventory,
work-in-process, and common materials are stored inside the
production facility. Once an order is received, the staff engineers
design the truss system and electronically queue the order for
manufacture. The production foreman then assigns the order to a