A stronger future for metal construction

By The Coffee Shops®.

Lakeside Construction Fasteners and Direct Metals expand product access while supporting investments in distribution, technology and domestic manufacturing.

For metal construction professionals, reliable access to products, technical information and responsive service can make a significant difference. In one MetalCast™ episode, Heidi J. Ellsworth spoke with Lakeside Construction Fasteners President Eric Velliquette about the company’s merger with Direct Metals and the opportunities created by bringing the two organizations together.

Both companies began as family owned and operated businesses but developed in different directions. Lakeside Construction Fasteners expanded from a limited product offering to thousands of stock-keeping units serving post-frame, pre-engineered, residential and standing seam markets. Direct Metals brings additional experience in low-slope and standing seam residential applications. “By marrying the two companies, we really do offer a full complement of products to service the metal building industry as a whole,” Eric said.

That combined product ecosystem includes fasteners, foam products, sealants, standing seam clips and ventilation components. Eric described the group as a potential one-stop shop for many of the components used in metal roofing and sidewall applications, excluding the metal panels themselves.

Distribution is another important part of the strategy. Direct Metals has three distribution centers, while Lakeside Construction Fasteners has two. The group plans to use those resources to deliver products to customers more quickly in strategic regions.

The companies are also investing in manufacturing and automation. Eric said Lakeside Construction Fasteners has spent close to $700,000 on automated equipment over the past two years and is considering robotics. Additional equipment is expected to support processes such as washer assembly and painting as the company moves more production to the United States.

Technology is also improving the flow of product information. Lakeside Construction Fasteners launched a new website and developed a mobile app for Apple and Android phones. These resources provide specifications and technical data for architects, designers, engineers and contractors.

“We want to be viewed as a resource,” Eric said. With broader products, engineering capabilities and shared infrastructure, the combined organization is working to help customers respond to changing applications and market needs.

Listen to the full podcast or Watch the recording to learn more about the DMI and LCF Fastener Group by reading the transcript or listening to the full MetalCast episode.