Builders First Source (BFS) is the nation’s largest supplier of structural building products, value-added components and services to new construction and remodeling professional contractors. They also prioritize employee safety, which led them to LINC Systems. The team at LINC Systems partnered with EVERWIN® Pneumatic Corp. to design and implement a new, safer and more productive system for building trusses and wall panels.
BFS Supplier and Safety Needs
Builder’s First Source had a longstanding relationship with its previous supplier and, for the most part, was happy with its offerings. Since expanding into the Paradise, Pennsylvania market, BFS was looking to further enhance its safety focus. It was looking for a supply partner who could not only provide quality products and service, but also robust safety programs for its staff.
“My first focus was with our truss department,” said Don Hess, Assistant General Manager of Manufactured Components at Builder’s First Source. “Our panel department already had long-tenured employees that had the department running smoothly. That’s when Mike Hall knocked on the door and introduced himself. I already had a great relationship with LINC Systems at my New Jersey location. Everything with them had been a success. Service was great and I knew getting them in the door would alleviate some of our existing issues.”
Existing Issues
Getting new equipment installed in a timely fashion by their previous vendor was a headache. The installations would take several days and were disorganized, resulting in production downtime. Many of their tools were past their prime and were frequently in need of repair. The repair service itself was unreliable. Their previous vendor didn’t place a priority on safety training and their relationship with the rep felt like a transactional, rather than cooperative, partnership.
BFS Solutions Provided by LINC Systems and EVERWIN
Mike Hall, Territory Manager at LINC Systems, performed a thorough onsite evaluation of BFS’s current processes and provided tailored recommendations for their needs going forward. “BFS had different bridges of tools. One that included staplers that needed to be converted to nailers, mounted tools that needed to be converted to EVERWIN, and hand tools. I also made fastener recommendations that were just as effective but less expensive and more readily available than the current sizes.”
Dan Burgjohann, General Manager of North American Operations at EVERWIN Pneumatic Corp, closely collaborated with LINC Systems on this project. He said Hall’s initial engagement with the Paradise location was more about listening than talking. “He learned about their processes and what they needed for their success and put safety in the forefront of the solutions he presented.”
“I did an account of all the tools that were to be converted, the steps and parties involved, safety requirements, service needs and post-installation follow-ups,” said Hall.
Like any production facility, downtime equates to lost revenue. To avoid equipment downtime, the tools were required to be dialed in precisely before installation. “Dan and I reviewed those measurements beforehand, and he sent samples for testing to ensure everything fit correctly. Everything went very smoothly that way.”
Hess said minimizing interruptions on his production floor was critical in their decision to go with LINC Systems. “Mike reassured us it wouldn’t interfere with our production — and it didn’t. It was a smooth transition; we didn’t drop production or lose any time.”
LINC Systems provides BFS with the following services:
> Expert process and product consultation
> Industry-specific fastener and tool selection
> Consultations for material changes
> Industry code compliance
> Onsite tool repair
> Onsite safety programs
> A one-stop source for PPE, packaging, fastening and industrial supply
In addition to tooling and fasteners, BFS consolidated other supply items with LINC Systems, including janitorial supplies and battery-operated nail guns.
Benefits to BFS
- Improved Safety & Ergonomics
- Supplier Consolidation
- Ongoing Reliable Service Tech Visits
- Optimized Production Rates
- Expert Consultation
- Cooperative Partnership with LINC Systems
Results Realized by Partnering with LINC Systems
LINC Systems is unique because we have a national footprint and can provide our customers with localized service and support combined with our deep manufacturer partnerships. These are just some of the ways LINC Systems helped Builder’s First Source:
Seamless Tooling Transition 
Hess said the initial stages of the relationship included a new tooling setup. “Mike and his team sat down with us, evaluated our current processes, recommended tooling like nail bridges and nail guns, and then created a game plan. He explained when we would begin to see equipment shipments arrive and how the LINC team would manage the installation.”
“Mike was consistent,” said Hess. “He checked in with me and followed up to see if there was anything he could help with. I appreciated that, and it spoke to the kind of service that LINC Systems offers. I felt more secure with any changeovers we had to do. Having Mike consistently stop by the plant, send an email or make a call was helpful. You get busy in the everyday business and forget things you need to focus on. Mike got the ball rolling and kept it rolling. And the savings have been pretty significant since then.”
Bobby Grady, Operations Manager at Builder’s First Source Paradise location, agreed. “The installation was very smooth. Mike communicated the installation process and explained their action plans. They didn’t just come in and start ripping the old tools out. There was a process, and we didn’t miss a beat in production. We knew exactly what would happen at each stage of every day. That’s what made it so seamless.”
Prioritized Safety
Safety is a core value at BFS, both for our customers and for our own employees.
“First and foremost, everybody that works here needs to go home the same way they come in.”
Hess says providing a safe working environment is paramount and says that’s why BFS is successful. “When Mike met with our safety coordinator, Robbie Matos, he walked our line, listened to us and then showed us one of their safety videos. We had our people who handle air tools watch the safety video. They also gave us safety posters we hung throughout our training facility. These are things I never saw from our previous vendor.”
Gary Mullins, Regional Sales Director at LINC Systems, further explained BFS's unique safety requirements. “BFS requires sequential triggers on their tools for optimum safety. We monitor those tools to ensure those safety features remain in place and operational.”
Today, LINC Systems supports a national safety program for BFS, ensuring all tools are sequential fire. We offer workplace pneumatic safety training, and a range of safety products.
Trusted Service and Support 
Hess said he trusts BFS found the right partner for their supply needs. “Mike understands it’s all about service. Everybody sells nails and trusses. The level of service from the sales rep makes the difference. That’s what sets them apart.”
The entire BFS team was impressed with the level of customer service and support they received from LINC Systems service. For example, the service tech ensures the tools have the right triggers on each tool when done with the repair process, and that continued when there was an issue with an air fitting.
Hess said, “Dale Harner got in the car and drove an hour away to get a part we need and got it to us the very same day.”
That level of customer service isn’t found everywhere. Hess said his team's experience with LINC Systems has differed from those with other vendors. “If we ever had an issue with new equipment, it would take days to resolve. If we wanted it overnight, it would cost us more. I never heard anything about a cost change. In fact, I found out after the fact. We bought lunch during the LINC tool installation, and Mike returned a little later than usual. That’s when I learned that he ran out to get the part. That speaks volumes and shows they care about our business.”
Following the installation, Daniel Bani, Account Manager at LINC Systems, continued to manage service and repair for BFS. “Both Mike and Dan became part of our team. Dan talks to the people on the line and addresses any questions or concerns they might have. Any kind of change is hard, but that trust and partnership made a difference in the level of buy-in we received from our team. We’re loving it so far.”
Improved Ergonomics and Employee Retention
Hess says the team was impressed with the tooling changeover to EVERWIN. He said the nail guns were lighter, and having the extra-length magazine meant less downtime to reload. “It’s been a big time saver for our employees.”
Grady agreed and said improved ergonomics was another significant benefit of the changeover: the new hand tools are lighter and more balanced. “Our team loves their quality, weight and safety features. Everything is working well, and we’re getting great feedback.”
As a result, both Hess and Grady say the team has been more accountable for the care and maintenance of their tools. Investing in better, more ergonomic tools has contributed to improved employee retention. “Everyone takes more ownership in their work. We have had the same people in place now for over a year where we used to have more turnover.”
The tooling changeover also inspired increased buy-in from the team. BFS employees understand when the company has to buy new air guns or replace equipment, that it comes straight off the profit. This understanding allows them to take more ownership and accountability over their equipment, tracking usage and condition for longer service life.
About LINC Systems
For over 35 years, LINC Systems has provided industrial manufacturers with expert advice and time and money-saving solutions for their valued customers. LINC provides fastening products, pneumatic tools, automated packaging solutions and industrial supplies for a variety of industries and offers tool repair, equipment installation and safety training to help businesses work safely and productively.
Whether you manufacture roof and floor trusses, wall panels or framing systems, LINC Systems is your total solution for service and support.
See how our knowledgeable reps can help you become more efficient in your operations. Contact us at lincsystems.com or call 800.513.9918.