Made in America boosts connector business

henlnns AND DrsrRrBurons looking Lf to support the Made in America movement-and boost the national economy-need look no farther than domestic nail and fastener producers.

"We're one of the last makers of nails in this country," says Roelif Loveland, president and general manager of Maze Nails, Peru, I1. The family-owned company has been in the business since 1848, making galvanized stainless steel nails protected by a corrosion-resistant zinc coating.

Maze has supplied nails for two high-profile projects: restoration of Philadelphia's Independence Hall and the "All-American Home" built by Anders Lewendal in Bozeman, Mt.

Lewendal, who earned a degree in economics before going into construction, believes that if builders directed just 5% of their construction spending to American-made products, it would add $14 billion to the U.S. economy. As proof, he built a 2,200-sq. ft. home with American-made products.

"We don't need every builder to build every single home with allAmerican products," he says. "That's not practical and that's not necessary. The point is that little things add up."

Lewendal claims American-made nails cost about $5 more per box but save $10 in labor costs because they jam nail guns less often than cheaper Chinese brands. "What we're looking for is the best value," he says. "If a guy has to get down three times a day to clear the gun, that's time wasted."

Lewendal and his crews also used True Spec collated nails from Halsteel. Ontario. Ca. Because each nail in the line is identified with a combination of color and number codes, it's easy for both builders and inspectors to verify the right nail and correct nailing pattern have been used.

"The concept is to provide a quality nailing system that builds confidence with all levels of the building community," says Alan Brown, national sales manager for True Spec. "We believe that our American-made product reinforces our commitment to building a strong economy."

Simpson Strong-Tie, Pleasanton,

Ca., supplied a variety of connectors for Montana's All-American Home. The family-owned, 56-year-old company is proud that its core product line-which includes structural connectors, prefabricated shear walls, and steel moment frames-is made in the U.S. at its plants in Stockton and Riverside, Ca., McKinney, Tx., and Columbus, Oh. SST also produces stainless steel bulk nails in the U.S., at its plant in Gallatin, Tn.

"There are many advantages to having production in the U.S.," says Jacinta Pister, senior v.p. of manufacturing. "First, it ensures availability of our products so they get to dealer locations and jobsites when they are needed. Second, it allows us to develop products for specif,rc markets and create innovative solutions that address customer needs. It makes good business sense and adds to our commitment to customer service."

Copper Naphthenate