Station 7: Panel Assembly

Now we’re at the heart of production – the Panel Assembly Station. Here, our trained TCM assembly crews take the prefabricated studs and tracks from the rolling racks and assemble them into finished wall, floor, or truss assemblies. You’ll see large assembly tables and jig setups. One notable feature is our steel “L” platform which ensures every panel is built square and to exact dimensions. Crew members then fasten the framing members together, using the roll-former’s dimpled and predrilled points for quick screw alignment and fastening.

Quality is paramount in this station. Our crews follow a rigorous 95-point + quality control inspection checklist throughout the assembly process. This means that for each panel, at least 95 different attributes are verified for correct member sizes and gauges, proper screw type and spacing, opening placement, dimensional tolerances, squareness of the panel, reinforcement and bracing, etc. Before a panel is approved to move on, it undergoes this thorough check to ensure it meets our engineering standards and the project’s specifications. Performing this level of inspection in the factory is a big advantage over site-built framing. Issues can be caught and corrected immediately, and there’s no compromise from weather or rushed field work.

This process provides many the safety and workforce benefits. Assembling panels indoors at the assembly tables is far safer and more ergonomic than building walls upright on a job site, often at heights in lifts or on ladders. Fewer workers can assemble a panel in the factory thanks to jigs and process efficiency, whereas on-site you might need larger teams working simultaneously. All of this contributes to consistent, high-quality panels and keeps the project on schedule. By the time a panel leaves Station 6, it is a fully framed section of the building, ready for sheathing and any additional elements.

Henry Barahona serves as an Estimating Coordinator at TCM Enterprises, where he brings a fresh perspective and a strong commitment to innovation and teamwork. With six months of experience in the industry, Henry is eager to contribute to TCM’s mission of making a tangible impact through its projects and products.

Henry was drawn to TCM Enterprises due to its reputation for treating employees like family and fostering an environment that values innovation and creative problem-solving. The company’s emphasis on teamwork, cross-functional collaboration, and continuous learning aligns perfectly with Henry’s own values and commitment to lifelong learning. He appreciates TCM’s investment in employee growth through mentorship, training programs, and exposure to cutting-edge technologies.

Outside of work, Henry is a nature wanderer and avid nature photographer, capturing the beauty of the outdoors through his camera lens. He enjoys the thrill of gaming, particularly in virtual football fields in Madden and FIFA, and is a passionate fan of combat sports, including UFC fights and boxing matches. His curiosity about new technologies and love for reading thought-provoking literature keep him constantly engaged with the latest advancements and ideas.

Above all, Henry cherishes the moments spent with his daughter, creating memories and nurturing her wonder. His dedication to both his professional and personal life makes him a valuable and dynamic member of the TCM Enterprises team.