Station 9: Final Bundling & Shipping

We conclude our tour at Station 9 – the Final Bundling and Shipping Station. Completed panels, framed, sheathed, finished as required, are prepared here for transport to the construction site. You will see panels being sequenced and bundled in the order they will be erected on site. This means if a project’s installation sequence calls for Panel A, then B, then C, we will load the truck so that Panel A comes off first, etc. Panels are stacked together and then strapped securely for transit. We take care to protect any factory-applied finishes during this process – for example, finished exterior panels will have foam or plastic separators so that nothing damages or mars the cladding in transit. The size of each panel is designed to fit on standard flatbed trailers and within road transportation limitations. Generally, we limit panel width so that they do not exceed about 10 feet wide when loaded, ensuring we don’t require special permits for oversize loads. This careful consideration of transport constraints is part of our design-for-prefabrication approach.

On the logistics side, this area operates on Lean construction principles. Panels are shipped just in time – often the same day or day before they will be installed – which reduces the need for storage at the job site and minimizes the risk of damage or clutter on site. When a truck arrives at the site, the panels are unloaded, usually by crane directly from the flatbed, and placed immediately for installation, creating a rapid building envelope installation process. This approach drastically cuts on-site labor and time. For instance, projects using panelized systems have seen field crews shrink from 30 workers to as few as 6, thanks to the efficiency of prefab panels. Installation is correspondingly faster – the building envelope can be finished up to 60% quicker than with traditional stick-built methods. Fewer workers and quicker installs also mean improved safety and a lower overall costs. Finally, our shipping team ensures each bundle has the proper documentation and that all panels, hardware, and clips and fasteners are included for the field crew. The bundled panels you see represent how panelized CFS construction brings together speed, efficiency, quality, and safety – delivering superior results for modern building projects.

Thank you for touring our CFS Prefabrication Facility. We hope this self-guided walkthrough has provided valuable insight into how prefabricated panels are created and why they offer so many benefits to construction professionals. From the variety of finishes and factory precision to the lean logistics and rapid on-site assembly, our process is designed to build better and build faster. Safe travels, and we look forward to seeing our panels perform on your projects!

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.