Builder’s Bloc drywall is doing well. The division is ahead of their budget in a very challenging economic climate, exceeding their target numbers in both revenue and profit. Currently the production team is almost double what it was at the beginning of the year. Large new projects, such as Hanley Station and the upcoming Saluki Suites in Carbondale, are reasons for this positive position to continue through the end of the year and into next year.

This year’s success follows what had been a difficult 2006. Last fall, Drywall Superintendent Alan Feldman and Drywall Estimator John Maniaci developed a plan to combat tough market conditions, volatile sheetrock pricing due to Gulf Coast reconstruction and the challenges facing the residential housing market.

The “Drywall Action Plan” centered on things they could actively control. Accurate takeoffs, eliminating material waste, increasing field production and efficiency, and accurate billing were mainstays of this determined effort. An improved reporting program helped focus costs in relation to alleged low cost competition. All these factors helped the drywall division address the “buck a foot” contractors and point out the differences between an “initial estimate” and a realistic, competitive, on-time, quality bid.

All the drywall craftsmen, administrative personnel and management team are to be commended for meeting the pressures, pricing and unreal deals in the new construction market. This year has been - and will continue to be - a good year for the drywall team.