What are Components?

Structural building components are roof trusses, floor trusses and wall panels that are custom designed and built in specialized manufacturing environments. Components are delivered to the jobsite where framers install them along with permanent bracing to create the overall structural system. Structural building components should not be confused with factory-built modular or mobile home construction, although components can certainly be used in those particular applications.

Components are used in all types of construction from residential to commercial to agricultural. The structural framing of a building can be entirely components or a mix of components and conventional or "stick" framing. Wood trusses are assembled from structural framing lumber and joints are fastened with metal connector plates. Cold-formed steel trusses are built with proprietary steel shapes and fastened with screws.

View an animated presentation on career opportunities in the Structural Components Industry

The structural building component industry has existed since the 1950s when the first metal truss plate connector was invented. Since that time, roof trusses, floor trusses and wall panels have become integral parts of residential and light commercial construction. Now there are almost 2,000 truss manufacturing companies in the US in over 2,500 locations.

The structural building component manufacturing industry is well established and expanding rapidly. It employs over 100,000 individuals in a wide variety of positions all over the country. If you are looking for one of the following jobs, the structural building component industry may be the one for you!