How CQ Building Supplies Achieved a 275 per cent Productivity Boost. A regional Queensland manufacturer is proving that strategic infrastructure investment and automation can level the playing field-even against national competitors.
By combining robotic manufacturing technology with a purpose-built Entegra clear span facility, CQ Building Supplies has increased its daily output by 275 per cent , reshaped its labour requirements, and future-proofed its operations.
"We used to make four or five houses a day," said Chris Curtis, CEO of Spicer Trading Group, the parent company of CQ Building Supplies.
"Now we make 15 houses per day with the same amount of staff-all thanks to robotics and smart facility design."
The business relocated its Maryborough factory to higher ground after flooding risks threatened operations. But moving wasn't just about safety-it was an opportunity to modernise and outpace the competition.
The new facility, featuring a 50-metre Entegra clear span structure, was designed to maximise automation and improve manufacturing flow.
"We now have the first robotic truss manufacturing system in the Southern Hemisphere-and it's Australian made," Chris said.
Why does this matter?
- One-Touch System: Materials move seamlessly from saws to assembly without manual handling.
- Optimised Material Flow: The Entegra clear span facility eliminates structural posts, reducing transport distances within the plant.
- Labour Reduction: Automated saws now require no operators, cutting unnecessary handling and workforce costs.
- Faster Production: Trusses that once took 11 minutes to manufacture now take just two minutes.
- "We've designed this facility so workers don't waste time walking between machines.
- If we save five seconds per movement, and they do it 500 times a day, the savings add up fast."
Entegra clear span structures: The key to lean manufacturing
When it comes to timber truss fabrication, everything is big-from sprawling truss machines to large timber saws.
The previous facility forced workers to manually move materials between multiple buildings, slowing production.
Now, with a purpose-built, 50-metre Entegra clear span facility, CQ Building Supplies operates under one roof, significantly reducing material handling time and improving manufacturing efficiency.
"If you're not governed by posts, you can lay out machinery for optimal efficiency.
We can set up saws exactly where they need to be, reducing wasted movement and ensuring maximum production speed."
- No structural posts = more efficient factory layout
- Fewer bottlenecks = seamless movement of materials
- Integrated automation = faster, leaner manufacturing
Capitalising on Queensland's growth Market
As Australia's housing crisis continues, CQ Building Supplies is strategically positioned to meet growing demand for modular and relocatable homes-a booming market, particularly in Queensland's retirement sector.
"Retirement villages are one of the fastest-growing housing markets, and we've designed a patented relocatable house specifically for this sector," Chris said.
By Jack Lloyd (Manufactures Monthly)
------------------------------
David Spediacci
------------------------------