Area tradesman impressed with the future of steel

If my house burned down tomorrow, I’d rebuild it with steel,” said David Chilson, owner of DCS General Building, and one of the 34 members of the trade attending the Hexaport International, Ltd., Certificate Training Workshop. The focus of the day long session was erecting the frame of a 320 square foot model home inside the warehouse at Hexaport headquarters in Weare, NH. The task was completed easily in less than three hours with plenty of instruction from the Hexaport staff along the way. Mr. Chilson’s reaction to the Hexaport Light Gauge Steel Framing System was typical. “We are enthusiastic with the response of the local industry to say the least,” said Anthony Attalla, President of Hexaport. With contracts in Germany, St. Barthelemy, and the Dominican Republic, to name a few, Hexaport is relying on a unique strategy of using international success to build local acceptance. “Four years ago the local market just wasn’t ready for light gauge steel,” said Scott Coulombe, VP at Hexaport. This summer proved Hexaport has a strategy worth copying as six local contracts for light gauge steel framing were awarded to Hexaport. “Our difference is what we provide-full engineering, structural drawings and structural details, pre-cut pieces, 100 percent of materials, and unlimited access to technical assistance,

Workshop participants stand proudly in front of the completed model

it’s a great package and no one is delivering more for the money,” responded Mr. Coulombe when asked to describe Hexaport’s approach to light gauge steel framing packages. Hexaport has spent years developing a system that is complete and easy to erect. Their packages require a minimum of on site cutting, a point that was not-lost on Frank Pagano of Checked Supply, “There’s a lot of money to be made here,” he noted. Michael McQueeney of Public Service New Hampshire’s Energy Crafted Home Program spoke briefly about turning the energy efficiency of Hexaport’s steel framed homes into cash for the participating contractor. The day concluded with a visit to a steel frame under construction in New Boston. Hexaport is planning more workshops in the future. At this time no firm dates have been set.