IN THE FRAME: JUNE 2025
⏱️ 2 min read
Welcome to the latest In the Frame, your regular source of industry inspiration and insights from Howick.
In this edition we are sharing the updated 2025 Howick Machine Buyer Guide - a practical resource to help guide your move into light gauge steel construction manufacturing and selecting the right roll-forming technology to help you manufacture more efficiently, accurately and profitably.
We also unpack two standout presentations from STEEL HORIZONS | TAMPA, each packed with ideas you can apply to scale smarter and build more efficiently. Next, we take a detailed look at how timber framing compares with steel framing (by the way - steel comes out ahead). Then we explore how SLS Building Systems reduced onsite labour by 65% and cut timelines by 20% for a university accommodation project in New Orleans.
Repeatability without rigidity
What if you could scale your design process as easily as your framing output? At STEEL HORIZONS | TAMPA, Scott Mitchell of STUD-IO showed how a process-first mindset is helping his business deliver faster, more profitable projects - without compromising on design. By linking computational design with digital fabrication in light gauge steel, he is proving that it is possible to maintain architectural freedom while improving consistency, reducing rework, and scaling smarter. If you are looking to streamline delivery across varied projects, this approach offers a valuable blueprint.
Customisation at speed
Can you deliver speed and accuracy on a site-specific project? Adam Wolf can - and at STEEL HORIZONS | TAMPA, he explained how. By integrating smart design, detailing, and offsite manufacturing, Wolf Partners is turning custom builds into scalable workflows. For developers, builders, and architects, that means faster turnarounds, fewer errors, and better outcomes, even on projects that are far from standard.
Steel vs timber: which is right for your project?
A straight-talking comparison of speed, sustainability and cost. If you are still weighing up framing materials, this guide lays out the pros and cons of each, so you can make the decision that suits your goals, budget, and timeline.
How SLS Building Systems cut site labour by 65%
In this US student housing project, prefabricated cold formed steel framing made with Howick machinery helped the team reduce onsite labour by two-thirds. The result? A 20% faster build and a safer, cleaner site.
Ready to build smarter with steel? Your 2025 Machine Buyer Guide is here.
If you are planning to invest in steel framing automation, the updated 2025 Howick Machine Buyer Guide is essential reading. This year’s edition has been refreshed to reflect current market conditions, with new content designed to help you move forward faster. It includes:
- A brand-new FAQ section answering the top questions from decision makers
- A Case Studies section showcasing real-world results across different project types
- Updated side-by-side system comparisons to help you match the right machine to your output goals and budget
Feeling inspired?
The construction industry is evolving rapidly, with forward thinking businesses constantly pushing the boundaries of automation, precision, and efficiency. Talk to us today about how Howick technology can help you be part of the evolution. Visit our website or email us to find out more.
