News

Best Homes, Inc. in Hazel Crest, Illinois Receives Certification in WTCA's Quality Control Program

As of July 5, 2006, Best Homes, Inc. in Hazel Crest, Illinois has become a certified user of In-Plant WTCA QC, a program developed by WTCA to help truss manufacturers manage the quality of the trusses they produce. In-Plant WTCA QC is a voluntary program that provides internal quality control measures in truss manufacturing plants across the United States. It establishes the frequency and criteria by which trusses are checked by the manufacturer for accuracy of cutting, assembly and plate placement, and the quality of the lumber used to create the final product. WTCA regularly monitors the data from certified companies to ensure compliance with program criteria. Currently, Best Homes is one of only 73 certified plants nationwide and the first to be certified in the state of Illinois.

The voluntary implementation of the In-Plant WTCA QC program shows Best Homes' commitment to quality. They are now able to quantitatively spot trends in the manufacturing process, which provides an opportunity to see problems and resolve them before they impact production.

Best Homes, Inc. involved in devastating manufacturing plant fire

On March 14, 2003, the entire Best Homes, Inc. manufacturing plant was entirely destroyed in a major fire, which started in our next door neighbor's maintenance facility. Fortunately, no one was hurt. We were able to rescue a number of computers, including our server, and the following Monday, our truss technicians were creating designs to send to willing competitors to service our customers. In mid-April, our plant manager, maintenance man and shop foreman had cleared out a lumber shed and set up a 40' roof truss manufacturing facility. Our loyal employees worked throughout the next 11 months outside through rain, snow and cold until our new building was completed. Our antiquated facility built about 50% of the trusses our customers ordered with the remaining coming from three other truss manufacturers in the area. Our drivers continued to deliver all loads and our customers barely noticed any difference in service.

We started our rebuilding process in August, 2003 with the hiring of E. Anthony, Inc., Tinley Park, IL, to rebuild a 37,050 square foot pre-cast concrete manufacturing building plus a new 3,360 square foot office. We started manufacturing trusses on March 9, 2004 and moved back into the office in early April, 2004. Our grand re-opening followed in June, 2004.

The Arquilla family would like to thank each and every material and equipment supplier who worked with us through the fire and events that followed as well as every employee who went beyond the call of duty to keep our Company's survival in the best interests. Our manufacturing personnel deserve a huge thank you for continuing to build trusses through the inclement weather of the winter of 2003-4.