Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/40026
18 • SEPTEMBER 2011 • WORLD FENCE NEWS We recently spoke with Wayne Semmerling, Jr. of Security Fence & Supply in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. At the time we spoke, Wayne told us that this season was progressing along pretty well and that at this time busi- ness was better than last year. He told us that the business mix is 60% commercial and 40% residential and that the company had two loca- tions: one in Stevens Point and the other one in Appleton, Wisconsin. While the company is able to service projects throughout the state of Wis- FENCER'S FIELD REPORT A monthly column of industry bits & pieces Compiled by contributing editor Jim Lucci and the staff of World Fence News consin, if necessary, its basic area of service is 150 mile radius. On the commercial side, they do projects that include updating power facilities, schools, etc. On the residential side, they carry a full product line. We then asked if rising material costs were affecting the way the com- pany bids, and were told that it has had some impact. When asked if it affected his overall business in general, he said that it had when talking about State of Wisconsin projects. He also said that many bids from out of state have re- flected large spreads on many jobs and that jobs are coming in under budget. We also asked if there were any significant changes in the fence mar- ket in his area, and Wayne said that in his own area, chain link does well, and that, further, ornamental metal sales are on the increase. He noted that trends and develop- ments that affect the market in Chicago and Minneapolis work their way to his market. Storms that passed through his area have kept him busy with repair or replacement work to this point. When we asked about the overall outlook for the fence market in his area for 2011, we were told it could be a mixed bag, but perhaps slightly bet- ter than it has been in the previous year. Regarding the status of the labor market in the area, Wayne said that there are still a lot of people looking for work. There have been several mills that have closed, thus creating a labor pool. When asked about the quality of workers available, he said qualified people are difficult to find. When asked about the economy in ARE YOU LOOKING FOR THE RIGHT FENCE PRODUCT DURING THESE TIGHT ECONOMIC TIMES? the area, Wayne said that it was a "mixed bag," with slow growth in the housing market, although it didn't get hit as hard as other areas. He indicated that he believes there will be nothing fast as far as the turnaround goes; he feels that it will take a couple of years. There are not a large amount of foreclosures in the area, he said. On the commercial side, it's very spotty; not a lot going on by way of new con- struction, but there are renovations going on from time to time. We asked about the company Patent Pending BudgetLink® – an economical chain link fence with pre-inserted slats that looks and appears remarkably similar to premium fencing. And, best of all, it was specifically designed and created with a price tag uniquely suited for projects where cost is a critical issue. One that's affordable? One that would make you money too? Then, look no further than BudgetLink® Features: • Wind load and privacy factor – Privacy approx. 98% – Industrial approx. 75% • Available in 3 1/2" x 5" mesh • Available in 9, 10 or 11 gauge galvanized before weaving (GBW) Type II, class IV wire (1.20 oz.) • Available in 9 gauge finish 10 gauge core fused and bonded vinyl coated wire • Single wall slats made from HDPE "pre-woven" into the chain link (with staples) • Available colors – White, Black, Dark Brown, Beige, Redwood, Gray and Forest Green Lowest Price Guaranteed! • Available in 25' rolls, 5' increments thereafter • Seven year, pro-rata limited warranty Let us quote on your next project. We can have you an estimate in about 20 minutes! 800.574.1076 • eprivacylink.com strategy for 2011, and were told that they are looking to stock material to keep his crews working some 50 hours plus per week. He revamped the web site last year and is trying to increase the company's presence on social media sites. We also spoke with Lori Terram- agra of Security Fence Company in Spring Valley, California, which is a suburb of San Diego. Lori told us that business, in a word, is "terrible." When asked to what this situation could be attributed, she said "simply the econ- omy." The company business mix is cur- rently 95% commercial and 5% resi- dential. Lori also tells us that competition is very tough, because it seems everyone is bidding on virtually everything. We were also told that li- censed contractors are buying direct and that GCs are hiring landscaping contractors who, in turn, hire workers to help put up fencing. This, of course, makes the situation even more diffi- cult. We were told that Security Fence Company has been servicing San continued on page 22