Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/717930
22 • september 2016 • world fence news FENCER'S FIELD REPORT A monthly column of industry bits & pieces Compiled by contributing editor Jim Lucci and the staff of World Fence News We had the opportunity to speak with Ryan Litton of A. Murphy & Sons Fence Company of Cape May, New Jersey, which was founded in 1965. Ryan told us at the time we spoke, that the company was extreme- ly busy (two months out). Ryan further told us that the com- pany business mix is 60% residential and 40% commercial, generated in a 35 mile radius for the most part. We were also told that the biggest product movers on the residential side were vi- nyl, aluminum, wood, and chain link. On the commercial side chain link, aluminum, railings (aluminum, vinyl, cable, and glass for hotels) are good sellers. In addition to the aforementioned types of installations, the company also handles accessories which in- clude, but are not limited to, solar lights, clothesline poles, mail box posts, arbors, pergolas, gazebos, and wood and vinyl sheds. We then asked what the biggest challenge has been for the company so far this year. We were told that the challenges have been two-fold. First, getting qualified help. "It's been difficult, but we are working through it," Ryan told us. Second, obtaining materials from suppliers. The waiting period this sea- son is longer than it has been previ- ously, and at times it's created a chal- lenge dealing with some customers, although we are working through that as well. We then asked what the biggest surprise has been so far this year, and Ryan said it has been the huge in- crease in the volume of work; notably railings, particularly glass. We then asked if he wanted to give a shout out to any notable crew members or supervisors, and he told us that the entire Murphy Fence team deserves one. We then asked if there are any local building ordinances pertaining to fencing that they have to adhere to. Ryan told us that each town has spe- cific ordinances. For the most part, it's about height restriction. We then asked how important it was to locate underground utilities and do they have a specific procedure in place. We were told that it's ex- tremely important. Notification is set up via e-mail. Ryan noted that the economy is doing very well. There is a large amount of high-end spending going on. On the residential side, there are renovations occurring along with new single family homes and duplex con- struction, and it looks like there is The American Fence Associ- ation (AFA) and the National Or- namental and Miscellaneous Met- als Association (NOMMA) have announced they will co-locate the FENCETECH and METALfab shows in San Antonio, Tex., Feb. 1–5, 2017. FENCETECH is, of course, the annual convention and trade exhibi- tion of the AFA, while METALfab is sponsored by NOMMA. As previous- ly announced, the site is the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. "AFA is proud to announce the partnership with NOMMA to co-lo- cate the two shows," said AFA exec- utive director Tony Thornton, CFP, CAGOI, CAGSD. "The FENCETECH and METAL- fab shows will allow attendees from all over the country to discover the industry's best products, services and professional development and offer an opportunity to celebrate all this great industry has to offer in an environ- ment conducive to collaboration and community." FENCETECH is the largest gathering in the fence industry and METALfab is NOMMA's event for ornamental and miscellaneous metals professionals. "We're trying to look at what's best for the industry and create an offering where we can show more as- pects of the fence and metals indus- try under one roof so attendees can come and go between the two," added Thornton. "Together, these high-profile events will be a one-stop shop for de- cision makers and place them on the frontline of the latest products and services in the fencing and metals in- dustries." Thornton noted that the two asso- ciations have a long-standing affilia- tion, and have collaborated on indus- try issues in the past. For additional information on the 2017 FENCETECH and METALfab shows, visit www.fencetech.com and www.nomma.org. AFA and NOMMA announce they will co-locate their conventions and trade exhibits in San Antonio in 2017 Your First Source for Quality AMERICAN-MADE FENCE PRODUCTS! Providing Quality Gate Rollers and Hardware to the Industry for 50 Years HDG and Powder Coated Fittings Call for a free catalog 800.891.2235 • 413.786.4390 • Fax 413.789.3664 info@hampdenfence.com • www.hampdenfence.com Our web site can be viewed from your mobile device! 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