Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/79681
18 • SEPTEMBER 2012 • WORLD FENCE NEWS We had an opportunity to speak with Jim Walker, director of opera- tions of South Lyon Fence Co. in New Hudson, Michigan. When I asked how the company's season had progressed thus far, Jim responded, in a word "phenomenal." The company business mix, he said, is 90% commercial and 10% res- idential. They also have a DIY opera- tion which has an 8,000 square foot showroom and this segment of the company is also doing well. On the commercial side, they are FENCER'S FIELD REPORT A monthly column of industry bits & pieces Compiled by contributing editor Jim Lucci and the staff of World Fence News working with wind farms at about 7 or 8 substations for utility operations throughout the state. On the residential side, they carry a full product line. This season, there is a call for alu- minum hand railings and PVC, which has made a comeback. Further, we were told, basic chain link is doing PrivacyLink® OK, but is not what it used to be. South Lyon Fence has been serv- ing southeastern Michigan since 1983. They offer a complete line of galva- nized, aluminized, and vinyl chain link systems, ornamental steel, PVC, wood fence systems, and fence accessories. Additionally, they offer dumpster Commercial, Industrial & Residential Fence Products – YOUR FENCING SOURCE Wow! Just 230 pounds per nine foot panel! Can you imagine working with concrete this lightweight? Each 6 x 9 foot prefabricated RhinoRock Concrete Fence panel weighs just 230 pounds and is plain and simply easier to install than the same size concrete panel weighing 2,500 pounds. A three man crew can install 300 to 600 linear feet per day, by hand. Compare that to a much larger crew that must rely on the use of cranes and heavy construction equipment to install poured concrete fencing. RhinoRock Concrete Fence panels are manufactured by combining a high performance fiber reinforced concrete outer shell with a structural foam core. And they offer the equivalent of a 140 mph wind load. BudgetLink® RhinoRock Concrete Fence is the right choice for homeowners or Even though BudgetLink® is constructed using single wall slats, it looks and appears remarkably similar to our premium (PrivacyLink®) pre-inserted fence. BudgetLink® comes in 3 1/2" x 5" mesh, three different gauges of galvanized wire, as well as fused and bonded vinyl coated wire. It is available in heights up to 8' high and 25' rolls. There are also seven attractive colors to choose from. Take a close look at BudgetLink® - an economical fence that offers many essential bells and whistles. Privacy Full Privacy Industrial Semi Privacy Let us quote your next project. We can have you an estimate in about 20 minutes when you call our toll free number. VISIT OUR WEB SITE OR CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION www.eprivacylink.com • 1.800.574.1076 businesses who want a concrete fence system that is easy to install, easy to maintain and will last a life-time. - the right fence for tight economic times! gates, secure wall fence, split rail fence, backstops, batting cages, ken- nels, portable fence, gate operators and parts, along with a variety of fence tools. We asked about the outlook for the rest of the year for the residential mar- ket, and Jim told us that he sees this year being one of the best years in quite some time. We then asked him if the company tries to sell additional items along with the fence jobs. We were told that the company sells strictly fence, but peo- ple are invited to browse their show- room and perhaps would pick out additional items. We asked about the economy in the area and Jim told us that it is actu- ally coming around. We were told that four Chevy plants in Motor City were up and running. On the commercial side, there is a lot of temp fence going up, surrounding work being done at the Walmart, Home Depot, Lowe's, and Menards big box stores. On the residential side, some in- crease in building is being seen. Peo- ple are actually able to sell their homes at reasonable prices, Jim said. We asked about the company strategy for 2012, and Jim said that the company is focusing on utility compa- nies for continued projects and are happy with the work they are getting from four companies; he noted that they are kept very busy and it is im- portant to keep them happy. They are also trying to make their internet site more informational. We then spoke with Scott Grindy Member: of Stan's Fence in Whetstone, Ari- zona, who told us that this year was proceeding quite well. In the 3rd and 4th quarters last year, he said, it picked up and has just "taken off" from there. The company business mix is 60% residential and 40% commercial, he said. On the commercial side, they are a subcontractor for the Fort Huachuca military base, and they do work for the gas company and various other smaller projects/jobs. On the residential side, this year the company is doing more replacement fence than repair. Stan's Fence is a family owned and operated business serving Cochise County and the surrounding area (southeast Arizona-100 mile radius) since 1973. They do fencing of all types, Scott said, for residential, commercial, and industrial applications, as well as solar and electric gate opening systems for both residential and commercial con- tracts. Their installations include chain link fence, security and privacy fences, picket fences, decorative fences, ani- mal containment fences, split rail fences, pool enclosures, and electric continued on page 78