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Contact: Carolyn Atkinson
ProBuild Holdings
(303) 262-8350

ProBuild Announces First Robotic Truss Plant

Denver, CO (August 14, 2007) ProBuild Holdings Inc., the nation’s largest supplier of building materials to the professional builder and contractor, has announced an agreement with Florida-based TCT Manufacturing to build the first-ever, fully automated roof truss manufacturing plant. The ground-breaking facility, which incorporates state-of-the-art robotic technology, is expected to dramatically increase labor productivity by a magnitude of five times. A specific location for the facility has not been chosen, but ProBuild officials indicated that it would be within a major growth market in the southeastern United States. The plant is expected to come on line during the second quarter of 2008.

“This is an incredible innovation in the manufacture of truss components for the industry and a significant step forward in ProBuild’s plan to expand the manufacturing capacity in all of the markets we serve,” comments ProBuild Vice Chairman Fred Marino. “ProBuild is very excited to be working with TCT to bring this new technology to the building industry. The increased capacity that this new process creates will allow ProBuild to provide our builder partners with integrated solutions, further solidifying our leadership position, particularly in high-growth housing markets.”

The introduction of robotic manufacturing previously resulted in significant productivity gains in other industries such as automotives and packaging, but the technology never before has been used in end to end truss manufacture. TCT’s robotic system is the first system to fully automate all phases of truss manufacturing including cutting, material handling, fabrication, and stacking. It is designed to streamline a very labor intensive process and generate higher levels of production.

TCT President Jim Urmsom comments, “This is a completely new process for manufacturing trusses that delivers significant production gains as well as safety improvements. This system will optimize lumber usage and greatly increase production speed while consistently exceeding quality standards. ProBuild’s size, national footprint, and leadership within the industry make them an ideal partner for introducing this innovation to the building materials market.”

About ProBuild
ProBuild Holdings is the nation’s largest supplier of building materials to professional contractors. ProBuild currently operates more than 500 lumber and building product distribution, manufacturing and assembly centers in 40 U.S. states.
ProBuild distributes a broad selection of building materials including lumber and plywood, engineered wood, gypsum wallboard and other drywall products, millwork, trusses, roofing, siding products, insulation materials, metal specialties, hardware and tools. The company’s manufactured products include trusses, wall panels, millwork, and pre-hung door and window fabrication.
To learn more about ProBuild, visit their website at www.pro-build.com.

About TCT Manufacturing
TCT Manufacturing was formed in 1999 when Jim Urmson invented the first Linear-Feed Saw while running a truss plant in Central Florida, forever changing the way trusses are cut and assembled. TCT has established itself as the leader in Robotics and High-Speed Positioning Technology for the Truss Industry. TCT Manufacturing is a privately-held company operating in Mount Dora, Florida. To learn more about TCT Manufacturing, visit their website at www.tctmanufacturing.com.

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