Framer enters Reno market

Production Framing Systems, a major housing subcontractor in the Sacramento area, has launched a company to serve northern Nevada.

The new company, Production Framing Systems Nevada Inc., got off to a strong start when it won a contract to frame houses in the 850-home Sierra Canyon subdivision to be built by Del Webb in west Reno's Somersett.

Production Framing hasn't worked with Del Webb on its projects at Lincoln, Calif., although the framing contractor based in Roseville, Calif., has handled other California work for Pulte Homes, the parent company of Del Webb.

Todd Schafer, operations manager for Production Framing Nevada, said the Reno-based operation was launched after several of the company's major homebuilding customers launched operations in northern Nevada.

He said the company hopes to build about a 10 percent share of the construction market that would be about 300 homes a year at current rates in the next three to five years.

That would mean the company ultimately will employ 75 to 100 people in northern Nevada, Schafer said.

The start-up staff currently is three.

Although supplies of skilled carpenters have been tight in northern Nevada, Schafer said Production Framing believes it will be able to attract a workforce because it offers a good package of pay and benefits and has created a good work atmosphere.

Production Framing handles framing in tracts of 50 or more homes, and usually looks for projects in which 10 or more homes are included in a single release.

Those projects, Schafer said, allow the company to use its production-line techniques to maintain an even flow of construction work and keep its crews working steadily.

The company purchased a 10,000- square-foot building at 870 E.

Greg St.

to serve as its northern Nevada headquarters.

The building also will include space for its carpenters to handle specialty trim work in a controlled environment.

Schafer, who grew up in Ely and rose through the ranks at Production Framing Systems, said he was eager for the opportunity to move back to his home state.

He said the company plans to be active in industry organizations and community activities in Reno.