top of page
Search
Writer's pictureAudree Grubesic
Oct 153 min read

Innovation and Collaboration in Offsite Construction: U.S. Frame Factory Path Forward



Offsite construction is rapidly transforming the building industry, and Offsite Dirt is committed to keeping you informed on the latest trends, challenges, and innovations in this space. In this episode of the Offsite Dirt podcast, host Audree Grubesic sits down with Mateo Atwi, CEO and co-founder of U.S. Frame Factory, to discuss their journey in the offsite construction industry. Mateo and his brother Tiago, both mechanical engineers, have taken an unconventional path to create a thriving business in cold-formed steel construction. Their story is one of family, innovation, and collaboration.





The Journey of U.S. Frame Factory

Mateo and Tiago Atwi, the brothers behind U.S. Frame Factory, have backgrounds in mechanical engineering, with Mateo attending Georgia Tech and Tiago studying in Louisiana. Despite their initial reluctance to remain in their home state of Louisiana, they found an unexpected opportunity to build a business with the help of family funding. Their father, a doctor by trade but an entrepreneur at heart, inspired them to tackle problems in the housing industry. This led to the creation of U.S. Frame Factory, a full-service cold-formed steel solutions company, which has since become a key player in the offsite construction industry.



Mechanical Engineering Meets Cold-Formed Steel

The Atwi brothers' engineering background played a pivotal role in shaping their approach to construction. Initially, their focus was not on comparing materials like wood or concrete but rather on manufacturability. Cold-formed steel presented a unique opportunity for efficient manufacturing, which they pursued without fully understanding the market. Over time, they refined their approach, identified the right market, and learned the intricacies of managing resources and technology. Mateo emphasized that their ability to fix equipment on the fly has been crucial to their success, especially when dealing with the inevitable challenges that arise in manufacturing.


Collaboration Over Competition

One of the most striking aspects of Mateo’s insights is his view on collaboration within the industry. In the cold-formed steel sector, many manufacturers service small regional areas, and instead of competing, they often collaborate. Mateo shared how U.S. Frame Factory has been able to build strong relationships with other small manufacturers, sharing resources, ideas, and even clients when appropriate. This spirit of collaboration, rather than competition, is a driving force in their success and growth. By working together, companies in the offsite construction space can push the industry forward, convert more projects from traditional materials like wood to steel, and ultimately create more opportunities for everyone involved. By working together, companies in the offsite construction industry can push forward innovation, address evolving market demands, and increase opportunities for growth across the sector.





Building a Skilled Workforce

One of the key elements of US Frame Factory’s success is their workforce. Rather than hiring based solely on experience, Mateo emphasizes hiring for “aptitude and attitude.” This approach allows the company to train employees in their specific processes, resulting in a highly innovative and adaptable team. Mateo notes that their team members come from diverse backgrounds, including retail, restaurants, and agriculture, each bringing unique skills that contribute to the company’s efficiency. The culture at US Frame Factory fosters creativity and problem-solving, with employees often finding solutions that even surprise the founders. Mateo attributes much of their success to this open and collaborative environment, where team members not only work together but also enjoy each other’s company, creating a cohesive and motivated workforce.


US Frame Factory Accessories: https://clips.usframefactory.com/



Comments

bottom of page