Elevating the scaffold framework

Bil-Jax sources its steel entirely from U.S.-based suppliers—over 94 percent of parts numbers are made in the USA

This gap poses challenges for construction firms, industrial plants, event organizers, and maintenance teams that rely on dependable and efficient scaffolding systems.

As is the case in most industries, recognizing said deficiencies and addressing these critical areas will create certain opportunities for companies that prioritize quality products, service, and innovation—allowing them to ultimately distinguish themselves in a competitive market, fostering long-term growth and customer loyalty.

According to Greg Kemenah, Head of Product Management & Development at Bil-Jax®, “Our reputation starts with the people on the front line in our manufacturing operations in Archbold, Ohio and our suppliers of North American steel. In fact, over ninety-four percent of our part numbers are made in the USA.”

Exceeding expectations

From product to process, Kemenah also points to his company’s commitment to upholding a standard across the board as an effective means to standing tall within a crowded market. “Our customers have high expectations and that means we must continuously work to exceed those expectations.

Headquartered in Archbold, Ohio, Bil-Jax has been in business for nearly 80 years.

“From the materials we source to the production, environmental, people, and quality standards we must maintain as a North American Manufacturer, our entire business is driven to meet a higher standard than imported products.”

Relentless attention to detail is also key to longevity, says Kemenah, pointing to nearly 80 years in business, over which Bil-Jax® has come to understand that customers choose them because of what they get in return: products sourced and manufactured in America, extensive product knowledge, and exceptional service and reliability delivered by a highly committed group of people across a company that really seems to care about the industry and its customers.

“At the end of the day, we believe the American dream still thrives in healthy competition, consistent innovation and the strong communities and jobs that are the result of this driving spirit,” he emphasizes. “Our industry deserves products that are easily accessible and keep our end-users safe and ultimately successful. It takes a real commitment from our entire organization.”

Strength of connection

Kemenah understands there is a perception in the scaffold industry that all scaffolding is basically the same. He disagrees. “We have to get real in our industry about the difference between perception and reality. We make and design products in the U.S., with U.S.-based suppliers, for a reason.

Greg Kemenah, Head of Product Management & Development at Bil-Jax

“We hold our product and ourselves to a higher standard—one that ensures customers get the same product, the same quality, over and over again, from a responsible company investing in America and American jobs.”

Ultimately, he explains, “Some companies want the lowest-cost scaffolding available, and will forfeit quality and durability for short-term financial gains.”

Instead, he indicates, Bil-Jax® customers pride themselves on filling their general rental and tool shops with the best products available—products that represent them once they leave the door.

“In the end,” he adds, “those who perceive themselves to have the highest quality in products and service often want to partner with us—because we share the same goals and ultimate motivation. And we have the same opinion of the product we’re supplying to them.

“Our material specifications are above the average requirements of others in the industry. We could source lesser quality materials to reduce costs, but we choose not to. That said, we can deliver the quality and service our customers expect, and we can compete by providing the best overall value to the customer.”

Building cleaner and greener

Kemenah insists that part of the overall value offered by Bil-Jax® is sustainability. While he admits this may not be a prominent attribute within the market, he points out that, as a result of the company’s ISO 14000 certification, it’s connected to an internationally recognized framework for environmental management, measurement, evaluation, and auditing.

At the heart of the Bil-Jax mission is a commitment to aligning with entrepreneurs and small-business owners who pride themselves on filling their general rental and tool shops with the best products available

“You don’t hear about that [sustainability] very much in the scaffolding industry, even internationally,” he says, “but it spotlights an opportunity for those that do embrace it, and it’s another way we stand out. We’re producing to an environmental standard by using U.S. steel.

“We’re using the cleanest-produced steel in the world—versus, say, importing from China, which emits three to four times more CO2 emissions than we use. Additionally, steel is one of the few infinitely recyclable materials, and Bil-Jax ensures all steel scrap and returned products are recycled to allow for other uses.

“In the end, there will be a group of owners out there with environmental concerns at the top of their minds, and we want them to understand that it’s also on our minds,” he underscores. “We’re doing our best to consume the least amount of energy to produce the best product safely and in an environmentally conscious way.”

Perfect next step

Kemenah explains there is renewed focus at Bil-Jax®, aimed at solving problems with the customer. One example of this is the realization that scaffolding presents a challenging materials handling issue through the entire supply chain.

Bil-Jax promises both quality and service—ultimately competing by providing the best value to the customer

“We’re figuring out ways to make rental operations more profitable and jobsites more efficient and safer as labor becomes more scarce and more expensive,” he says.

Such insight led to the development of the company’s popular EZ-RAX scaffold transport system, about which Kemenah says, “This product was developed around 2021, and more customers are adopting the product because it solves key problems with scaffold rental. And from there, we’ve come out with products such as our EZ-RAX Scaffold Yard System and our EZ-RAX Scaffold Trailer System.

“When we look through the value chain of our industry with an eye towards removing friction and solving problems then we move past supplying the market with different colors to a future that can evolve in different directions that are more meaningful for our customers and our company.

“It’s the perfect next step for the future of our company that has built its success on delivering quality products, providing exceptional service and creating innovative solutions for almost 80 years.”

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All pictures courtesy Bil-Jax

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This article was produced by KHL’s Content Studio in collaboration with experts at Bil-Jax