How Panels Plus is helping companies do more with less — safely, consistently, and efficiently.

The Construction Labor Crisis: Fewer Hands-on Deck

The construction industry is in the middle of a critical workforce challenge. According to the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), the U.S. construction sector will need to attract over 439,000 new workers in 2025 alone to keep pace with demand — on top of the normal pace of hiring (ABC News). With a rapidly aging workforce and a shortfall of skilled trade professionals entering the field, contractors and manufacturers alike are asking a tough question:

How do you meet growing construction needs with a shrinking workforce?

One answer: smarter, more supportive equipment.

A Better Way to Build Panels

At Panels Plus, we build more than just panel equipment — we build systems that make construction more scalable, consistent, and worker-friendly. Whether you’re running a high-volume modular operation or stepping into panelized construction for the first time, our systems are designed to reduce labor dependence while increasing productivity and quality.

By rethinking how panels are built — and who can build them — we’re helping manufacturers unlock the full potential of their workforce.

“With minimal experience at the time, I was able to train a group of workers on the Semi-Automated Bridge and had them running walls thru on their own within an afternoon. This was despite a bit of a language barrier.”  84 Lumber- Franklin, IN

Green Doesn’t Mean Inexperienced

When labor is tight, you can’t afford to wait six months for new employees to get up to speed. Our equipment is built for the realities of today’s workforce — which includes younger, less experienced, or newly cross-trained workers.

  • User-friendly controls make onboarding fast.
  • Automation-ready tools, like our tool carriage systems, take the guesswork (and strain) out of critical tasks.
  • Built-in precision means your panels turn out consistently, no matter who’s on the shift.

Panels Plus equipment helps even green workers achieve veteran-level results — day one.

“There have been a few studies conducted after we released our current Sheathing Bridge that have shown as much as a 35% decrease in excess fastener usage. Over the course of a year a production facility should realize some noticeable savings in fastener costs versus on-site hand nailing. That goes straight to the bottom line.” Zach Wynia, Panels Plus Enterprise Account Executive

Ergonomics: Work That Works for the Worker

Beyond productivity, worker wellness is a growing concern. Construction is one of the leading industries for musculoskeletal injuries. According to OSHA, ergonomic-related injuries account for nearly a third of all lost workdays, costing U.S. employers over $20 billion annually (OHS Online).

Panels Plus addresses this head-on with thoughtfully engineered equipment, including:

  • Adjustable-height tables for a more comfortable working posture
  • Tilt tables to reduce lifting and overhead work
  • Carriage systems that relieve shoulder and elbow stress from repetitive fastening tasks

All of this means your workers can do more, hurt less, and stay longer — a win for productivity and retention.

“Letting the equipment do the heavy lifting and conveying of the wall panels can save a lot of downtime due to physical strain on the employee. Not to mention, the growing costs of worker compensation claims that accompany workplace injuries. The equipment was designed and built with that in mind.” Zach Wynia, Panels Plus Enterprise Account Executive

Do More with Less — Without Compromise

Let’s be clear: the goal isn’t to replace your workforce — it’s to empower it. Smart equipment can help your team accomplish more without burning out or getting injured. And in today’s job market, that can be the difference between hitting deadlines or losing business.

At Panels Plus, we’re helping manufacturers:

  • Reduce skilled labor dependency
  • Achieve consistency across shifts and crews
  • Scale production — even with smaller teams
  • Train new workers faster and more confidently

Future-Proofing Construction Starts Now

The skilled labor shortage isn’t going away. But with the right tools, construction doesn’t have to slow down.

If you’re looking to build smarter, safer, and more sustainably, let’s talk. Whether you’re exploring panelized construction for the first time or upgrading your current facility, Panels Plus is here to help you build better, with fewer people, less pain, and no compromise on quality.

“The Construction Industry is ever changing, and that may be the most consistent thing about it. At P+, we leverage our Position as a Leader in the component industry to gain feedback from our customers, vendors, and distributors about how we can best serve our clients. From innovation to customer service. We are always looking to offer solutions.” Zach Wynia, Panels Plus Enterprise Account Executive

Ready to Reinvent Your Workforce Strategy?

Get in touch with Panels Plus to explore how our equipment can support your production goals — even in a tight labor market. We’re more than a supplier. We’re your long-term partner in performance.