Traveling South from DeTray’s Custom Housing we are headed for McMinnville, Oregon; home of Howard Hughes Spruce Goose, Linfield College, and Skyline’s Mega Manufacturing Facility. Estimated arrival time is two and half hours away.
Upon arriving at Skyline, we were promptly greeted and introduced to a young man who outfitted us with OSHA Safety Gear, hard hat, safety vest, and goggles. Yes, these are required!
As we entered the vast building we were given instructions that were intended to keep us safe during our visit. A need for caution was obvious as we saw a moving chain pulling huge sections of manufactured homes from one end to another. The rat-a-tat-tat of machine gun sounding nail guns made it clear that this was a very busy environment.
Winding our way from one end toward the other while ducking and turning, we walked past many floors. Some had walls, roofs, plumbing, windows, and more. Each had a different level of completeness. These levels diminished as we move toward the Birth of each home. It was evident that organization was and is paramount to the success of this company – system where each worker is skilled at their specific role, as they greeted each new floor.
We arrived at the entrance where the magic begins, where the long steel frames are attached to their carriages and the OSB flooring becomes the solid surface for someone’s home. Floors are moving as skilled craftsmen assemble each step under the Foreman’s watchful eye. I was amazed at the efficiency, cleanliness, and professional approach each worker exhibited. I saw the Shop Foreman speaking to workers in the plant, not simply sitting behind a desk.
After the tour, we took off our OSHA required gear and met some of the team responsible for keeping supplies flowing. We saw how Skyline kept track of each home section as it was ordered, built, and completed. We experienced where the finished sections were prepared and stored for their final trip to some lucky manufactured home Home Owner.
I highly recommend this tour for anyone serious about buying a Custom Home. Skyline will convince you that their Goal is “Bringing America Home, Bringing America Fun”.
Happy Holidays,
Mike Buck
DeTray’s Custom Housing