Factory Tour of Kit Homebuilders West

Our recent Kit Homebuilders West Factory Tour was impressive and informative. Several factors impressed me from the beginning. The first is that the Factory Tours are conducted by management, not just anyone on site. Kit feels that if someone is willing to take the time to come to Caldwell, Idaho to consider their homes, then they will show them the respect that such a visit deserves. We were given a comfortable room at a clean and modern hotel nearby. We had a delicious meal that evening that was provided by a local restaurant and a great breakfast at the hotel the following morning before our tour. We had a rental car, since we flew over to Boise first, however, I am sure someone would have picked us up if needed.

The tour lasted a few hours with all aspects of the factory on view to see. Many homes were being staged with many more being constructed under the immense roof. Workers were performing tasks from basic to complicated with skill and craftsmanship. These homes were inspected and re-inspected at multiple levels of completion. I always liked the slogan, “the quality goes in before the name goes on”. While not this factory’s slogan, it certainly could be.

This was a most memorable trip and in turn, I hope to share some of the beauty and unique features that I observed at Kit Homebuilders West with others. So, if you’re looking for value and comfort built into your next custom home, let DeTray’s and Kit team up to serve your needs.

Happy touring!

Mike Buck

Skyline Corporation’s Mega Factory Tour

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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,

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Mike Buck

DeTray’s Custom Housing