Research & Development

People are sometimes surprised that Europe's largest roof truss manufacturer is based in a small town in Fife on the east coast of Scotland. But increasingly, technology ensures that location is no longer the major factor in a company's success.

...Wherever you are we've got you covered

At DTE the commitment to technology has been there since the beginning. Director George Watson explains, "To keep our competitive edge in industry which involves combining a top quality engineered product with competitive pricing, we have always had to be one step ahead."

All DTE operations are carried out using special, globally developed MiTek software.

Imported from the United States, DTE were the first company in the UK to utilise the system and have been instrumental in its development and integration into the UK market. Currently DTE use several MiTek packages. The Windows based MBA Business Package gives DTE a complete management control and reporting capability on orders, quotes, estimates, manufacturing and delivery schedules. Roof trusses themselves are designed using MiTek 2000, a graphically orientated engineering package which enables layouts to be entered and viewed in 3D, allowing designers to completely visualise roofing designs. The manufacturing process is also computer aided, with the Virtek lazer jigging system enabling complex truss profiles to be simply set up while a computer controlled saw ensures accuracy of cut.

The latest step from DTE is to ensure that all DTE plants in Scotland and England are entirely interrogated in design and estimating terms, using the same MiTek systems linked across the country by a series of modems. Now all DTE plants 'speak the same language' in all their vital processes.

Largest Independent Truss Manufacturer in the UK

DTE Director George Watson comments:

"Now our technology is compatible we can directly transfer all information - orders, estimates and designs - between plants. For example, from point of receipt - possibly a developer in Scotland - to the DTE plant nearest the end user - possibly a site in the south of England. In this way we can cut transport costs and times for our customers, wherever they are in the UK."