The “Force Multiplier” Addressing Labor Shortages and Expediting Roofing Projects

By Adam Cabrera. 

This machine eliminates the need for hand torching, using hot air for precise installations and eliminating blisters or voids. 

In a recent episode of Roofing Road Trips, host Heidi Ellsworth sat down with Jim Hanson, business development manager at SOPREMA, to discuss the MINI-MACADEN and its impact on the roofing industry. Developed by SOPREMA owner Denis in 2006, the MINI-MACADEN is transforming how roofing contractors approach their projects, offering a faster, more precise installation process for base and cap sheets used in torching systems. 

Jim highlighted the machine's efficiency, describing it as a "force multiplier" that doesn't just make work easier but fundamentally changes how work is done. "It eliminates a number of steps in that process while expediting the production and the efficiency of the installation of the membrane," he said. The MINI-MACADEN uses hot air instead of open flames and ensures precise installation without blisters or voids, a departure from the often tedious and risky hand torching process. 

But the machine isn't just about quality and speed. Labor shortages are a pressing issue in the industry and the MINI-MACADEN is part of the solution. It reduces the physical burden on workers, improving worker retention. "Contractors are starting to embrace a higher level of technology to help address the labor shortage we're dealing with," Jim noted. The machine's capabilities extend beyond labor savings, also offering data tracking and reporting features to enhance project management. 

One of the most intriguing aspects is SOPREMA's rental program for the MINI-MACADEN. Contractors can calculate potential labor savings based on factors such as crew size and billable rates, making the technology accessible to a broader range of companies.  

Listen to the full Roofing Road Trips episode or read the transcript to learn more about SOPREMA’s products and how you can use them in your next project.