As the demand for efficient, high-quality construction continues to rise, professionals from around the world are looking to learn best practices and technologies that redefine manufacturing processes. On October 20th 2025, STAR Building Materials Edmonton had the privilege of hosting a delegation of 22 engineers, contractors, architects, and framers from Japan as part of a tour organized by the Canada Wood Group and the BC Council of Forest Industries (COFI). Their visit aimed to explore North America’s advancements in wood production and automation, specifically in multi-family housing—a sector gaining momentum in Japan’s urban areas.
STAR was chosen for the tour not merely as a representative of cutting-edge wood manufacturing in Canada but also as an industry leader that embodies the spirit of innovation and excellence. The recent expansion of STAR’s facilities played a key role in this decision, as it allowed the company to integrate new technologies and double its truss manufacturing capabilities within the past year, alone. These advancements have positioned STAR as a bona fide leader here in Alberta.
Japan’s construction industry has been facing ongoing labour shortages, and with growing interest in automated processes and offsite construction techniques, this tour was a valuable opportunity for the delegation to see how STAR successfully implements such solutions. By learning from materials and techniques used in North American construction, these professionals aim to bring innovative methods back home to drive change in their industry.
The group watches STAR’s team assemble roof trusses
During the visit, STAR’s production strengths took center stage, particularly our integration of advanced technologies and automation. The group was introduced to STAR’s new SawTek saw, aptly named “The Beast”, which has revolutionized precision and efficiency in joist production and installation. Being the first of its kind in Canada, this saw cuts floor joists with impressive accuracy of up to 1/16th of an inch. For framers and builders, this eliminates the need for onsite trimming, significantly saving time, cost, and waste. The group was impressed with the sheer size of the saw and the volume in which the saw can produce cut joists. STAR’s new MiTek Ranger Retrieval system proved to be a popular stop on the tour as well, with the group watching intently as the automated head searched for each piece of wood, grabbed it with its vacuum picker, and sent it through the infeed deck.
These innovations are not just breakthroughs but a testament to STAR’s adaptability and dedication to advancing wood construction practices. The SawTek saw isn’t just impressive; it’s a game-changer; particularly in fast-paced markets like Edmonton, where builders demand both speed and precision to meet project deadlines.
STAR’s ability to produce high-quality materials quickly offers invaluable benefits to builders. With expanded truss manufacturing capabilities, increased production volumes, and the integration of precise technologies, STAR empowers its builders to work smarter, faster, and more competitively. The focus on streamlining processes means our builders can spend less time modifying components onsite and more time advancing construction projects efficiently. This reliability is essential in supporting the success of multi-family housing developments and other critical projects. For example, builders in Edmonton have come to value STAR’s materials for their quality and consistency, as well as the alignment between production methods and project demands, and this shows as STAR continues to hold the trust of builders across the province.
The tour concluded at the construction site of one of our builder partners, StreetSide Developments, where Craig Illenseer, StreetSide’s Director of Construction Operations, guided the group through both an unfinished and finished townhome in the picturesque community of Uplands. The walk-through provided an up-close look at how the manufactured components come together seamlessly to create a completed home in just a few weeks.
The group walks through a StreetSide construction site in the community of Uplands.
As global demands for sustainable and efficient construction continue to grow, this exchange of ideas and expertise reinforces the significance of working together to strengthen the industry worldwide.
With its continued growth and commitment to innovation, STAR is well-positioned to lead the way in wood construction and framing for years to come. By driving progress in the industry, STAR remains not only a leader in Canada but also a partner to builders and professionals seeking impactful solutions globally. We look forward to inspiring more partnerships, advancing technologies, and playing a pivotal role in the evolution of construction practices worldwide.