Frame and Truss Industry Gathers for Record-Breaking National Conference

FTMA Convention and Trade Expo 2026

Australia’s frame and truss industry has wrapped up its most successful national event to date, with the FTMA 2026 National Conference & Trade Expo drawing 264 delegates and 43 exhibitors to the Sunshine Coast.

AG Trusses was proud to be part of the milestone event, with Director and FTMA board member Jacqueline Goodwin among those representing the company and helping steer the industry’s national conversation.

The program offered plenty for manufacturers to consider. IndustryEdge’s Tim Woods pointed to strong growth in mid-rise and multi-residential construction as a key opportunity for manufacturers willing to adapt. A panel led by FTMA’s Rhianna Robinson explored the new Lightweight Timber Framing Standard and the broader Future Framing Initiative, while OE Partners’ Damien Lacey urged delegates to refine their processes before pursuing automation – a message that resonates with our own investment in prefabrication.

FTMA also unveiled a new online Timber Systems Design training program to build career pathways for the next generation.

Beyond the sessions, the expo delivered exceptional networking, and the conference dinner raised close to $10,000 for Sunshine Coast charity SunnyKids.

It was great to be part of an industry that’s innovating, collaborating and investing in its community and future.

AG Trusses Awarded Housing Innovation Fund Grant

$3M to scale advanced prefabrication capacity through automation

AG Trusses has been awarded $3 million through the West Australian Government’s Housing Innovation Fund Grant — recognition of the company’s commitment to innovation in timber prefabrication and its role in addressing WA’s housing needs.

The funding will be directed toward scaling advanced prefabrication capacity through automation at the Armadale facility, accelerating the speed and volume at which timber trusses and frames can be delivered to builders right across Perth and regional WA.

The announcement was marked by a visit from Matt Keogh, Federal Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Member of Parliament for Burt, who toured the Armadale factory to see the operation firsthand.

“Thank you to Jacq and the team, who showed me how they’re turning WA timber into housing frames that can be up within a day.”
— Matt Keogh, Federal MP for Burt

Minister Keogh’s visit underscored the broader significance of AG Trusses’ work — not just as a manufacturing business, but as a key contributor to solving one of WA’s most pressing challenges: getting more homes built, faster.

With this investment, AG Trusses is well positioned to deliver even greater value to builders and the communities they serve across the state.

A huge thank you to our team, clients, suppliers, and partners for being part of this journey — and to the Government of Western Australia and the Department of Energy and Economic Diversification for supporting local manufacturing and innovation.

Meet Our Victorian Team

Gabby, Joe & Hass: the people you can truss

At AG Trusses, experience isn’t just a number on a page – it’s the foundation everything else is built on.

The team at our Victorian office collectively brings more than 50 years of industry knowledge to the table. Gabby, Joe, and Hass have spent decades working across frames and trusses, developing the kind of hands-on expertise that simply can’t be taught in a classroom. But what sets this crew apart goes beyond technical know-how.

Over the years, they’ve built something just as valuable as their trade skills – genuine relationships. With each other, with builders, and with the broader industry. That shared history means when a challenge comes up on a job, the answer isn’t far away. It’s a quick conversation with someone who’s seen it before and knows exactly what to do.

That’s the AG Trusses difference. When you work with our team, you’re not just getting access to industry-leading products and prefabrication capability – you’re getting a group of people who are genuinely invested in the success of your build.

We don’t just know the job. We care about it.

And after 50 years of experience between them, Gabby, Joe, and Hass are just getting started.

Terrific Timber: The Undeniable Benefits of Choosing Timber

With over 20 years in the industry, Darren Frost — founder, owner & operator of Rubix Homes — is no stranger to the Perth building landscape. A rare hybrid, Darren holds both a Bachelor of Builders Registration, as well a Bachelor of Architecture. His career has seen him work alongside industry giants like Pindan and Zuideveld Marchant Hur Architects.

However, it was the 2016 evolution from Taff Design to Rubix Homes that marked his true shift toward the future: lightweight, eco-friendly timber framing.

“The reason we’ve gone with timber frames as opposed to traditional is simple: it’s a lot faster, it’s better engineered, and it has better thermal qualities.” — Darren, Rubix Homes

By partnering with AG Trusses, Darren has traded the slow grind of traditional brick for high-precision, sustainably sourced timber. For Rubix Homes, beyond all the technical superiorities of timber, it all boils down to one simple factor: “It’s about getting families into their homes quicker”

The “Lock-Up” Advantage

In today’s market, time is the ultimate currency. Darren’s move to prefab timber has yielded massive dividends for his clients compared to traditional methods:

  • Three-Storey Homes: Saves approximately 6 months to lock-up.

  • Two-Storey Homes: Saves 3 to 4 months to lock-up.

By combining decades of architectural wisdom with the latest in timber technology, Rubix Homes and AG Trusses are proving that the most efficient way to build for the future is to look beyond the brick.

Announcing the new AG Trusses Model Viewer app!

From paper to pocket: the future of site management

Clarity on-site is the foundation of a successful build. That is why AG Trusses has made it easier than ever to access, analyse, and review your timber frame and truss plans—anytime, anywhere.

Gone are the days of relying solely on cumbersome 2D paper plans. With the AG Trusses Model Viewer, you can now carry the full 3D model of your entire project right in your pocket.

Visualise before you build

The app puts complete control in your hands. Using intuitive multi-touch gestures, you can:

  • Rotate, pan, and zoom into complex junctions.

  • Visualise the structure in detail before a single truss is even lifted.

  • Access instant specs by simply tapping any component for detailed information.

Your direct link to expertise

Beyond the 3D model, the app serves as a central hub for your project’s success. It provides a direct link to essential technical resources from the team at AG Trusses and expert Pryda engineers, ensuring you have the right answers when you need them most.

Experience total control over your next build.

Head to your app store to download the AG Trusses Model Viewer today and see the difference a digital-first approach makes on-site.

AG Trusses Model Viewer on the Apple App Store

AG Trusses Model Viewer on the Google Play Store

What International Women’s Day Means to Us

Celebrating our proud history of breaking barriers

AG Trusses is proud to celebrate International Women’s Day 2026. As a company with strong female representation across ownership, management and staff operating in a traditionally male dominated construction industry, we find it our privilege and responsibility to champion a changing norm and highlight the heroic women at the centre of our sector.

We believe that championing women means placing them at the forefront of decision-making and recognising the immense value they bring to the table. The leadership, expertise, and commitment consistently displayed by the women at AG Trusses set the tone for a more inclusive and forward-thinking industry.

Our Director, Jacqueline Goodwin, exemplifies this standard. Her recent appointment to the national Frame & Truss Manufacturers Association (FTMA) Australia Board is a clear testament to the impact female leaders are having—not just within our own company walls, but in actively shaping the future of prefabricated timber across the entire country.

Championing women extends far beyond the boardroom; it is about valuing the meticulous skill and daily dedication of our team members on the ground. From the precise technical work of our Melbourne Detailer, Jennifer, to the operational staff keeping our sites running smoothly, women are integral pieces in a growing movement that is redefining construction in Australia. They bring diverse perspectives, sharp attention to detail, and innovative problem-solving skills that make our end product structurally and operationally stronger.

3 Stats Backing Timber Over Traditional

We’re yelling timber

When it comes to residential construction, there is a lot riding on your choice of materials and processes. While concrete and timber framework have long been industry standard, there are a swelling number of reasons why the building industry is moving towards timber framework. Timber offers positive impact across your build time, waste and profit – and even has massive upside for our planet. We’ve found three key research backed statistics, which help paint some of the picture of why timber is the superior choice.

1. 40% faster construction

Time on-site directly impacts your bottom line. The structural building phase for residential homes using timber frames takes an average of just 113 days. This makes it roughly 40% faster than concrete (which averages 190 days) and 28% faster than steel (157 days). Choosing timber means you can progress through the build schedule much quicker and hand over the keys sooner.

2. 26% reduction in energy demand

Timber is naturally thermally superior to metals like steel, which are highly conductive and prone to thermal bridging. By combining low-mass timber framing with high-quality insulation, researchers have achieved a 26% reduction in total annual heating and cooling demand when compared to traditional structures. This translates to long-term energy savings and more comfortable homes year-round.

3. 75% less embodied carbon

With the industry pushing towards greener building practices, sustainability is no longer optional. Changing to timber frames is proven to offer a massive 75% reduction in embodied carbon. Unlike the highly energy-intensive manufacturing processes required for concrete and steel, timber naturally stores CO2. This makes it a faster, more sustainable, and environmentally responsible alternative.

Cause for Celebration: Jacq Appointed to FTMA Board

AG Trusses Director Jacqueline Goodwin appointed to FTMA Australia board

At AG Trusses, we believe in helping to shape our industry, not just participating in it. That is why we are thrilled to announce that our Director, Jacqueline Goodwin, has been appointed to the Board of the Frame & Truss Manufacturers Association (FTMA) Australia, effective December 2025.

A true driving force in prefabricated timber, Jacqueline brings 28 years of hands-on experience across operations in both WA and Victoria. She is a staunch advocate for leveraging technology to create smarter, more efficient processes. This forward-thinking mindset — which she has successfully applied to residential, commercial, and industrial projects — will now directly benefit the national stage.

Beyond her technical expertise, Jacqueline continues to set the benchmark for women in leadership within the construction sector. From convening the highly successful 2025 WA Women in Construction event to securing this major national appointment, her commitment to fostering industry-wide growth and diversity is clear.

The FTMA Australia Board plays a critical role in representing our sector, and we have no doubt Jacqueline will make an immediate impact. Hopefully, the rest of the board is ready for her boundless energy and relentless passion for the trade — good luck, guys!

Connecting the Dots with South Australian Order

AG Trusses expands reach with first South Australian order

Bridging the distance between our established Western Australian and Victorian hubs, AG Trusses recently celebrated a major milestone by fulfilling our very first South Australian order. To cap off a highly successful 2025, a dedicated truckload of our premium timber frames made the journey across the border, heading straight over the picturesque Adelaide Hills to deliver on-site.

This landmark delivery serves as an exciting demonstration of our extensive logistical capabilities and our commitment to meeting client needs across the country. More importantly, it highlights the rapidly spreading reputation of the AG Trusses brand, proving that our dedication to superior quality and precision manufacturing is recognised well beyond our traditional state lines.

While establishing a permanent physical presence in the southern state might still be a little while away, successfully dipping our toes into this new market has been a highly rewarding experience for our entire team. It reinforces our capacity for national reach and sets a strong, confident tone as we continue to supply top-tier timber framing solutions across Australia.