Ken McLauchlan, National Sales Manager for Associations, Carlisle Architectural Metals - February 2026
The term “portable rollformer” can generate interesting discussions when you consider that the definition of portable is “able to be easily carried or moved, especially because being of a lighter and smaller version than usual.” This is somewhat of a contradiction and a reason for some construction applications not to be ideal for the portable rollforming process or application. This is because several manufacturers have claimed their machines are portable but in reality, they are in-plant machines put on an aftermarket trailer with limited or reduced capabilities.
These setups typically are top-heavy and are not designed to be hauled down a smooth paved road, let alone a gravel or dirt road or operate on construction sites. Other manufacturers make longer machines and accessories that limit the portability and jobsite maneuverability. Some manufacturers are not basing their engineering decisions on DOT compliance or local conditions, which should be part of the process.
From a contractor perspective, portable typically aligns with being able to transport to the jobsite with the goal of increasing productivity, gaining job control and, in the process, increasing the efficiency of the application and ultimately controlling and improving profitability. Typical machinery operating in Florida is based on 24 and 26 gauge in steel substrates, with some allowing up to 22-gauge steel or .032”-.040” in aluminum as well as specialty materials like copper and zinc.
Operating a portable metal rollformer-based business comes with benefits and detriments. Contractors Succeeding in Florida's Portable Rollformer-Based Business Ken McLauchlan, National Sales Manager for Associations, Carlisle Architectural Metals invest in portable rollformers as capital improvements to increase revenue and provide a better experience for their team and customers. There are financial gains to be made but do not overlook the ability to control the project schedule and experience as well.
Owning a portable rollformer adds a level of control, because the contractor is not waiting for the entire project to be complete before measuring and ordering. They have eliminated the reduced partial shipping of orders or ordering over-length panels, which adds both labor and material costs to the project. Material (coil) can be pre-ordered, can be stored onsite and ready to process as the project schedule and availability allow. In most cases, this allows the contractor to bill for stored materials while meeting the project schedule. Additional opportunities include:
■ Reduced waste (both panel material, dunnage and shipping debris such as film and crating).
■ Ability to offer multiple profiles in multiple materials with one machine.
■ Business growth by allowing tooling to be added on a project-specific basis.
Some machines have special and varying abilities such as quick changeover to other profiles, additional tooling, computer-aided generation of panel cut lists, ability to import panel cut lists from an outside source, providing accurate recording of quantities run for accounting and quality assurance, ability to change striation rollers to provide a different appearance, perforating tooling, adding sealants to achieve some testing requirements for slope and weathertightness, pre-notching of panels and angle-cutting shears to cut miters, which allows the skilled labor force more time to focus on installation, plus reduction of freight costs and damage (ship more coil with less opportunity for damage).
Owning a rollforming machine comes with challenges. For example, having fewer forming stations reduces the amount of floor space needed for manufacturing and provides the potential to increase deformation in panel systems based on type and grade of materials utilized. These machines come with a list of maintenance tasks that must be completed by a competent person or partner company.
Rollformer owners now become the manufacturer and must accept and steward the related responsibility. For example, owners must have a process of quality assurance that aligns with requirements of the city, county and state building code. This should take into consideration the required tolerance dimensions as well as assembly process to ensure the panels, clips, trim, etc., are in compliance.
Florida Building Code states, “The installation of metal roof panels shall comply with the provisions of this section. Metal roofing panels shall be factory or field manufactured in accordance with the manufacturers’ product approval specifications and limitations of use. Metal roofing panels shall be factory or field manufactured under a quality assurance program that is audited by a third-party quality assurance entity approved by the Florida Building Commission for that purpose.”
The Florida market presents multiple factors to consider when operating a business based on a portable rollformer. At the foundational level, potential contractor owners should consider if a portable rollforming panel machine will create products that conform to some of the most stringent codes in the country. Does this machine and supporting company have current testing to support the installation with assembly testing? Are you manufacturing the panel to achieve this system requirement and can you provide documentation? As this is a long-term investment for the contractor, make sure to have a long-term partner with history in the market to support code changes and regulatory requirements.
Pay attention to local codes and other requirements for panel assemblies. Also, be aware that the length of a portable rollforming system includes the delivery and tow vehicle and typically you will need two to two-and-a-half times the length of the tow vehicle and rollformer to allow for panel run-out at the end of the machine. Most machines can carry up to 6,000 pounds of material or approximately 3,200 to 4,800 square feet of a typical type standing seam roofing panel but some do not and limit productivity. So, if you run out or work more than this, it will create a need to access coil from site to the machine. Generally, this is done with an all-terrain forklift or small crane.
Some owners of portable rollforming machines create tow vehicles with free-standing decoilers that can carry additional coil to dispense without the need for cranes and forklifts. In most of these cases, the operator must have a CDL-type driver and associated support. Be diligent when planning to avoid DOT-related issues.
Some portable equipment is modular and can be added to and some is limited or single purpose only. Consider your long-term goals: this should factor into your equipment investment plans. Ultimately, not all portable rollforming machines are created equal, so find a manufacturer that not only has a machine but one that is capable of meeting your company and market needs. This should be inclusive of technical support, service and ongoing training to support your investment. Prior to your purchase, make a list of your team needs, ask questions of your team including employees, subcontractors, general contractors and design professionals. Understand that you are adding a title or description to your company; you are now a manufacturer and have responsibility as such.
Ken McLauchlan has made his career in the architectural metal market with more than 35 years of experience in roles including a contractor performing installation, estimating, project management and operations and as a direct factory representative with major manufacturers performing sales, sales management and operations on a local, regional and national basis. He is the National Sales Manager for Associations at Carlisle Architectural Metals, focusing on contractor and vendor-based relations. He is based in Senoia, Ga. where he lives with his wife of 33 years. If he is not working in the trade, he is exploring what he calls the greatest country on this earth on his motorcycle or in their motor home. He regularly participates in national trade shows, is an active member of the Metal Construction Association and was elected to and serves on the board of directors, is a member of International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC). He is passionate about the trades in general, however truly devoted to the architectural sheet metal trade and the craftsmen and craftswomen who create art every day.