Why are there only a handful of truss plate suppliers in an industry that builds millions of roof and floor components every year? After years of consolidation, the list of plate manufacturers is now surprisingly short. Most component manufacturers still buy from the same group of companies that have been big players in the market for decades.
The reason is simple. For years, survival as a plate supplier meant being more than a plate supplier. To win business you had to deliver an entire package: connector plates, proprietary design software, machinery, engineering stamps, and ongoing services. That bundle became the business model.
Many regional players who only made plates or specialty connectors could not compete with the bundled approach. Some sold to larger competitors. Others quietly closed their doors. What remained were the big brands that still dominate the market today.
The Big Four and a Legacy Player
Here is a snapshot of who remains at the top:
These companies built their positions not only on plate catalogs but also on the ability to lock in shops through software, equipment, and services.
Why are there so few options?
The connector plate universe remains small for three reasons:
- Capital intensity. Running a plate stamping factory requires expensive equipment, a constant supply of high-grade steel, and ongoing investment in testing and approvals.
- Software gravity. The large suppliers subsidize design software, which makes it difficult for a shop to switch vendors without retraining staff or converting past jobs.
- Consolidation cycles. Regional stampers that once offered alternatives were either absorbed into the majors or faded away when they could not match margins of larger competitors.
The result is that most component manufacturers still feel like their only option is to choose one supplier to cover every aspect of their workflow.
This raises an important question: are we slowly losing our freedom and choice as an industry? When suppliers control not just plates but the entire digital ecosystem around them, shops risk becoming dependent on a single vendor for every decision. That lack of independence can limit innovation, restrict bargaining power, and make it harder to adapt when markets shift.
Freedom to Choose with Paragon
Paragon gives manufacturers true freedom to choose. Unlike legacy systems that tie your software, plates, and engineering into one package, Paragon is connector plate-agnostic. That means you can import existing jobs, analyze designs, and compare costs across different plate catalogs without being locked in. This flexibility ensures that your business decisions are driven by performance and price, not vendor limitations.
CH Machine: A Different Kind of Option
CH Machine is not new to the industry, but what is new is that Paragon is now partnering with CH Machine plates to ensure you have the freedom to access affordable plate prices no matter your size. This support has made it practical for manufacturers to access CH Machine’s catalog and unlock significant savings. CH Machine Inc., based in Vernon, Alabama, is proof that a plate company can succeed without forcing shops into a bundle.
- Plates only. CH Machine manufactures 20 ga and 18 ga galvanized truss connector plates (CH20, CH18, CH18 HS) that are fully TPI-listed for structural use.
- North American production. Plates are stamped in Alabama and shipped across the U.S. and Canada.
- No software lock-in. CH Machine does not sell proprietary design software, which means shops are free to use platforms like Paragon.
This independence, combined with Paragon’s integration, makes CH plates one of the most affordable options available. Manufacturers can now source plates without carrying the added costs of software contracts or machinery financing.
Why This Matters for Manufacturers
- More leverage. With CH Machine in the mix, you can compare catalogs and multi-source supply to sharpen quotes from your primary vendor.
- More flexibility. Open design platforms like Paragon allow you to swap plates on existing jobs and see cost differences between vendors. Paragon’s AnyPlate feature allows you obtain stamped plan sets and then decide which of the 5 plate vendors to use at the time of manufacturing.
- More independence. You no longer have to accept that plates, software, and equipment must all ride on the same invoice.
Bottom Line
For decades, the truss plate market has been defined by bundled solutions by major players. This model left little room for alternatives. CH Machine proves there is another way. By focusing on quality plates without the addition of software lock-in, CH has become a true fifth option for U.S. component manufacturers.
When paired with Paragon, manufacturers finally have the freedom to compare options side by side and choose what works best for their business.
Curious how CH plates might change your bottom line? Fill out this form and we will send you the numbers!
