Types of Machines & Production Capabilities from Griffin Ironworks

Griffin Ironworks operates as both a metal panel manufacturer and a roll forming machine supplier, giving it a practical, production-driven perspective on equipment design. Based in Nashville, Georgia, the company focuses primarily on machines and systems serving:

• Roofing contractors

• Metal building manufacturers

• Pole barn builders

• Agricultural construction

• Small to mid-scale fabrication shops

Unlike heavy industrial OEMs building structural automotive lines, Griffin Ironworks concentrates on roofing panel profiles, siding systems, trim production, and contractor-level roll forming solutions.

This page outlines the core machine categories and production capabilities associated with Griffin Ironworks.

1. Roofing Panel Roll Forming Machines

Roofing panel systems are the backbone of Griffin Ironworks’ equipment portfolio.

A) AG Panel Roll Formers

AG panels (often used in agricultural and light commercial structures) are among the most popular profiles in the southeastern United States.

Typical Characteristics:

• 36" coverage panel formats

• Exposed fastener systems

• Common gauges: 26–29 gauge steel

• Galvalume or painted steel compatibility

• These machines are designed for:
• ✔ High-volume contractor demand
• ✔ Agricultural buildings
• ✔ Barns and storage structures
• ✔ Residential metal roofing markets

AG panel machines typically prioritize:

• Reliability

• Ease of operation

• Straightforward cut-to-length systems

B) PBR Panel Roll Formers

PBR panels (Purlin Bearing Rib) are widely used in commercial and industrial building applications.

Capabilities Include:

• Deeper rib profiles

• Structural compatibility

• Greater spanning capability than AG panels

• Commonly used for commercial roofing and siding

• PBR roll forming machines supplied by Griffin Ironworks support:
• ✔ Commercial contractors
• ✔ Industrial building fabricators
• ✔ Steel building manufacturers

These machines typically offer heavier-duty forming sections than light agricultural systems.

C) Double-Deck Roll Forming Machines

Double-layer (or double-deck) machines allow production of two panel profiles within a single machine footprint.

Advantages:

• Space-saving

• Cost-efficient for contractors

• Ability to switch between profiles

• Lower capital investment compared to two separate machines

This format appeals to smaller production facilities wanting versatility without doubling equipment footprint.

2. Trim & Flashing Machines

Trim production is essential in roofing and siding markets.

Griffin Ironworks supplies or supports machines for producing:

• Ridge caps

• Eave trim

• Drip edge

• Gable trim

• Corner flashing

• Custom folded profiles

• Trim systems typically involve:
• ✔ Press brake or folding-style equipment
• ✔ Custom die sets
• ✔ Adjustable back gauges

Because trim shapes vary by project, flexibility is a major advantage in this category.

3. Hat Channel & Secondary Profile Machines

Hat channels and furring strips are widely used in:

• Interior framing

• Panel attachment systems

• Sub-framing in retrofit applications

These profiles require narrower tooling and more precise control for thinner gauges.

Typical features:

• Light-gauge forming

• Precision spacing

• Clean cut systems

These machines complement panel roll formers in a complete metal building production setup.

4. Custom Roll Forming Machines

One of Griffin Ironworks’ differentiators is its ability to support custom roll forming builds.

This may include:

• Unique panel geometries

• Modified rib heights

• Specialty contractor profiles

• Custom trim shapes

• Application-specific modifications

• Custom builds are often suited for:
• ✔ Builders creating proprietary product lines
• ✔ Regional manufacturers serving niche markets
• ✔ Contractors wanting differentiation

Custom systems usually require:

• Engineering design phase

• Tooling fabrication

• Extended lead time

• Profile validation testing

5. Integrated Panel Production Capabilities

Because Griffin Ironworks also produces finished metal panels, its operational capabilities include:

• In-house panel roll forming

• Custom cut-to-length panel production

• Coil handling and decoiling

• Panel stacking and preparation

• Accessory and fastener supply

This real-world production environment informs its machine offerings.

In practical terms, machines supplied are aligned with actual contractor needs — not just theoretical specifications.

6. Material Compatibility

Griffin Ironworks machines are generally built to handle:

• Galvalume steel

• Painted pre-coated steel

• Common roofing gauges (typically 26–29 gauge, depending on model)

Material flexibility is critical in the roofing and metal building industry.

7. Production Scale Focus

Griffin Ironworks’ equipment is primarily designed for:

• Small to mid-size operations

• Contractor-level production

• Regional metal supply businesses

• On-demand panel production

These are not ultra-high-speed automotive lines. They are practical, accessible systems aimed at:

• ✔ Cost control
• ✔ Contractor independence
• ✔ Local market supply

8. Operational Features Typically Found in Their Machines

While specifications vary by build, contractor-level panel roll formers typically include:

• Decoiler systems

• Forming stands (chain or gearbox driven)

• Cut-to-length systems (hydraulic or manual stop cut)

• PLC control panels

• Adjustable length programming

• Basic stacking area

Advanced features like flying shear, servo punching, or heavy automation are less common in contractor-focused roofing machines but may be available in custom configurations.

9. Production Applications Served

Griffin Ironworks machines support:

Agricultural Construction

• Barns

• Equipment sheds

• Livestock buildings

Residential Roofing

• Replacement metal roofing

• Retrofit applications

Commercial Construction

• Warehouses

• Storage units

• Light industrial facilities

Regional Metal Supply

• Panel production businesses

• Contractor supply yards

10. Strategic Positioning of Their Equipment Portfolio

Griffin Ironworks does not compete in:

• Automotive structural roll forming

• Heavy structural C/Z industrial lines

• Massive coil processing systems

• Multi-million-dollar integrated lines

Instead, it focuses on:

• ✔ Roofing panel production
• ✔ Siding systems
• ✔ Contractor-level fabrication
• ✔ Custom niche builds

This specialization makes it particularly relevant in:

• Southeast U.S. markets

• Contractor-owned production shops

• Small-scale fabrication businesses

11. Buyer Considerations

When evaluating Griffin Ironworks’ machine types, buyers should consider:

• Target profile(s)

• Production volume goals

• Available floor space

• Electrical capacity

• Operator skill level

• Long-term expansion plans

Because the machines are typically contractor-focused, simplicity and durability are often prioritized over high automation.

Conclusion

Griffin Ironworks provides a focused portfolio of roofing panel roll forming machines, trim equipment, hat channel systems, and custom roll formers, primarily serving the roofing and metal building industries.

Its production capabilities reflect:

• Practical, contractor-driven equipment

• Regional U.S. market focus

• Customization flexibility

• Vertical integration with in-house panel production

For buyers seeking accessible panel production systems — especially in agricultural and light commercial building markets — Griffin Ironworks occupies a specific and practical niche in the roll forming ecosystem.