What’s going on with Havelock’s backlog?

The building industry is oft subject to increases throughout the calendar year but product availability is rarely an issue. These times are clearly unprecedented, at least for recent generations, so it seems we can take ‘norms’ off the shelf (with everything else) and live the exceptions for a bit.

We can only control us and we are not up for glomming onto industry trends to deflect or own inadequacies. One thing we will admit is >3x growth this year, which is hard to get right, but who cares if other products are also now hard to find? ‘Good problems’ notwithstanding, we have a backlog and we don’t like it. So, what are we doing to remedy the situation?

We bought a new production line in the middle of the year, which gives us 4 dedicated to essentially each product we offer: 2”, 3.5” and 5.5” batts and loose-fill insulation. We thought our experience would allow for a calculated, conservative estimate to allow for production on the new line by November. Well, it is December and it’s not running. The budget has blown out to more than 2x the plan and it is almost impossible to get a sub to do what they promise. No, we are not complaining, we are just letting you know we are very aware of your angst when you want our products and we have to tell you no problem…..in 4-6 weeks. Lame.

So, what is going to happen now?
The new line will indeed be spinning in the next 2 weeks. We will then royally foul each piece of the extensive puzzle before an acceptable product finds its way into a bag.

Is there any good news?
Yes, we currently struggle to make what we sell everyday. With the new line we will be able to make ~2x what we sell each day. It’s fast! So with some simple math we would expect to fix our backlog within a few weeks of the new line working close to consistently.

When is that going to happen?
We know better than to commit to time-lines while certain elements remain out of our control. That said, we’d expect to have this (backlog) thing behind us by the middle of Q1.

Is that it for updates as it relates to production?
No, we are launching a new product; ideally in January. It is a batt product designed to remove a lingering excuse amongst installers and builders. They love to tell us Havelock batts take too long to install. Well, guess what buddies; you’re going to have to come up with a new excuse to disappoint your clients…….we’ve fixed the glitch. We’ll have much more on this topic in the next 4 weeks or so.

In the interim, please sit tight and get pumped for more wool in more structures. We’re turning corners, having a blast and promise to continue transparently developing our business. We owe you at least that for all of the insatiable support.

Back to work!