On a roll: CFS’ revolutionary approach to prefabricated steel construction

Complete Framing Solutions (CFS) is breaking new ground in steel construction. Founded by Dan Minks, the company is pioneering a fully integrated approach to prefabricated cold-formed steel (CFS) framing — combining design, engineering, and roll forming in a way not seen before in Canada.

“I landed in Canada with just a phone and a laptop and spent 8 to 10 hours a day cold calling as many people as possible,” recalls Minks. “Others have worked with cold-formed steel, but nobody has done it with the level of sophistication we bring. We’re the first in Canada to connect the design process directly with the roll-forming process. It’s always been fragmented — until now.”

How It Works

Cold-formed steel construction uses prefabricated wall panels and floor cassettes to create complete building superstructures. The process starts with architectural drawings, which are converted into detailed 3D models and then programmed into roll-forming machines. These machines produce custom steel studs and tracks, which are assembled into loadbearing wall panels and prefabricated floors — supporting structures up to 15 storeys.

At the centre of CFS’ process is ComFrame, a proprietary pre-panelized framing system for low- to mid-rise construction. ComFrame enables faster lockup, consistent quality, and proven performance in Canadian climates.

“The process is highly automated and precise,” Minks explains. “The roll-forming machines pre-punch all the connection points, so instead of measuring and marking by hand, everything lines up exactly. Panels are then assembled using bolted connections, creating a strong, consistent, and repeatable system.”

Speed and Efficiency

The results are hard to ignore. CFS can install 10,000 to 14,000 square feet of floor area per week, roughly twice the pace of traditional concrete or wood construction. With most of the work completed off-site, schedules are less dependent on weather, and labour shortages are less of a bottleneck.

Upfront coordination also improves project outcomes. By overlaying their model with the architect’s design and running clash detections with mechanical, electrical, and plumbing trades, CFS resolves conflicts before they ever reach the site. “When it gets to site, it flows really, really smoothly,” says Minks.

The company sources its steel domestically from ArcelorMittal Dofasco in Ontario, strengthening local supply chains and reducing the risk of material delays.

Cost and Value

While cold-formed steel may seem more expensive at first glance, the long-term economics tell a different story.

When applied to mid-rise (6–15 storeys): CFS projects are typically 20% more cost-effective and 40% faster than concrete builds.

When compared to traditional wood construction, steel may carry an 8–10% higher upfront cost, but long-term benefits — such as lower insurance premiums, reduced maintenance, fewer callbacks, and higher resale value — quickly balance the equation.

“A properly designed and protected steel structure can last well over 100 years — in many cases exceeding 200 years,” noted Minks. “By comparison, conventional wood structures often have a service life of 60 to 80 years. Steel doesn’t rot, warp, or twist, and it’s dimensionally accurate. It’s also a non-combustible material, which reduces fire risk and helps lower insurance premiums. It requires very little maintenance, and it’s fully recyclable — all without the need to harvest forests for building materials.”

Cold-formed steel’s superior strength-to-weight ratio also frees up valuable space, increasing usable square footage for owners and developers.

Looking Ahead

Despite its advantages, cold-formed steel currently accounts for just 2% of multifamily construction in Canada. Minks sees that changing rapidly. “I could see it growing to 20%, and eventually becoming the preferred building method,” he says.

To position itself for growth, CFS has invested in a new 42,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Edmonton, quadrupling its production capacity. With two high-speed roll-forming machines, the plant can now produce 120,000 square feet of floor space each month.

And the company has bigger ambitions on the horizon. 

“We have a ton of work coming up in Calgary and B.C., so I can see us opening new shops in Calgary and Kamloops,” says Minks. “Ultimately, I can see us producing a million square feet of floor area every month. That’s where we want to be.”