Industry News

Washington, DC – The AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index® (ABI) score for July was 46.6, signaling a modest decline from June. The Billings Index is a monthly gauge of business activity among firms who are members of the American Institute of Architects.

Toronto, ONT – Alumicor has announced the promotion of Nicolas Vrkic to client development manager for Quebec. After 12 years with Alumicor’s inside sales team, Vrkic now works directly with customers throughout Quebec. He provides technical and commercial support on the selection, specification and application of Alumicor’s aluminum-framed curtain wall, storefront, window and entrance systems for commercial, institutional and high-rise residential projects.

Washington, DC – The Equipment Leasing & Finance Association (ELFA) has released its August 2026 Monthly Confidence Index for the Equipment Finance Industry (MCI), revealing confidence in the equipment finance market is 62.4, easing from the July index of 63.7, but within the elevated range of the past six months. The index provides a qualitative assessment from key executives in the $1.3 trillion equipment finance industry.

Sheffield Village, OH – Sheffield Metals International is pleased to announce Tara Faulkner has joined the company as Vice President, where she will lead the Sheffield Metals business unit and help guide the company’s continued growth in the architectural metals industry.

Elk Grove Village, IL – Petersen and Citadel Architectural Products are joining forces to present a three-day virtual education series packed with expert guidance for better building envelopes, focusing specifically on architectural metal roofing, metal wall panels and composite cladding systems.

Washington, DC – Overall construction and nonresidential input prices both increased 0.1% in July compared to the previous month, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Producer Price Index data.

Newton, MA – More and more women are finding their way into what used to be considered non-traditional professional roles. As METALCON celebrates its 35th anniversary, it’s safe to say there are a growing number of women in prominent positions throughout the metal construction industry on the tradeshow floor.

New Cumberland, PA – Keystone Certifications has been appointed the new official program administrator for the Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA) Code Compliance Certification Program, beginning January 1, 2027.

Vacaville, CA – All Weather Insulated Panels (AWIP), a leading manufacturer of high-performance insulated metal panels (IMPs), proudly announces the appointment of Joe Paparella as president. Paparella will lead the company as it continues to expand its presence in the commercial construction market.

Virginia Beach, VA – The Reflective Insulation Manufacturers Association International will hold their Fall meetings at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront in Jacksonville, Florida, October 5-6, 2026 in conjunction with the ASTM C16 meetings at the same location. These meetings are the association’s working meetings where committees meet to discuss assigned projects, address current industry issues, generate new programs and services and work on ongoing and upcoming projects.

Beloit, WI – Low-slope roofing manufacturer MuleHide has expanded its business development team, adding Ryan Baldwin as a strategic account manager. He will work with general contractors, building owners, private developers and national chains across the United States.

Arlington, VA – Construction firms added 22,000 jobs in July and 82,000 over 12 months, as pay for craft workers climbed faster than for production workers overall, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of newest government data. Association officials cautioned, however, that politics threaten to undermine two of the strongest performing construction sectors, public infrastructure and data center work.

Portland, OR – A grand roof for a 9,000 square foot home in Lake Oswego, OR, has earned installer Mountaintop Metal and manufacturer The Aluminum Shingle Company top honors in the Metal Roofing Alliance’s (MRA) Best Residential Metal Roofing Project competition for the second quarter of 2026.

Itasca, IL — The Roofing Alliance has announced its 2026-27 Melvin Kruger Scholarship Award recipients. The program offers three scholarship opportunities, and all categories are open to employees of roofing industry companies, their spouses and dependent children. It is also open to construction management students enrolled in undergraduate level or students enrolled in CTE programs or schools—regardless of industry affiliation.

Cleveland, OH – The Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) has released its newest AIA-approved lunch-and-learn CEU course: Using Metal Building Systems to Meet and Exceed the Energy Codes. This is MBMA’s fourth AIA-approved course and is available for free presentation from member companies to architects, engineers and those interested in meeting sustainability goals with metal building systems. Contact MBMA to schedule a free session.

Pleasanton, CA – Simpson Strong-Tie, a leader in engineered structural connectors and building solutions, has introduced the new Strong-Wall® high-strength steel shearwall (SSWH™). Designed to handle some of the highest load capacities of any prefabricated shearwall on the market, the SSWH also features a slimmer profile that frees up valuable space for greater design flexibility.

Portland, OR – The forecast for residential metal roofing in the U.S. is in growth mode and predicted to outpace the broader economy, according to a joint market study conducted by FMI Consulting and sponsored by the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) and the Metal Construction Association (MCA).

Norcross, GA – Amrize recently celebrated a new chapter for its Adhesives, Coatings & Sealants business unit with a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the completion of a $1 million modernization of its Norcross, Georgia manufacturing facility. The investment expands the site's manufacturing and R&D capabilities while supporting continued growth for the Tacky Tape® brand and GacoSeal® product lines in high growth, advanced sectors including aerospace and composites.

Vacaville, CA – All Weather Insulated Panels (AWIP) is celebrating its 20th anniversary, marking two decades as an innovator in insulated metal wall and roof deck solutions for the North American building industry. Founded in Vacaville, CA, in 2006, the company has grown from a single facility into a three-plant manufacturer advancing product performance, design versatility, and sustainable construction.

Newton, MA – The metal construction workforce is changing, and METALCON is responding with new opportunities designed to meet that evolution. As the show marks its 35th anniversary, METALCON will feature opportunities that reflect the changing face of metal construction and the diverse professionals shaping its future.