Industry News

West Chester, OH – ClarkDietrich has unveiled a new version if its iTools app, featuring design and navigation improvements. Launched in 2013, ClarkDietrich iTools is a free online resource (accessible on desktop and mobile) for architects and contractors who are evaluating purchasing decisions and product selection for steel framing projects, providing access to design lookup tools, ClipExpress products, cost-saving calculators, sustainability options and product submittals.

Dublin, Ireland – Kingspan, a global leader in high-performance insulation and building envelope solutions, has announced its collaboration with Buildner on the eleventh edition of the MICROHOME competition, offering a $115,000 prize fund.

Channahon, IL — VALTO Engineered Materials, a leading designer and manufacturer of high-quality fiberglass reinforced panels (FRP), has introduced GLASBOND with an ASTM E84 Class A Fire Performance rating for its peel-and-stick panel and trim profile system. Class A per ASTM E84 is the highest fire-resistance rating requirement, common on many assembly and institutional occupancies where FRP is specified, including hospitals and schools.

Allentown, PA – ATAS International, a leading manufacturer of premier metal roofing, wall panels, ceilings, and accessories, has expanded its offering of prepainted aluminum flat sheets and coils to include thicknesses up to .118 inches. This strategic enhancement provides architects, fabricators and contractors with greater design flexibility and structural performance for demanding applications.

Washington, DC – The Equipment Leasing & Finance Association (ELFA) has released its February 2026 Monthly Confidence Index for the Equipment Finance Industry (MCI), revealing confidence in the equipment finance market rose to 67.6, up from 64.6 in January, and the highest level since January 2025. The index provides a qualitative assessment from key executives in the $1.3 trillion equipment finance industry.

Chicago, IL – The Metal Construction Association (MCA) has released its 2025 Annual Report. Interested persons are invited to read, download, and share the report now to see MCA’s key achievements throughout the year and the industry leaders who made them possible.

Nashville, TN – Elevate recently celebrated its 2026 Master Contractors at their annual rewards trip, held February 10-13 at the Grand Velas Riviera Maya in Mexico. The Master Contractor program, which recognizes the most elite commercial roofing contractors across North America, remains one of the industry’s most established contractor designations. Elevate is a premium commercial roofing systems manufacturer and part of the Amrize family of brands.

Oklahoma City, OK – The students in the Construction Management Technology program at Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC) in Appleton, Wisconsin are learning about curved walls, soffits and ceilings, thanks to a generous donation of product by Flex-Ability Concepts. By using donated Flex-C Trac and Flex-C Arch, the students have the opportunity to discover how a metal framing track curved by hand saves time and money—while improving safety—compared with traditional curved framing methods.

Brookshire, TX – Straight Line Metal Buildings is pleased to announce the appointment of Sean Weda as its new general manager.

Schaumburg, IL – The Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) has released an updated standard for the testing and performance of anodic coatings on architectural aluminum extrusions and panels. AAMA 611-26, Specification for Anodized Architectural Aluminum, an FGIA document, is now available for purchase in the FGIA online store. This document was last updated in 2024.

Beloit, WI – Low-slope roofing manufacturer MuleHide has hired two new territory managers, one for the Eastern Michigan territory, which includes metro Detroit, and the other to oversee the Eastern New England territory, including eastern Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Maine.

Watertown, CT /PRNewswire/ – ShelterLogic Group has announced the launch of the Arrow STEELPEAK™ Carport series, a new American-made, heavy-duty steel shelter designed to bridge the gap between industrial-strength protection and residential aesthetic appeal. Manufactured in Watertown, Connecticut, the STEELPEAK series offers homeowners and professionals a galvanized steel solution engineered specifically to withstand severe weather conditions.

Arlington, VA – Construction employment increased by 33,000 jobs in January, with gains concentrated in nonresidential construction, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America. While January hiring was stronger than expected, contractors remain cautious about prospects for sustained growth in 2026.

Laurel, MT – Wood's Powr-Grip has announced Alexandria (Alex) Russell is the newest member of its team, assisting with product marketing, customer-facing content and communications related to the company’s vacuum lifting and material-handling equipment used in glass fabrication, installation, and industrial applications. In her role, she will help shape customer communications and develop educational materials that support new product launches, as well as promote the proper use and maintenance of products already in the field.

Grayslake, IL – Sheet Metal Supply, a national metal fabricator for the construction industry, was the unanimous winner of the 2025 Economic Development award at the Grayslake (Ill.) Area Chamber of Commerce Installation & Awards Ceremony.

Gallatin, TN – The Reflective Insulation Manufacturers Association International (RIMA-I) will be conducting a reflective insulation workshop at the 2026 NFBA Building Expo. The Expo will be held February 25-27, 2026, at the Oklahoma City Convention Center in Oklahoma.

Bossier City, LA /PRNewswire/ – McElroy Metal has acquired Fabral, a respected leader in the metal construction industry with nearly 60 years of experience, adding Fabral to the McElroy Metal family of companies.

Cleveland, OH – The Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) will hold its annual Architecture Faculty Workshop for college and university professors from across the county on April 15 and 16 at the University of Massachusetts. Workshop attendees will take a tour of the UMass campus and visit a nearby metal building manufacturing plant. Registration for the program is now underway and there is no fee for architecture educators to attend.

DeLand, FL – Kingspan Insulated Panels North America, a leader in high-performance building materials, has announced the expansion of its Cladding Accessories and Components Line with the launch of the Leo-Klip™ Fastening System, an innovative accessory designed to enhance the performance and efficiency of its KS Series and Optimo® insulated metal panel assemblies.

Raleigh, NC — FMI Corporation, a leading provider of consulting and investment banking services to the built environment, has released its 2026 North American Engineering and Construction Industry Overview. The report provides a comprehensive forecast for a broad range of construction and engineering segments in the U.S. and Canada for 2026.