Industry News

McLean, VA — The Copper Development Association (CDA) has announced the launch of Copper Advocates, a nonpartisan nationwide network for individuals, public officials, organizations, and companies that recognize copper’s importance to the U.S. economy, infrastructure, and manufacturing. There is no cost to participate, and the network is open to anyone interested in supporting copper.

Vacaville, CA – All Weather Insulated Panels (AWIP), a leading manufacturer of high-performance insulated metal wall and roof systems, is proud to announce that its groundbreaking InnovaCELL™ Technology has been named a finalist for the 2026 Polyurethane Innovation Award, presented by the Center for the Polyurethanes Industry (CPI).

Houston, TX – Cornerstone Building Brands has announced an important step toward organizing into two focused businesses to strengthen customer focus and operational effectiveness. As part of this evolution, the company's Metal Solutions business is now operating as Fortify Building Solutions® (Fortify™), a dedicated business focused exclusively on serving the metal building industry.

Lake Forest, IL – Kingspan Light + Air (KLA) will showcase its newly available pre-assembled KlearSky™ glass skylight options at GlassBuild America 2026, taking place Sept. 23–25 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Located at Booth #3509, KLA will also feature solutions from across its custom daylighting, unit skylight and smoke vent portfolio.

Arlington, VA – Construction firms added 22,000 jobs in August and the industry’s unemployment fell to an all-time low of 3.1% according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of new government data. Association officials cautioned, however, that results of its latest workforce survey finds contractors struggling to fill openings amid surging demand for data center construction and a crackdown on immigration.

Colorado Springs, CO – S-5!, a global leader in metal roof attachment solutions, will present accredited education and showcase its latest innovation at METALCON, October 7-9 in Orlando. In addition to educational sessions offering continuing education credits (CEUs), S-5! will feature SnoGard EF™, its new snow retention solution designed for common exposed-fastened metal roofing.

Bristol, CT – For decades, architects have trusted Morin's Classic Series to create some of North America's most distinctive metal façades. Now, Morin is celebrating the next chapter in that legacy, as the Matrix Series™ and Pulse Series™ continue to build on the design flexibility, performance and architectural expression that made the Classic Series a market favorite.

DeLand, FL – Kingspan Insulated Panels North America, a leader in high-performance building materials, has announced the launch of K-Roc® FX, a new fire-rated insulated metal panel (IMP) system featuring a mineral wool insulation core.

Beloit, WI – Low-slope roofing manufacturer MuleHide has hired Garen Rodriguez as territory manager for Chicago. As the company's lead contact with customers in the territory, his responsibilities include helping ensure that projects are completed efficiently and according to specification, working with contractors and ABC Supply Co. Inc. branch teams to develop the best solutions to meet property owners’ roofing needs, and providing ongoing product, technical and sales training for contractors and ABC Supply associates.

Newton, MA – METALCON will feature new onsite experiences and networking opportunities, along with a special community initiative, October 7–9 in Orlando, Florida. Celebrating its 35th year, the show will offer attendees the opportunity to explore where the industry has been—and where it is headed, while reinforcing its role as the gathering place for professionals who design, manufacture, specify and build with metal.

Vista, CA – Reflecting a decades-long commitment to environmental sustainability, Solatube International, a Kingspan Light + Air company and the worldwide leading manufacturer and marketer of tubular daylighting devices (TDDs), announced it has earned recertification as both a California Green Business and Green Innovator from the California Green Business Network (CAGBN). As the organization's highest certification tier, the Green Innovator designation recognizes businesses demonstrating exceptional leadership in sustainability through comprehensive environmental practices. Solatube completed 88 sustainability measures during the recertification process, well above the program's 65 required benchmarks, and also achieved its first certification through the City of Vista Green Business Program.

Schaumberg, IL – The Metal Construction Association (MCA) has released updated industry-average environmental product declarations (EPDs) for three major metal cladding product categories: insulated metal panels (IMPs), metal composite materials (MCMs), and single skin metal cladding. The declarations provide independently verified environmental impact data to support sustainability reporting, material selection, and compliance with green building programs.

Allentown, PA – ATAS International Inc. announces with deep sadness the passing of Nel Bus, who co-founded the company alongside her husband, Jacobus "Jack" P. Bus, in 1963. Nel was 95 years old, and her birthday was celebrated with a large multi-generational family gathering this summer.

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.