Industry News

Newton, MA — Once again, Las Vegas proved to be a phenomenal venue for METALCON. From dynamic exhibits to inspiring keynotes, intensive workshops and free educational sessions, attendees from 50 countries from Australia to Zambia learned from top industry experts and networked with colleagues at the only event dedicated exclusively to the application of metal in design and construction.

Arlington, VA - The construction industry added 23,000 jobs in October as unemployment rates for the sector hovered near the all-time low for the month, according to an analysis of new government data released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said the construction industry would likely have hired even more workers to keep pace with strong demand for construction.

Kalama, WA - ASC Steel Deck, manufacturer of steel roof and floor deck, introduces a new structural sidelap connection system called the DeltaGrip® DG4™ Tool.

Muskegon, MI - Lorin Industries Inc., a global industry leader in the innovation and production of coil anodized aluminum, announces it will launch a new batch anodizing line at the beginning of 2024. This capability, combined with the long history of anodized coil processing, will allow Lorin to satisfy the needs of its current coil to coil customers with batch anodized parts.

Mason, Ohio — For the first time ever, Clopay® Corporation, North America’s largest manufacturer and marketer of garage doors and rolling steel doors, has made its catalog of continuing education units (CEUs) available online and on demand.

Chicago, IL - The Metal Construction Association (MCA) has announced the creation of the new MCA Scholarship Program to benefit the employees of member companies.

Pittsburgh, PA – VORTEQ Coil Finishers (VORTEQ), a leading provider of coil coating services for metal products, has announced its acquisition of the assets of Zegers Incorporated (Zegers). Headquartered in Lansing, IL, Zegers is a long-time producer of coated aluminum and steel products, serving a variety of pre-painted and laminated markets across the Midwest. Zegers’ reputation for personalized customer service and niche capabilities has been well earned during its distinguished six-decade operating history.Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

Lewisville, TX – Metl-Span®, a recognized leader in the advancement of insulated metal panel technology, has named Madison Yards, a mixed-use development in Madison, WI, as its 2023 Building of the Year.

Colorado Springs, CO — Until recently, there's been no industry standard or mandate for the production and testing of snow retention devices. Now there is, and S-5!, a leader in the development and manufacture of snow retention and attachment solutions for metal roofs, is the first to gain acceptance.

Auburn, WA - The Bryer Company Inc., headquartered in Auburn, Washington, has introduced a comprehensive residential standing seam installation guide to help both installers and homeowners alike. The updated manual was designed to show multiple options for various flashing conditions, while also outlining some of the architectural details that can help take roofing contractors' installations to the next level.

Portland, OR — The Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) and Metal Coffee Shop have selected a massive metal roofing project that provides the perfect crowning touch for a stunning custom home as the winner of the Best Residential Metal Roofing Project competition for the third quarter of 2023.

Washington, DC - The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) has published a new research report, “RP23-02: Influence of Support Attachment Pattern on the Out-of-Plane Buckling Capacity of Steel Deck.”

Beloit, WI – Stephanie Garrett and Patrick Russell have joined Mule-Hide Products Co.Inc., manufacturer of low-slope roofing products and systems, as territory managers. Garrett covers the Intermountain territory, which encompasses Colorado, New Mexico and Wyoming. Russell is responsible for the Central California territory, which includes Fresno, Bakersfield and the central coast from Santa Barbara to Paso Robles.

Arlington, VA - The construction industry added 11,000 jobs in September as unemployment rates for the sector remained at historically low levels, prompting contractors to raise pay faster than for other jobs, according to an analysis of latest government data the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that the number of people working on nonresidential construction projects declined for the month as firms struggle to find enough workers to hire amid tight labor conditions.

Washington, DC – The Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation (the Foundation) has release its October 2023 Monthly Confidence Index for the Equipment Finance Industry (MCI-EFI). The index reports a qualitative assessment of both the prevailing business conditions and expectations for the future as reported by key executives from the $1 trillion equipment finance sector. Overall, confidence in the equipment finance market is 40.1, a decrease from the September index of 50.3.

Chicago – The Metal Construction Association’s 2023 Design Awards winners were featured at METALCON, a major industry event held in Las Vegas, NV, October 18-20. Previously known as The Chairman’s Awards, MCA's Design Awards recognize member companies involved in the construction of outstanding building projects that use metal in significant and innovative ways.

Chesapeake, VA – Mitsubishi Chemical America’s (MCA) ALPOLIC Division, a leader in metal composite material (MCM) manufacturing, is pleased to announce it has named Octavio Diaz as its new director of sales.

Sheffield Village, OH – Sheffield Metals International (SMI), an industry-leading distributor of coated and bare metal coil and sheet products, is pleased to announce its new product, CoreLine, a collection of textured, low-gloss, PVDF colors.

Madison, WI – Metal roofing expert Rob Haddock will present Metal Roofing Systems at the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s School of Engineering on on Nov. 30- Dec. 1, 2023.

Washington, DC - American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) Regional Director of Codes and Standards Jonathan Humble, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP – BD+C will conduct a session on “Energy Code Options for Steel Construction” at the Connecticut Architecture Conference + Expo on October 26, 2023 from 10:15 to 11:15 a.m. ET at the Mystic Marriott Hotel in Groton, Connecticut.