Industry News

Moundridge, KS — The Alliance Machine and Engraving team is pleased to welcome Chris Merkel as the new National Sales Manager. With over 15 years of experience in sales and marketing, and a degree in Business Administration from Radford University, Merkel brings a wealth of knowledge to Alliance Machine and Engraving, a division of The Bradbury Group.

Whiting, IN - East Lake Metals, a leading provider of metal roofing solutions, has recently achieved a significant milestone through an exclusive distribution agreement with Wheeling-Nippon Steel. This agreement grants East Lake Metals exclusive rights to distribute and sell ZAM® coated products for coastal regions. This partnership cements their position as a premier supplier in the industry, further expanding their portfolio of high-quality roofing materials.

Beloit, WI - Mule-Hide Products Co. Inc., manufacturer of low-slope roofing systems and products, has promoted Derek Govan to West Region director.

Pittsburgh, PA - Triangle Fastener Corporation (TFC) has finalized an acquisition agreement with Connective Systems & Supply, Inc. (CSS), effective July 1, 2023. In particular, TFC has acquired the segment of CSS’s business primarily focused on fasteners for roofing, metal building, and mechanical contractors in and around Denver, Colorado.

Arlington, VA - Construction employment increased in 42 states and the District of Columbia in May from a year earlier, while only 24 states added construction jobs from April to May, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said firms are struggling to find new workers amid a lack of funding for construction education programs, keeping monthly employment gains lower in many parts of the country.

Allentown, PA - BRIGHTSMITH Coaters in Morrisville, PA held a ribbon cutting ceremony in early May to celebrate the installation of InSpire HP solar air heating metal wall panels supplied by ATAS International Inc. and a rooftop solar photovoltaic array on their building. BRIGHTSMITH is a state-of-the-art coil coating and post-painting company. Their post-painting facility is in Trenton, NJ.

Bethlehem, PA - The Metal Building Contractors and Erectors Association (MBCEA) presented two member awards at the 54th Annual MBCEA Conference, held May 8 – 10 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Robert and Beverly Ketenbrink “Oil Can” Service Award was given to Keith Wentworth for his dedication and service to the metal building industry. Greg St. Clair was honored as a new member of the MBCEA Pioneers Club for his 33 years of service in the industry.

Cleveland, OH - The Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) 2023 Student Design Competition opens to individuals and teams on July 15, 2023. This year’s contest asks architecture students to create an innovative metal building design for a new nature center and environmental research facility. More than $28,000 in prizes will be awarded to entrants in graduate and undergraduate divisions.

Washington, DC - The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) has published a new research report, “RP23-01: Analytical Equations for Critical Local Buckling Stress of Lipped Channels.” The report provides analytical equations for calculating the critical load buckling stress of lipped channels with or without punchouts under compression and bending.

Virginia Beach, VA - The 2023 International Reflective Insulation Manufacturers Conference (I-RIM Conference) was held May 23-25 at the LeMeridien Visconti Hotel in Rome, Italy. Attendees represented more than ten regions/countries around the world sharing information and research as well as discussing opportunities for the future. Countries represented include the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Australia/Asia, Korea/Japan, Costa Rica, Argentina, Germany and Saudi Arabia. RIMA-I President Sergio Luconi, International Conference Chairman Mike Boulding and RIMA-I Executive Director/Conference Director Mary Edmondson hosted the event.

Portland, OR — It’s a combustible combination: The Fourth of July holiday happens to fall during the peak of wildfire season in many areas of the country, making this celebratory event particularly fraught with danger. So be careful while celebrating warns the Metal Roofing Alliance.

Hatfield, PA – Laminators Incorporated is delighted to announce the hiring of Phil Caruso as their new Regional Sales Manager for the Northeast / New England region, including — Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, eastern New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

Paragould, AR - Lakeside Construction Fasteners, Inc. has announced the promotion of Eric J. Velliquette to President. Velliquette has been with Lakeside Construction Fasteners for 10 years, during which time he held the position of Vice President Sales & Marketing, proving himself at expanding the LCF family brand of products throughout the USA and internationally.

Moundridge, KS — Bradbury announces a new partnership with Biegemaster, serving as the North American distributor for the XBend folder. This collaboration allows Bradbury to expand its folder offering for the metal building trim industry and the architectural market in North America.

Cleveland, OH - Each year the Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) honors member companies that demonstrate exceptional performance in maintaining workplace safety. These awards are given to Building Systems members as well as Associate members for their performance during the previous calendar year. Safety awards for the 2022 year were presented during the 2023 MBMA Spring Meeting in Nashville, Tennessee.

Whiting, IN - East Lake Metals has announced the availability of a new coated steel product developed with coastal construction projects in mind. The company says the new product, called Armored Coast, is the "ultimate answer to coastal applications, ensuring unmatched durability, aesthetics, and longevity for your projects."

Bethlehem, PA - The Metal Building Contractors and Erectors Association (MBCEA) announced its 2023 Building of the Year winners at the 54th Annual MBCEA Conference, held May 8 – 10 in Nashville, Tennessee. The overall winner was the Terminal F roof retrofit project at the Port of Miami undertaken by Lemartec Corporation, a MasTec company, of Coconut Grove, Florida.

Sheffield Village, OH – Sheffield Metals International (SMI), a leading distributor of metal coil and sheet products used to manufacture standing seam metal roofing systems, is happy to announce the addition of a board and batten wall panel profile (SMI Board & Batten Wall) to its profile offerings.

Arlington, VA - The construction sector added 25,000 jobs in May while the sector’s unemployment rate fell to its second lowest rate for the month and pay levels in the industry continued to rise, according to an analysis of latest government data the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said construction firms are boosting pay and taking other steps to recruit workers amid tight labor conditions.

Cleveland, OH - The Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) has produced the first in a new video series, “Travels with Tony.” This series follows Tony Bouquot, MBMA general manager, as he visits unique and inspiring metal building systems around the country. The inaugural two-and-a-half-minute video highlights Starshine Texas, an events center in Houston.