Industry News

McHenry, IL – Sno Gem® Inc., a leading manufacturer of snow retention and rooftop attachment products, has introduced the iClad™ Snow Retention System, a bar/fence system that works with most standing seam metal roofing systems.

Maplewood, MN - MG McGrath Architectural Sheet Metal has announced the hiring of Robert Feyereisen as a Drafter and Ben Ben Deneen as the Director of Information Technology. MG McGrath is an award-winning leader in the architectural sheet metal industry, providing customers with master craftsmanship, dedication and unprecedented products and systems.

Washington, DC - The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) and the Cold-Formed Steel Engineers Institute (CFSEI) are joining the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the University of North Texas as co-sponsors in the fourth International Student Competition on Cold-Formed Steel Design. The competition is open to all full-time students at either the undergraduate or graduate levels who are interested in cold-formed steel design, creative in problem solving, and eager to learn new technologies.

Pittsburgh, PA - PPG Industries’ (NYSE: PPG) coil and building products coatings group announces that it will reintroduce Duranar® ADS (air-dried system) fluoropolymer coatings this summer of 2014, three years after the products were withdrawn from the market.

Toronto, Ontario, Canada - About 10 years ago, Samco Machinery Ltd. discovered a way to improve its business and grow its business through globalization, all while helping customers. CEO Bob Repovs recently presented the Samco story to students at the Sprott School of Business at Carleton University as well as the Telfer School of Management at the University of Ottawa, both in Ottawa, Ont.

New York, NY - The developers of BuildingBlok™ announce the latest release of the cloud-based construction management platform for small- to mid-sized metal building and conventional contractors.

Allentown, PA - ATAS International Inc. announces the introduction of Rigid Wall II to their concealed fastener panel series. Rigid Wall II is a structural wall panel that retains the essence of the original Rigid Wall version while providing design enhancements and 11 design options.

Eufaula, AL - American Buildings Company (ABC), a leading domestic and international manufacturer and marketer of high-quality metal building systems for industrial, commercial, and institutional construction markets, announces the addition of Tradewinds Construction of Las Vegas, Nevada to its national network of Builders.

Olathe, KS - As part of its ongoing efforts to provide reliable and helpful information on the reflective insulation, radiant barrier and interior radiation control coatings (IRCCs) industries, the Reflective Insulation Manufacturers Association International has just released their latest Technical Bulletin (#112) entitled "A Review of Interior Radiation Control Coating Research".

Minneapolis, MN - The Valspar Corporation has introduced the new Acropon® 2605 Extrusion Coating System for extruded aluminum products, such as storefronts, entrances, windows, handrails, column covers and panel systems. The new coating system’s high gloss, color palette and performance qualities are formulated for both exterior and interior applications on luxury condominiums and other high-end, high-rise residences, as well as low- to mid-rise commercial buildings, including airports, schools, hospitals, retail centers, offices and other facilities with high-traffic areas.

Washington, DC - The Cold-Formed Steel Engineers Institute (CFSEI) has announced its keynote speakers for the 2014 CFSEI Annual Expo and Meeting, which is being held on May 19-20, 2014 at the historic Peabody Hotel in Memphis, Tennessee. The speakers are Keith Lindemulder, LEED AP, Environmental Business Development Manager at Nucor Corporation; and Benjamin Schafer, Ph.D., P.E., Chairman of the Department of Civil Engineering at The Johns Hopkins University.

Pleasanton, CA - Simpson Strong-Tie, manufacturer of engineered structural connectors, introduces a new software program for cold-formed steel (CFS) designers that automates product selection and complicated design provisions of AISI, and offers more robust design tools for users.

Sheffield Village, OH - Sheffield Metals International will be holding an Open House and Shrimp Boil for friends and loyal customers on Friday, May 16 at the company’s new Denver, CO facility.

Atlanta, GA - SAF (Southern Aluminum Finishing Co., Inc.) announces the hiring of Frank Buchholz as branch manager of SAF Metal Fabrication in Villa Rica, GA.

Houston, TX - Metallic Building Company, a leading brand for NCI Building Systems Inc., presented Farrell Construction Inc. Metallic’s 2013 Building of the Year Award for their design-build project Crowder College McDonald County, at the recent Metallic National Sales Meeting in Carlsbad, California.

McHenry, IL - Firestone Building Products Company LLC recently affirmed McHenry, IL-based Metalmaster Roofmaster Inc. as one of the nation's leading Firestone Building Products Red Shield™ Licensed Roofing Contractors by bestowing upon the company its Master Contractor, Inner Circle of Quality and President's Club awards for 2014. Metalmaster Roofmaster Inc. is the parent company of Sno Gem Inc., a leading manufacturer and supplier of snow retention and rooftop attachment products for the metal construction industry.

Louisville, KY – Drexel Metals Inc. has updated its website at www.drexelmetals.com to better present its products to architects, roofers and even homeowners.

Western Springs, IL – Tom O’Malley, veteran of the glazing industry, announces the formation of Clover Architectural Products, along with a group of business partners. Clover is focusing on selling aluminum sunshades and lightshelves, grilles, stainless steel cladding and a full line of all-glass door entrance products. The new company also has the ability to provide custom steel fabrication for the glazing community.

Washington, DC – Following a modest two-month recovery in the level of demand for design services, the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) again turned negative last month. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate nine to twelve month lead time between architecture billings and construction spending. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) reported the March ABI score was 48.8, down sharply from a mark of 50.7 in February.

Houston, TX - Metallic Building Company, a leading brand for NCI Building Systems, Inc., announces the successful completion of its 2014 National Sales Meeting with the theme “REDISCOVER – RECHARGE – RENEW.”