Industry News

Washington, DC – Architecture firms reported a modest decrease in April billings, but also a slight increase in inquiries into future project activity according to a new report from the American Institute of Architects (AIA).

Burlington, Ontario - AAG Tailored Cutting Solutions, parent company of AXYZ International and WARDJet Waterjets, has been recognized for its industry-leading performance, its global business practices, and its sustained growth by receiving the prestigious 2023 Canada’s Best Managed Companies award. It is the third consecutive year that AAG has earned the honor.

Chicago, IL – The Metal Construction Association (MCA) has announced the highlights for the upcoming MCA Summer Meeting. Registration is open to members and prospective members and will take place in Rosemont, Illinois June 13-14.

Grand Island, NE - Chief Buildings, a premier metal building system manufacturer, is currently seeking skilled workers for multiple positions that do not require a four-year degree at the company’s newest plant in Lancaster, South Carolina. Chief is hoping to fill positions that include everything from machine operators and shipping coordinators to maintenance technicians and welders.

Cleveland, OH - The Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) continues to grow its library of free, downloadable resources for architectural students and their professors with the publication of Arbogast Performing Arts Center.

Pittsburgh, PA - PPG (NYSE: PPG) announces a $44 million investment to upgrade five powder coating manufacturing facilities in the U.S. and Latin America. The projects are part of PPG’s strategic efforts to expand its powder coatings offerings and increase global production.

Washington, DC – The Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation (the Foundation) has released the May 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 40.6, a decrease from the April index of 47.0.

Newton, MA - Innovative ideas from future leaders have to be a valuable asset when making a difference in the continuing growth of the metal construction industry. That’s why the Metal Construction Association (MCA) and METALCON (produced by PSMJ Resources) have launched the Future Leaders Program – to attract, educate, connect and develop those eventual industry leaders.

Colorado Springs, CO – S-5!, one of the world's leading authorities on metal roof attachment solutions, has launched a new online educational training program, S-5-University, designed to educate industry professionals on all things metal roofing.

Chicago, IL – The Metal Construction Association (MCA) has announced a new membership class for subsidiary brands or divisions of a parent company. This membership class allows companies with multiple subsidiaries or divisions, to have each brand recognized as an MCA member at a reduced rate. The new structure is designed to ensure that all member companies and their brands can be represented and acknowledged equitably.

Schofield, WI - Airolite has expanded its stationary louver line with the introduction of two new extruded aluminum models that protect air intake and exhaust openings in exterior walls. Louver type K604 featuring a 4-inch frame depth and louver type K606 featuring a 6-inch frame depth are extruded aluminum stationary louvers ideal for applications requiring intake and exhaust ventilation with moderate protection against water penetration.

Portland, OR – Spring is the time many homeowners evaluate the condition of their home and ask themselves the dreaded question: Is it time for a roof replacement? Because a new roof is a significant investment, leading organizations like the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) say it pays to ask tough questions of your installer before signing on the dotted line.

Washington, DC - The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) presented two awards to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to advancing the competitive use of steel in the marketplace — specifically in the construction market.

Allentown, PA - ATAS International has named Jim Luster, CSI, Mike Krahling, CSI, and Jon Loftus as the 2022 recipients of the annual Malan S. Parker Award, which recognizes the top ATAS sales professionals each year.

Boucherville, Quebec – Norbec, a leading manufacturer of insulated metal panels and walk-in coolers and freezers since 1982, is pleased to announce that it is investing $45 million to build a state-of-the-art production plant in Strathroy, Ontario. Along with existing plants in Boucherville and Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, this new facility will enable Norbec to expand its range of products used in all types of architectural, commercial and industrial applications. The project will break ground on June 6, 2023, with the new plant slated to be fully operational in the summer of 2024.

Chicago, IL – The Metal Construction Association (MCA) has announced industry veteran Ken McLauchlan has been appointed as a director on the board. McLauchlan, who is vice president of architectural sales at Metal Forming, LLC in Peachtree, Georgia, was appointed to fill a vacancy. His term will expire in 2026 at which time he will be eligible for reelection.

Chesapeake, VA – Mitsubishi Chemical America’s ALPOLIC Division, a leader in metal composite materials (MCM) manufacturing, is proud to announce the promotion of Chad Patterson to Architectural Regional Sales Manager for the South-Central United States.

Arlington, VA - Construction employment increased in 259, or 72 percent, of 358 metro areas between March 2022 and March 2023, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of new government employment data. Association officials said expanding manufacturing construction was helping drive demand for new workers in many parts of the country.

Oklahoma City, OK - Bridging between studs is necessary when framing a wall to prevent twisting and buckling, and conventional methods come with a certain level of frustration. In response, Flex-Ability Concepts has released Snap Lock, a new bridging bar, for an easier and faster way to snap studs into place.

Moundridge, KS — Over the last year, participants from The Bradbury Group have completed the leadership development program. Throughout each class, participants were challenged with learning the philosophy of leadership and how they can grow both professionally and personally. The skills they have gathered will be directly related to The Bradbury Group's Vision, Mission and Values & Beliefs.