Industry News

Washington, DC – The Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation (the Foundation) has released its July 2021 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 $900 billion equipment finance sector. Overall, confidence in the equipment finance market stands at 72.9, an increase from the June index of 71.3.

Houston, TX - The Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) has elected Michael McWeeney to its board of directors. He will contribute to the advancement of the metal building industry on the board as well as represent Cornerstone Building Brands and its brands.

Pittsburgh, PA - Triangle Fastener Corporation (TFC®) has announced its acquisition of GLR Fasteners Inc., a San Jose, California-based distributor of fasteners used in roofing and glazing applications.

Bethlehem, PA - With support from the Ketenbrink Education Foundation (KEF), the metal construction industry will soon have updated tools for training new assemblers. KEF recently issued grant awards to Associated Builders and Contractors, Metal Buildings Institute, and Metal Building Contractors and Erectors Association. These groups are pooling the grants to update and expand an existing program, the Quality and Craftsmanship Training Series for craftsmen who work on metal buildings.

Colorado Springs, CO – S-5!, one of the world's leading authorities on metal roof attachment solutions, will introduce its new WindClamp2X technology at the International Roofing Expo (IRE), happening in Las Vegas August 10-12, 2021.

Winston-Salem, NC - After completing a nationwide search, the Steel Erectors Association of America has named Peter Gum as its new Executive Director. Gum has 29 years of experience as the CEO of not-for-profit construction trade associations.

Portland, OR - Re-roofing can be an intimidating process. It’s an investment that can cost tens of thousands of dollars, and yet when it comes to choosing the right color and style, homeowners typically have just a small selection of tiny material swatches to figure out what’s going to look best on their home. With the Metal Roofing Alliance's Roof Visualizer Tool, it's possible to more accurately see what a new metal roof will look like when installed.

Cleveland, OH - The Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) announces six new UL fire-resistance-rated designs for wall-roof joints and intersections in metal buildings. These latest UL head-of-wall assemblies enable common fire-rated wall-roof joints and intersections to meet more stringent energy code requirements while maintaining fire safety.

Washington, DC – Architecture firms reported increasing demand for design services in June according to a new report from The American Institute of Architects (AIA). AIA’s Architecture Billings Index (ABI) score for June remained at an elevated level of 57.1 (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). It was 58.5 in May and 57.9 in April.

Cary, NC - Cornerstone Building Brands, Inc. (NYSE: CNR), manufacturer of exterior building products in North America, announces that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Roll-up Sheet Door business to Janus International Group Inc. (NYSE: JBI) in a cash transaction for $168 million, subject to customary adjustments. The transaction includes products sold under the DBCI brand and is expected to close in the third quarter of 2021, subject to customary closing conditions.

Pittsburgh, PA - Triangle Fastener Corporation has announced the publication of pullout and pullover test data for blind rivets. It is thought to be the only published data of its kind, pertaining specifically to metal claddings.

Allentown, PA - ATAS International introduces InSpire HP, a new high-performance solar air heating wall panel. ATAS has been manufacturing their traditional InSpire wall panel since 2002, with a 70% PVDF paint finish. That product is still available, in a variety of colors; however, the heating performance of the new InSpire HP is far superior.

Beloit, WI - Mule-Hide Products Co. Inc. has named Martin Mejia regional director for the West.

Newton, MA — METALCON, the only global event dedicated exclusively to the application of metal in design and construction, announces its program line-up for this year’s annual conference and tradeshow, taking place at the Tampa Convention Center from Wednesday, Oct. 6 - Friday, Oct. 8.

Washington, DC - Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) reports that its Construction Backlog Indicator rose to 8.5 months in June, according to an ABC member survey conducted June 20 - July 6. That is 0.5 months higher than in May 2021 and 0.4 months higher than in June 2020.

Fayetteville, NC - For 75 years, Union Corrugating Company (UCC) has been a leader in the metal roofing and building markets. In its decades of existence, UCC has seen many changes. However, one thing has remained the same: UCC's focus on delivering quality products, superior service and value to their customers. In that tradition and reputation, UCC is pleased to announce the launch of its updated website and new visualizer tool.

Colorado Springs, CO — In early July, S-5!, one of the world's leading authorities on metal roof attachment solutions, broke ground on its new office space to provide sufficient space for its staff and to better serve its customers. S-5!'s new corporate headquarters will be located on more than 4.5 acres in the Black Forest area of Colorado Springs where S-5! clamp-to-seam technology was first conceived 30 years ago.

Washington, DC - Overall housing starts increased 6.3 percent in June to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.64 million units, according to a report from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Census Bureau.

Allentown, PA - ATAS International, a leading supplier of metal construction products, hosted a group of 19 girls and several adult camp volunteers at their headquarters in Allentown, PA on June 23, 2021. They toured two of ATAS’ manufacturing facilities and learned about the products being manufactured, and how they contribute to a sustainable building envelope.

Washington, DC - The Cold-Formed Steel Engineers Institute (CFSEI) has launched an online Job Board to connect applicants seeking employment in the cold-formed steel framing industry with potential employers.