Metal Construction News’ 2023 Top Metal Builders Report

MCN’s 2023 Top Metal Builders report is a tale of “yin and yang” showing a clear “return to growth” yet still showing labor shortage to be the biggest challenge among top metal builders. According to the results this year, the list of top metal builders shows a growing industry with the largest contractors and erectors reporting significant growth in the average tonnage and square footage of the metal buildings they constructed between 2021 and 2022.

Note that MCN breaks out the list of 20 top erectors from the list of 100 top contractors, so that they don’t end up counting work on the same building twice, once for the contractor furnishing the metal building system and again for the erector putting up the steel. Knowing that some companies furnish and erect, but also are contracted to only erect a building, making them both contractors and erectors. Rather than separate those numbers out in the same entity, MCN identifies those companies as contractors.

Celebrating MCA’s 40 Years – “Life with MCA Over the Years” by Six Industry Veterans

The Metal Construction Association (MCA) kicked off their 40th anniversary at its Winter Meeting held in January in Clearwater, Florida, and will continue to celebrate throughout the year. MCA’s 40th Anniversary is covered in depth in this month’s issue of Metal Construction News including a look back at the association’s history, a look forward at their newest program “Future Leaders,” a list of service award winners, current MCA Members, and featured here, interviews with six industry veterans to see how “Life with MCA Over the Years” has been.

MCN 42nd Annual Contractor Survey Results Show Optimism is Prevailing Factor

Credit: Metal Construction News

Published earlier this month, the results from MCN’s 42 Annual Contractor Survey show “2022 was a year of steady work but not much growth.” Editorial Director, Paul Deffenbaugh comments, “If you wanted to sum up the overall attitude among respondents, you would use this phrase: ‘hold the course, and hope for better.'” Across all the project types surveyed — metal building systems, metal roofing, metal wall panels, and light-gauge steel framing — the survey takers who report they do those kinds of projects remained relatively flat in 2022 compared to 2021.

Regardless, Paul says, “One of the hallmarks of the construction industry and contractors in particular is their abiding optimism.” While numbers were relatively flat between 2021 and 2022, the same survey respondents report optimism toward 2023. With the exception of metal building systems, respondents anticipate being more involved in specific projects, especially with metal roofing and metal wall panels, than they had been in 2022.

2023 Top Metal Builders – Deadline to Submit Tomorrow

Each year, Metal Construction News publishes its list of Top Metal Builders by identifying the largest metal building contractors and erectors as measured by square footage and tonnage. This year’s list will be published in the May issue of MCN and it is a great way to raise the profile of your company and help differentiate you from your competitors. The deadline to enter is TOMORROW, Friday, March 17 so take a few minutes to complete a simple survey and enter your company for consideration. 

Go online and complete the form or download the form to submit by email.

VIEW the 2022 Top Metal Builders.

Metal Construction News is a publication partner of METALCON and sponsors the official show guide.

Final Days for Annual Architect and Contractor Surveys – Your Voice Matters

For 37 years and 42 years respectively, Metal Architecture magazine and Metal Construction News have been publishing annual surveys of the industry, looking at the results of prior years and speculating about the upcoming year. The last few years have been unparalleled in terms of the challenges the industry has faced and they want to know if the industry has settled back on its original path or will it continue to face challenges. Please take a few minutes to submit your surveys.

METALCONLive! Offers Predictions for 2023 and Beyond

Industry Experts Agree Metal is Well Positioned for 2023 and Beyond

In the first METALCONLive! of the new year, Paul Deffenbaugh, editorial director of Modern Trade Communications, led a discussion with leading industry experts about the state of the metal construction industry and what we can expect this year. According to Jeff Henry, MBA, CAE, executive director of the Metal Construction Association, “The industry is strong, but we still face challenges in 2023.” From an architects standpoint, Brent Schipper, AIA, LEED AP, founding principal of ASK Studio, is not feeling quite as optimistic as they are starting to see their backlogs starting to drop, but feels “the pace of construction in 2023 will become the most critical priority.” Renee Ramsey, director of the Metal Roofing Alliance, shared data from their 2021 study saying, “We saw a 17% market share in the residential reroof market, which is a primary audience for metal roofing. While not a huge increase, we are happy to see it continue to move in an upward pace.”

Brent Schipper, AIA, LEED AP, founding principal, ASK Studio\

Jeff Henry, MBA, CAE, Executive Director, Metal Construction Association

Renee Ramey, Executive Director, Metal Roofing Alliance

2023 State of the Metal Construction Industry LIVE Tomorrow at 1:00 PM – RESERVE YOUR SEAT

In less than 24 hours, join us for the first METALCONLive! of the year!

Get answers to these burning questions about the year ahead —

• Will the packed production schedules continue?
• Are supply chain challenges finally fading?
• What design trends will your clients be demanding and which ones are destined to be yesterday’s news?

Reserve your “seat” now for tomorrow’s METALCONLive! at 1pm EST. Our panel of experts representing every corner of the metal construction industry will share their observations, thoughts, and opinions on where we are now and where we’ll be this time next year.

Industry Experts Will Peer into the 2023 Crystal Ball

In just one week, join us for the first METALCONLive! of the year, next Wednesday, 1/18, LIVE at 1pm EST for “The 2023 State of the Metal Construction Industry” presented by METALCONLive! and Metal Construction News. REGISTER NOW!

Do you want answers to these burning questions about the year ahead?

• Will the packed production schedules continue?
• Are supply chain challenges finally fading?
• What design trends will your clients be demanding and which ones are destined to be yesterday’s news?

If you answered yes to any of them, then reserve your “seat” today for next week’s METALCONLive! on January 18 at 1pm EST. Our panel of experts representing every corner of the metal construction industry will share their observations, thoughts, and opinions on where we are now and where we’ll be this time next year.

Magnificent Metal Monday – MCN 2022 Project Excellence Awards

As announced earlier this month by Metal Construction News, the Grand Award winner in their 2022 Project Excellence Awards is none other than a parking structure! Chosen for its innovative use of metal, the top honor goes to the City of Hope Northeast Parking Structure, Duarte, Calif. Calling it “the most innovative use of metal we’ve seen of all the entries,” the MCN Award Judges selected it saying this project “took something that was so mundane and turned it into a civic presence.” A clear testament to the versatility of metal in the design and building process.

MCA 2023 Winter Meeting Details and Registration

The Metal Construction Association‘s annual Winter Meeting will take place January 22-25, 2023 at the Hyatt Regency in Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa in Clearwater, FL. The MCA Winter Meeting is open to members and non-members and the event will cover an array of topics pertinent to the use of metal in the building envelope, plus several opportunities to network with industry leaders. Registration is NOW OPEN.

Magnificent Metal Monday – Thanksgiving Station Building Cladded with MCM

Photo: Corey Middleton / Metal Construction News

With the sounds, tastes and smells of Thanksgiving still fresh in our minds, let’s travel to Thanksgiving Station, a relatively new residential and commercial mixed-use community located within Thanksgiving Point, located in Lehi, Utah, a suburb of Salt Lake City. Appropriately named to express gratitude after receiving the land as a gift from her husband, wife of tech giant WordPerfect co-founder first established Thanksgiving Point in 1995 as a nonprofit indoor and outdoor farm, garden and museum complex. Much growth and expansion has occurred over the past 20 years including the Thanksgiving Station Office Park, a 1,000,000-square-foot mixed-use development that has offices, restaurants, fitness centers, a park and access to public transportation.

When architecture firm Beecher Walker sought to create the 150,000 square-foot building Thanksgiving Station 3, the fourth of five buildings, to embody the innovation associated with prospective tech company tenants, they turned to a design that integrated boxy forms clad with metal composite material (MCM) and glazing.

Industry Experts Discuss “State of the Industry” at Last Month’s METALCON ’22

Last month at METALCON, Paul Deffenbaugh, editorial director of Metal Construction News, moderated a state of the industry panel featuring Tony Bouquot, general manager of the Metal Builders Manufacturers Association (MBMA); Jennifer Heimburger, president of the Metal Builders Contractors & Erectors Association (MBCEA); Chuck Howard, long-time industry veteran and president of Metal Roof Consultants; and Alan Scott, FAIA, registered architect and sustainability practitioner with Intertek. They discussed supply chain issues, rising costs, the labor shortage and workforce development.

METALCON ’22 Takes a Victory Lap in Indy

As released to the media yesterday, November 2, 2022 —

Magnificent Metal Monday — Ladies and Gentlemen, Start Your Engines … Only 2 Days till METALCON ’22

Super-Charge Your Metal Knowledge at METALCON ’22 — Learn from Metal Hall of Famers

With METALCON ’22 roaring into Indianapolis this week, it’s time to make your final plans to maximize your time at the most influential metal construction and design event in the world. While meeting with exhibitors is an essential part of the event, so can learning from experts to super-charge your knowledge. Here is your “ultimate road-map” to navigating the show floor, where EVERYTHING happens ON THE SHOW FLOOR … AND … included in your Total Experience registration (see FLOOR PLAN). REGISTER HERE!

METALCON is thrilled to welcome four MCN Hall of Famers as presenters this year including:

• Jim Bush, 2014 inductee and VP of Sales and Marketing of ATAS International presenting “Above-Sheathing Ventilation: The Forgotten Cool Roof” in the Sustainability Learning Center.
• Rob Haddock, inaugural inductee in 2012 and CEO and Founder of S-5!, presenting one of the specialty workshops titled Understanding Metal Roofing: Parts 1 and 2
• Chuck Howard, 2014 inductee and owner of Metal Roof Consultants, presenting in the Main Theatre as a panelist in the State of the Industry.
• Todd Miller, 2020 inductee and president and co-owner of Isaiah Industries Inc., presenting Take Your Metal Roofing Business from Good to Great in the Best Practices Learning Center and Oilcanning: The Why and Can You Avoid It? in the Technical Know-How Learning Center.

CONTINUE FOR YOUR “ULTIMATE ROAD-MAP” TO EXHIBITS AND EDUCATION …

METALCON ’22 EDUCATION SPOTLIGHT – BEST PRACTICES LEARNING CENTER

METALCON Best Practices Learning Center

In today’s economy, it’s more important than ever to have your business run smoothly and maximize every employee’s time and every dollar you spend on running your business. Sessions in the METALCON Best Practices Learning Center will feature industry experts who will provide you with solid, sensible advice and the tried and true techniques, tools and strategies you need to ensure your business’s growth and success. Join us at METALCON in a few weeks scheduled for October 12 – 14 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Metal Construction News Announces Special Offer to Attend METALCON ’22

HOT OFF THE PRESS … MCN is giving away 10 FREE PASSES to the Total Experience at METALCON. Use the code 5MCN2021 when you REGISTER.

If you get beat to the draw … don’t worry — Use the code MCN2022 to get $30 off your registration if you’re one of the next 999 to register.

Read more: Metal Construction News Announces Special Offer to Attend METALCON ’22

METALCON is roaring into Indianapolis this October! Don’t miss your chance to experience the most innovative metal construction products and solutions and connect with the most respected metal construction industry vendors and thought leaders.

Discover the ideas, tools, and expertise you need to turbocharge your business and get on the fast track to Victory Lane at the only global event focused exclusively on the use of metal in construction and design! 

Metal Construction News is METALCON’s publication partner and sponsor of the official show guide. Click HERE to view the Digital METALCON Show Preview 2022.

METALCON is produced by PSMJ | Resources, Inc. and sponsored by the Metal Construction Association.

Magnificent Metal Monday – MCN 2021 Grand Award Winner

The Grand Award winner in the 2021 Metal Construction News Project Excellence Awards and the New Metal Roofs category winner was the New York City-based Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library Rooftop Terrace. The project is noteworthy for its “wizard’s hat-shaped roof” that gracefully disguises the rooftop mechanical equipment above the public terrace. The judges selected it calling it a “brilliant solution for urban design building detail,” citing its roof that was “not typically expected on a historic building.”

Photo: John Bartelstone, courtesy of New York Public Library / MCN

MCN’s 2022 Project Excellence Awards Now Accepting Entries

The 2022 Metal Construction News Project Excellence Awards are celebrating their 36th year. Formerly known as the Building and Roofing Awards, this year they have added a special category for metal craftsmanship and are making the judging criteria more comprehensive to reflect the great work done in the field. The deadline is September 16 so don’t miss the chance to enter your project.

MCN Announces Annual Top Metal Builders

For metal building contractors and erectors, 2021 was a roller coaster ride with steel prices in total flux rising to all time highs and decreasing to all time lows. Paul Deffenbaugh, editorial director of Metal Construction News (MCN), comments, ” Price, availability and demand for construction materials all fluctuated widely in 2021, but despite that, the top metal builders report increases in the average tonnage and square footage. In fact, by all measures, 2021 was a very strong year for the metal building industry when looking at the largest contractors.”

MCN 41st Annual Contractor Survey Results

“Across the board, metal construction projects increased in number and size from 2020 to 2021.“

Photo Credit: Metal Construction News

Published on March 1, the MCN 41st Annual Contractor Survey sees a robust market environment in the metal construction industry, comparable to the overall construction market. Metal builders, roofers, wall panel contractors and light-gauge steel contractors all report that 2021 was better than 2020 and they anticipate 2022 being even better. According to survey respondents, MCN reports that metal building construction increased 12.9% in 2021, seeing a metal roofing 9.3% increase, metal wall panels 2.5% increase and light-gauge steel framing up 9.5% for exteriors and 3% for interiors.

MCN 2022 State of the Industry

The pandemic holds on but the industry is emerging and battling new challenges

For over a decade now, Metal Construction News has issued an annual “State of the Industry” report by compiling updates from key industry contributors representing various disciplines of metal construction. MCN Editorial Director, Paul Deffenbaugh, shares his outlook for this year, “The coronavirus pandemic upended the world and the construction industry, and two years after the onset, we are still dealing with it. For the construction industry, that means supply chain issues, increased material and labor costs and a continued labor shortage.”

This year’s report includes seven unique articles covering subjects including economic drivers and their impact on construction, insurance premiums, solar market growth and the relationship with metal roofing, inflation predictions, current challenges for contractors, labor/ workforce demands, and the ways the construction industry can work together to face the unique challenges. Read on for links to each article.

MCN 2022 Contractor Survey

CLICK HERE for Annual Contractor Survey.

Deadline: February 4.

Every year, Metal Construction News publishes a survey of the industry, looking at the results of the previous year and speculating about the upcoming year. MCN understands 2021 was a bounce-back year after the extreme difficulties of 2020, but they would like to know by how much. And if the bounce back will stick.

MCN Editorial Director, Paul Deffenbaugh, says, “The metal construction industry is a unique niche and information specific to it is difficult to capture. You can’t just turn to the U.S. Census Bureau and grab a bunch of statistics about our industry. There is no one classification that aggregates all that data. So, that’s our job.” Help MCN be the voice by participating in the annual survey.

Happening Tomorrow! “Metal Building 101” Webinar with Industry Expert Lee Shoemaker – REGISTER NOW

GET 1 FREE AIA LU!

Start your New Year off right with this “not to be missed” FREE webinar being given by one of the most respected experts in the industry. Lee Shoemaker, Metal Construction Hall of Famer and Director of Research and Engineering for MBMA, will kick off the METALCON Live! 2022 series with “Metal Building Systems 101.” Whether you are just starting out in the industry or a veteran, you won’t want to miss the insights and knowledge that Lee has to share.

Industry Expert Lee Shoemaker Kicks off METALCON Live! 2022 Next Week with Metal Building 101

GET 1 FREE AIA LU!

Before you ring in the New Year, mark your calendar for this “not to be missed” FREE webinar scheduled for next week, Wednesday, January 5 at 1:00 pm by one of the most respected experts in the industry. Lee Shoemaker, Metal Construction Hall of Famer and Director of Research and Engineering for MBMA, will kick off the METALCON Live! 2022 series with “Metal Building Systems 101.” Whether you are just starting out in the industry or a veteran, you won’t want to miss learning from this expert.

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MCN Hall of Fame 2021

Before 2021 comes to a close, METALCON would like to acknowledge and congratulate the 2021 Metal Construction Hall of Fame inductees announced over the summer by Metal Construction News.

These five honorees have made significant contributions to the metal construction industry, often through volunteer work and often at some risk to their own careers. Starting new companies and associations can backfire, but these inductees successfully navigated those paths to give their expertise to an industry that was grateful to receive it. Congratulations to the following inductees:

MCN Reader’s Choice Awards 2021 Announced

Now it’s in 9th year, Metal Construction News (MCN) announced their 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards for top products in the metal construction industry. The top product for this year goes to Milwaukee-based Xena Workwear Inc. for their Omerga EH Safety Boot. The other products selected were incredibly varied and showed no clear pattern of preference. Ranging from insulated metal panels and perforated screens to curtainwalls and louvers, the products identified by MCN’s readers touch on every facet of the metal construction industry and show the breadth of the industry’s building product needs.

• 

  Omerga EH Safety Boot by Xena Workwear

• 

  Aluminum Stationary Awnings by Feeney, Inc.

• 

  TotalClad MW Insulated Metal Panels by CENTRIA

MCN Project Excellence Awards Seeking Submissions

The 2021 Metal Construction News Project Excellence Awards are celebrating their 35th year. Formerly known as the Building and Roofing Awards, this year they have added a special category for metal craftsmanship and are making the judging criteria more comprehensive to reflect the great work done in the field. Deadline: September  17, 2021. Keep reading for details and a link to submit.

MCN Issues Special Report on Construction Industry Post-Pandemic

Metal Construction News presents their special report on the construction industry post-pandemic in their August issue. This special report looks at the effect this pandemic has had on the construction industry and what we can expect the future to look like. The report is broken into three segments: Post Pandemic Survey, Construction and COVID-19: Adaptation, Action, Aftermath, and Continuing Safely.

Deadlines for MCN’s Post-Pandemic Survey and METALCON’s Top Products Submission Fast Approaching

How will the COVID-19 pandemic shape the future of the construction industry? Will we go back to business as usual or will there be wholesale changes in the types of construction work and how we work?

Please take a few minutes to complete MCN’s survey

Survey results will be included in a special report on the future of the construction industry as a result of the pandemic scheduled to appear in the August issue of Metal Construction News.

Individual responses will be kept strictly confidential, unless you give consent. You can also enter your e-mail address at the end of the survey to be entered into a drawing for a $100 gift card. Survey deadline is July 1 so don’t delay, respond today! Metal Construction News is METALCON’s sponsoring publication and producer of the official show guide. METALCON is scheduled for October 6-8, 2021 in Tampa, Florida.

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Nominations are still open for METALCON’s NEW Top Product Award. Submit your nomination by July 1!

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT