2025 MBMA Annual Report highlights research, education and safety initiatives

By Jenny Yu.  

MBMA’s latest report details committee achievements, new resources and rising engagement across the metal building sector. 

The Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA)’s 2025 Annual Report highlights a year of strategic growth, expanded technical leadership and heightened industry engagement as metal building systems continue to shape the built environment. The report, titled “Metal Building Systems – Enhancing the Built Environment,” underscores MBMA’s role in advancing research, education and collaboration across the industry. 

First, leadership transition was a key theme in 2025. MBMA increased its research and engineering staff ahead of the planned retirement of Lee Shoemaker, longtime director of research and engineering. The association also marked historic milestones including its first female board chair and its first fully digital annual report. 

Technical accomplishments also topped the report. MBMA released a new edition of its Metal Building Systems Manual, a comprehensive resource aligned with the latest building codes and standards. The association advanced decade-long research into seismic performance of metal buildings, achieving approval of new seismic provisions recommended in national guidelines. Committees also focused on energy and sustainability, fire resistance research and broadened technical resources such as downloadable guides and webinars. 

Furthermore, education and outreach efforts were highlighted, such as the MBMA student design competition and the annual architectural faculty workshop. MBMA’s Architect Committee expanded engagement at the American Institute of Architects national conference, forging connections with design professionals. 

Finally, the report noted that safety and industry recognition remained central to MBMA’s work. The association celebrated member firm achievements in workplace safety and honored contributions to research and design through awards such as the Ellifritt Award. MBMA’s statistics committee continued providing valuable market data to support strategic decisions among manufacturers and suppliers. 

Overall, the 2025 report reflects an organization deeply connected to both members and the broader metal industry community. 

Read the full 2025 MBMA Annual Report to explore detailed achievements, technical resources and industry insights.