AI and automation: Revolutionizing metal construction and manufacturing

By The Coffee Shops™. 

Technology isn’t just changing today’s workflows — it’s laying the foundation for a smarter, more efficient future in metal construction and manufacturing. 

At the Metal Construction Association (MCA) 2026 Winter Meeting, Denver Riggleman, founder of RIIG Technology and former U.S. Congressman, delivered a compelling talk on how artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are transforming industries — including metal roofing, construction and manufacturing. His insights revealed not only the potential of AI but also practical examples of how companies can leverage technology to stay competitive. 

Why AI matters for metal construction  

AI is not just about futuristic robots or science-fiction scenarios. Denver emphasized that AI’s real power lies in automation and data integration, stating, “Automation across multiple channels creates efficiencies. No matter the industry — technology transfer works the same way.” 

For metal roofing and manufacturing, this means: 

• Faster estimation and bidding: AI can process drone imagery to generate accurate roof measurements and job estimates automatically. 
• Error reduction: By consolidating fragmented CRMs and historical data, AI minimizes manual mistakes. 
• Labor optimization: Companies can scale productivity without scaling headcount, freeing skilled workers from repetitive tasks. 

Real-world examples of AI impact 

Denver shared a striking example from the healthcare industry, saying, “One orthopedic practice was losing north of $5 million per month in insurance verification and claim issues. AI fixed that.” 

Similar inefficiencies exist in construction — slow RFQ responses, manual data entry and compliance challenges. AI can automate these processes, saving time and money. He also highlighted the potential for drone-based automation, saying, “If I can take a picture of a roof and have AI generate an estimate and job approval without a human, why wouldn’t I?” 

Investment and ROI: What are companies spending? 

According to Denver, companies are investing 1–2% of annual revenue in automation initiatives. While that may sound significant, the returns are compelling, “Saving money is earning money. If you can eliminate manual errors and speed up processes, you’re not just cutting costs—you’re creating competitive advantage.” 

Beyond AI: Building the right tech stack 

Denver cautioned that AI alone isn’t enough. As Denver put it, “There’s no way everything is going to be AI. You need full-stack developers, data scientists and engineers who understand microservices, Kubernetes and relational databases.”  This holistic approach ensures that automation layers are secure, scalable and adaptable to future changes. 

The future: Energy, data and compliance 

As AI adoption grows, so does the demand for data centers and energy. Denver warned, “Data centers will pull more and more energy off the grid. We need solutions — SMRs, natural gas, offshore power. It’s all coming.” 

He also noted that compliance is another critical area where AI can help, adding, “Do you know what rulemaking or legislation is coming out in state and federal right now that’s going to affect your business? AI can help predict that.” 

Key takeaways for metal roofing and manufacturing leaders 

1. Start small, think big: Identify pain points — RFQs, compliance, estimation — and explore automation solutions. 
2. Invest wisely: Budget 1–2% of revenue for AI and automation to stay competitive. 
3. Build expertise: Hire or train AI engineers and data specialists; don’t rely solely on off-the-shelf tools. 
4. Plan for power and policy: Engage in local energy discussions and monitor regulatory changes. 

Denver summed it up best, sharing, “When you look at your companies, you’re already successful. The question is — how successful do you want to be?”