Looking back in order to move forward

By Emma Peterson. 

From color to creation, learn some of the trends from 2023 that made it into the new year with us. 

In a MetalTalk™ from right before the new year, Heidi J. Ellsworth sat down with a panel of experts to talk about the top moments for the metal industry in 2023 and what that means for this year! This panel is well traveled, including representatives and leaders from companies based in three different geographical locations.  

Representing Vicwest, which is the largest roll former in Canada, Director of Marketing Geoff Bernstein described, “We've got some amazing innovative products in both roofing and siding, all related to single skin steel.” Over across the pond, MetalForming’s President Stephen Gosk explained that they are “the capital equipment distributor for six to seven key suppliers that are European based for equipment including metal folding, shears and roll formers.” And here in America, Holly Gotfredson and American Metalcraft produce “products such as rain screens, wet seal systems, column covers, brake metal, ornamental metal, perforated panels, sunshades and custom exterior and interior type of work. And on the Finishing Dynamics side, we offer extrusion coating.” 

When talking about the trends of 2023 that are carrying into this year, both Holly and Geoff mentioned color. Geoff elaborated, “Black still is number one for us, certainly in Canada and in the northern parts of the U.S. As things move further south, the color interest gets a lot lighter.” This phenomenon is part different regional preferences and part practicality as the further south you move the more important solar reflectivity is. Adding to that, Holly explained that many homeowners are looking for neutrals to pair with these roofing colors, “We saw a lot of neutrals to complement some of that wood grain in addition to the neutrals, the beiges, the off whites, the ivories. We also saw some micas and metallics, not so much the color shift, but just that little bit of sparkle to complement some of those neutral tones.” 

Looking towards the behind-the-scenes side of the industry, Stephen brought up the continuation of a dialogue surrounding automation. He explained, “I see this trend continuing, particularly looking for automated systems to feed into and feed the machines, eliminating again the need for multiple employees at one machine. So that trend has been ongoing this past year and will continue into 2024.” 

Read the transcript or Listen to the recorded webinar to learn more about trends from 2023 that are still with us this year.