MBMA celebrates milestones, leadership changes and new initiatives in 2026

By The Coffee Shops. 

General Manager Tony Bouquot highlights record membership, sustainability efforts and upcoming resources for architects. 

The Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) marked its 70th anniversary in 2026, celebrating record membership, leadership transitions and a series of new projects aimed at advancing the metal building industry. General Manager Tony Bouquot delivered a comprehensive update to members, reflecting on the organization's growth and ongoing initiatives. 

"This is our 70th anniversary," Tony noted. "Seventy years ago, in 1956, 13 building manufacturers got together and formed the MBMA." By the end of 2025, the association had reached a new high with 44 building system manufacturer members and 77 associate members. 

Welcoming a new engineering and research director 

A significant leadership change took place at the close of 2025, as longtime Director of Engineering Research Dr. Lee Shoemaker retired after 32 years. "The good news is we have plenty of time and found a great replacement for him, Mr. J.P. Garden, John Paul Garden, who joined us at the beginning of 2025."  

Tony also highlighted MBMA’s involvement in the code development process. "Last year at this conference, I talked about the ICC hearings... this year, here we are and it's another code year. It's actually happening right now in Hartford, Connecticut," he said, referring to ongoing efforts to represent industry interests during code hearings for the 2027 edition. 

Education and outreach remain a priority for MBMA 

Tony pointed to continuing education unit (CEU) courses and "lunch and learn" sessions designed to inform architects about metal buildings. "This year, we actually have one new course... and another course that's going to be approved, probably by the end of June," he said, adding that these resources will be available to both MBMA and MBCEA members. 

He also celebrated the success of MBMA’s video series, "Travels with Tony," which recently featured the Advent Health Sports Park — winner of last year’s Building of the Year Award. "We have a video series where we spotlight buildings that we think are cool," he said. "So, if you have not seen this video, it is on our YouTube channel, and I would encourage you to watch it." 

New initiatives include insulation and sustainability, plus a new book 

Looking ahead, MBMA is working on several new projects. One, which is focused on roof insulation, examines whether filling the entire roof cavity provides benefits beyond code requirements. "Stay tuned. We should have information to report back on that one when we get together next year," Tony said. 

Sustainability is another area of emphasis. While previous studies concentrated on the energy used in manufacturing, Tony explained that MBMA is now assessing the recyclability and circularity of steel at the end of a building’s life. "We think that we have a pretty good story to tell in the metal building industry, because of the recyclability and the circularity of steel," he said. "Every bit of steel that you see in this building can go back and become new steel in another building or whatever steel product they want to use it in." 

To further support architects, MBMA is compiling a reference book, set for release later this year. The project, in collaboration with Amazon Books, will combine the popular architectural folio series with additional materials. "We think that this one is actually going to be much more of interest to the mass market," Tony said. 

Concluding his remarks, Tony reaffirmed MBMA’s commitment to supporting members and the industry at large. He invites continued collaboration and engagement, sharing, "We are always available and welcome invitations to help out with any of your events.”