METALCON names 2026 Top Products Award winners

METALCON has announced the winners of its sixth annual Top Products Awards, recognizing product innovations showcased at its 35th anniversary event, held Oct. 7–9 in Orlando, Florida.

Products were evaluated through public electronic voting before the show and attendee voting onsite, giving metal construction industry professionals a voice in recognizing products, technologies and solutions designed to address the evolving needs of metal construction with improved performance, efficiency and installation.

The 2026 METALCON Top Products Award winners are:

First Place

Company: Progressive Foam

Category: Insulation

Product: Progressive Foam ReadyClad®
 

Progressive Foam ReadyClad® combines continuous insulation with built-in treated plywood furring strips for exposed perimeter foundation applications. By integrating the fastening surface directly into the insulation panel, ReadyClad eliminates the need to install separate furring strips, helping reduce labor, materials, installation time and opportunities for error. Its Graphite Polystyrene (GPS) core delivers R-values up to R-9.2, while its vapor-permeable construction supports fast drying and moisture management.
 

Second Place

Company: BH-USA/Elite Fans

Category: Accessories

Product: Elite Electric Fans
 

BH-USA/Elite Fans offers industrial ventilation solutions for commercial, industrial, agricultural and manufacturing applications. Its Elite Electric Products line includes belt-driven cabinet exhaust fans, wall-mount panel exhaust fans, exhaust shutters and electric motors in multiple sizes.

Designed for demanding environments such as fabrication shops, warehouses, manufacturing facilities, agricultural buildings and equipment storage, the fans are engineered for long-term durability, powerful airflow and ease of maintenance.
 

Third Place

Company: PPG

Category: Coatings

Product: AQUACRON® Waterborne Shop Primers (WSP) for Structural Steel
 

PPG AQUACRON® Waterborne Shop Primers (WSP) are designed to help structural steel fabricators improve throughput while reducing volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. The primers deliver a smooth finish and are formulated to cure in approximately two minutes under standard heat, helping reduce drying and curing times and the space required for production. Factory-applied to beams, purlins, joists and framing components, the primers also help protect steel against flash rust and corrosion during transportation, storage and construction.

“METALCON’s 35th anniversary gave us an opportunity to reflect on how far the industry has come, but the METALCON Top Products Awards are really about what comes next,” said Judy Geller, vice president of trade shows at METALCON. “This year’s winners demonstrate how manufacturers are addressing real-world challenges through improvements in performance, efficiency and installation. We look forward to seeing how these innovations continue to shape the industry as we look ahead toward METALCON 2027 in Louisville, Kentucky on October 26-28.”

About METALCON

Established in 1991, METALCON is the only annual event dedicated exclusively to the application of metal in design and construction. Produced by PSMJ Resources, Inc., in partnership with the Metal Construction Association, it brings together decision-makers from across the metal construction ecosystem to explore innovations shaping the built environment. More than a trade show, METALCON serves as the industry’s annual business summit—where deals are made, partnerships are formed and the next 12 months take shape. METALCON 2027 takes place Oct. 26–28 at the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville, Kentucky. For more information, visit www.metalcon.com.