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.” 

MCS Influencer Robert Tiffin says a proper framework for documented training is essential because quality buildings still start with quality people.

Editor's note: The following is the transcript of a live interview with Robert Tiffin of Silvercote. You can Read the interview below, Listen to the podcast or Watch the recording.

Hi, I'm Robert Tiffin with Silvercoat and past president of the MBCEA. The IS, MBCEA and AC 478 are doing something our industry has needed for a long time: turning experience into a system instead of a guessing game. For years, a lot of knowledge in metal building construction lived in the heads of a few seasoned GCs and superintendents. Some were delivered between a job side trailer and a pickup tailgate. Valuable? Absolutely. Sustainable? Nope, not exactly.

AC 478 changes that. It creates a framework for documented training, safety, quality control and accountability, so newer crews are not just told what to do, but actually trained how and why to do it correctly. And with evolving energy codes, more sophisticated building envelopes, labor shortages and tighter schedules, our industry cannot afford, "Well, we've always done it this way," anymore.

That's where the steps in the AC 478, providing education, mentorship, training resources and a pathway for companies that want to raise the bar instead of simply just clearing it. The end result? Safer projects, better consistency, stronger craftsmanship and a workforce that is prepared for where the industry is going, not where it was so many years ago. Because at the end of the day, quality buildings still start with quality people.

MCS Influencer Sasha Demyan says what sets the  Metal Building System Assembly Training Program initiative apart is its emphasis on real-world application.

As the metal building industry adapts to increasing demand, workforce shortages and advancing project complexity, modernizing how we train and develop talent has never been more critical. Strengthening training pipelines through industry collaboration is at the heart of this evolution, and the Metal Building Contractors and Erectors Association (MBCEA), the Metal Buildings Institute (MBI) and the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) are leading the charge. 

Together, we are developing the Metal Building System Assembly Training Program — a comprehensive, industry-driven curriculum designed to transform how metal building assembly skills are taught, learned and validated. Delivered through a robust Learning Management System (LMS), this program provides a deep dive into every phase of metal building assembly, combining flexible, online learning with structured progression. This approach meets learners where they are, offering on-demand access that aligns with how today’s workforce prefers to build skills. 

What sets this initiative apart is its emphasis on real-world application. Training doesn’t stop with online modules. Learners will complete performance-based tasks that demonstrate competency in the field, ultimately leading to certification. By tying training directly to measurable outcomes, contractors can see clear returns on their investment — through improved productivity, reduced rework and enhanced safety on the jobsite.   

A key milestone for the program is its upcoming beta test with the Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC), Keystone Chapter Apprenticeship Program, scheduled to begin in September 2026. This partnership represents another critical link in strengthening the industry’s training pipeline. By integrating the curriculum into an established apprenticeship framework, the program will help meet formal training requirements while ensuring alignment with employer needs. Following this real-world validation phase, the program is targeted to go live in early 2027.   

In addition to supporting apprenticeships, the program plays a vital role in upskilling the existing workforce. As building systems evolve, workers must continuously adapt to new materials, methods and expectations. Technology-enabled learning allows experienced professionals to refine their skills without leaving the jobsite, creating a culture of continuous improvement across the industry. 

Ultimately, the Metal Building System Assembly Training Program reflects a forward-thinking approach to workforce development — one that combines the strength of industry partnerships, the power of technology and a commitment to measurable skill development. By investing in this initiative, we are not only addressing today’s labor challenges but also building a stronger, more resilient workforce for the future of the metal building industry. 

We’re excited to introduce the new MBCEA Job Board — built to connect metal building professionals, contractors, and erectors with the skilled talent they need to grow and succeed. Whether you're hiring in the field, in the office, or at the leadership level, this new platform is designed specifically for the metal building industry.

👉 Visit the MBCEA Job Board here: https://jobs.mbcea.org/  

1. Click sign in on the top right
2. Click sign in as member - Red Button
3. If you're not signed into MBCEA.org yet, it will prompt you to sign in
4. Once signed in, you should land in your account dashboard         

Along with the launch, we’re also introducing a dedicated resource to support you. His name is Jack Fardo, and he's your MBCEA Job Board Partner. He's here to help you:

• Post roles quickly and effectively
• Choose the best job posting options
• Maximize visibility to the right candidates
• Answer any questions along the way

To celebrate the launch, we’re offering: 20% OFF all job postings through the end of May 2026!

Discount Code: mbcea_20off

If you're planning to hire — now or in the coming months — this is the perfect time to take advantage of the new platform and added support. 

Don’t hesitate to reach out!

Achieving this accreditation demonstrates that Metal Roofing Solutions, Inc. has the personnel, the organizational skills, vast experience, knowledge, management procedures and commitment to assemble metal buildings in accordance with code, specifications, costs and deadlines.

The Metal Building Contractors and Erectors Association (MBCEA) announces that Metal Roofing Solutions, Inc. headquartered in Duncanville, Alabama and servicing Alabama, now holds the prestigious AC478 accreditation administered by the International Accreditation Service (IAS). AC478, Accreditation for Metal Building Assemblers Inspection, is a standard to recognize metal building assemblers committed to excellence.

Achieving this accreditation demonstrates that Metal Roofing Solutions, Inc. has the personnel, the organizational skills, vast experience, knowledge, management procedures and commitment to assemble metal buildings in accordance with code, specifications, costs and deadlines.  Requirements for this accreditation include documented management systems, rigorous safety training, quality managers, OSHA training, documented safety plans, site-specific plans and other documentation.

“Achieving AC478 accreditation is a testament to the culture, craftsmanship and commitment that define Metal Roofing Solutions, Inc. This milestone reinforces your position as a leader in delivering construction experiences that are not only safe and efficient, but truly elevate what clients and partners can expect,” said MBCEA president David Leinbach. “Congratulations to the entire Metal Roofing Solutions, Inc. team—this achievement underscores your relentless pursuit of excellence.”

Pursuing AC478 accreditation was a natural step for Metal Roofing Solutions. It wasn’t about adding a credential; it was about validating the way we already operate. Process-driven, disciplined in safety and training and committed to quality work for our customers. Earning accreditation reinforces our promise to deliver dependable roofing and metal building systems that our clients can trust will be done the right way.

When leadership at Metal Roofing Solutions, Inc. first learned about the AC478 accreditation, they recognized it as an opportunity to validate the systems and standards they had already built their company on. The IAS mark of quality serves as proof of their commitment to safety, training and delivering high-quality metal building systems.

“Achieving AC478 accreditation reinforces what we’ve always stood for; quality workmanship, strong safety practices and doing things the right way,” said Metal Roofing Solutions leadership. “This recognition gives our clients confidence that every project we take on is backed by proven systems and experienced professionals.”

For more information about the IAS AC478 accreditation program visit mbcea.org.  For more information about Metal Roofing Solutions, Inc., visit metalroofingsolutionsinc.com.

About Metal Roofing Solutions

Founded in 2005, Metal Roofing Solutions, Inc. is a trusted commercial contractor based in Alabama, serving clients across the Southeastern United States. The company specializes in pre-engineered metal buildings, standing seam metal roofing systems, metal wall panels, and low-slope roofing systems including TPO, PVC and modified bitumen.

Metal Roofing Solutions provides complete deck-up roofing and building envelope systems for projects ranging from 5,000 to over 150,000 square feet. Known for their commitment to quality, safety, and efficiency, they deliver durable, energy-efficient solutions tailored to each project. Their mission is reflected in their motto: “Where strength meets dtyle.”

Texas manufacturing facility recognized for continued commitment to safety excellence.

S-5!, the industry leader in metal roof attachment solutions, has earned the Metal Building Manufacturers Association Safety Award for the fifth time, recognizing the company’s exceptional workplace safety performance and zero recordable incidents at its Iowa Park, Texas, manufacturing facility during the calendar year 2025.

Each year, MBMA recognizes member companies that demonstrate exceptional commitment to safety in the workplace over the past calendar year. The 2025 award was presented during the combined Metal Building Contractors and Erectors Association (MBCEA) Conference and MBMA Spring Association Meeting in Colorado Springs, Colorado, held April 22-24, 2026. Rob Haddock, CEO and founder of S-5!, together with Shawn Haddock, vice president of operations at S-5!, accepted the honor on behalf of their entire team.

The achievement reflects ongoing safety training, proactive hazard identification and a team-wide commitment to maintaining a clean, compliant and accountable manufacturing environment.

“This recognition is meaningful because it reflects what happens in our facility every day: employees looking out for one another, following disciplined processes and taking ownership of safety,” said Shawn Haddock. “We are especially grateful to Randy Crumpton, our safety manager, whose leadership has helped strengthen a safety-first culture through training, clear policies and proactive hazard prevention.”

Through its annual Safety Awards, MBMA highlights member companies that make safe operations a consistent business priority and model responsible manufacturing practices across the metal building industry. “A year with zero recordable incidents requires more than compliance; it reflects everyday attention, communication and accountability across the organization,” said Tony Bouquot, MBMA general manager. “S-5!’s continued performance at its Iowa Park facility demonstrates the kind of safety leadership we are proud to recognize among MBMA members.”

At S-5!’s ISO 9001: 2015-certified Iowa Park manufacturing facility, advanced automation and equipment support both product quality and a disciplined operating environment. Following a 20,000+ square foot expansion that doubled production capacity, the team continues to pair growth with safety practices, training and facility improvements that support employees, customers and ongoing manufacturing operations.

About S-5! 

Founded by a renowned metal roof expert, S-5! has been the leading authority on metal roof attachment solutions since 1992. S-5!’s zero-penetration clamps and lifetime brackets attach virtually anything to most metal roof types, while maintaining roof integrity and warranties. S-5! solutions are engineered for a variety of roof-mounted applications and are now installed on more than 3 million roofs worldwide, including 10+ gigawatts of roof-mounted solar, providing strength and longevity never before seen. For more information, visit www.s-5.com.

Industry leaders were recognized for decades of innovation, mentorship and impact across metal buildings, insulated metal panels and metal roofing. 

The 2026 Metal Building Contractors and Erectors Association (MBCEA) Annual Conference Awards Ceremony featured the Metal Construction News Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Metal Construction News publisher Melanie Kowal and Editor-in-Chief Anthony Capkun hosted the ceremony and highlighted the purpose of the program: to recognize individuals who have helped initiate, advance and shape the metal construction industry through dedication, innovation and inspiration. Inductees were selected with help from the association partner judges from the Metal Construction Association, the Metal Building Manufacturers Association and the MBCEA. The following individuals were inducted this year:  

Mark Detwiler (Cornerstone Building Brands) 

Recognized for a career that strengthened the foundation of metal construction through leadership and service with multiple construction associations, Mark noted this this honor wouldn’t be possible without a broader team effort and he credited the colleagues and partners who helped make it possible. 

Arnold Corbin (Metl-Span) 

Honored for more than four decades of leadership in insulated metal panels and pre-engineered metal buildings, Arnold shared a personal story of how he entered the industry with a hands-on job while in college because he needed date money. That date money resulted in him not only marrying his wife but developing a long-tenured, rewarding career in metal. He expressed gratitude for the mentors and teams who invested in his growth over the years. 

Jeff Alexander (The Sherwin-Williams Company) 

Jeff was recognized for more than 40 years of contributions that helped drive growth in coil coatings and support metal roofing’s rise from a niche product to a premium residential option. Jeff was unable to attend the ceremony, and the award was accepted on his behalf. 

Ted Wolf (Butler Manufacturing) 

Ted was honored for helping shape dealer networks, advancing standing seam systems and championing innovations that strengthened the industry. Unable to attend, his prepared remarks were shared during the ceremony, reflecting on a career that began in 1972 as a sales trainee, progressed through field sales leadership and culminated in serving as president of Butler’s North American operations before retiring in 2010. 

T.R. “Tony” Raimondo (Bayland Manufacturing) 

Raimondo was recognized for a vision that helped transform both a company and an industry. He passed away in 2022, and the honor was accepted by his son, Tony Raimondo Jr., who spoke about his father’s deep involvement in the Metal Building Manufacturers Association and the pivotal 1984 buyout that set Bayland on a long-term path from heavy losses to profitability. 

Phil Raimondo (Bayland Manufacturing) 

Recognized for helping define modern standards of quality and reliability in metal building systems, Phil Raimondo was inducted posthumously (he passed away in 2021). His son, Patrick Raimondo—plant manager at Bayland’s Sarasota, Florida, location—accepted the award and noted the lasting impact of his father’s dedication, while committing to carry the legacy forward. 

More information on this year’s Hall of Fame class is available in the April 2026 issue of Metal Construction News. The ceremony concluded with congratulations to the inductees and appreciation for the industry leaders and associations who continue to support the program.

The 2026 competition included 36 entries across four categories — Commercial, Community, Manufacturing and Agricultural — demonstrating the continued growth, diversity and innovation within the metal building systems industry.

The Metal Building Contractors & Erectors Association (MBCEA) announced its 2026 Building of the Year winners at the 57th Annual MBCEA Conference, held April 22–24 in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

The overall Building of the Year award was presented to GBS Enterprises of Bel Aire, Kansas, for The Refinery Sports Complex in Garden City, Kansas. Additionally, Awards of Excellence and Merit were announced for buildings in three separate categories: Commercial, Community and Manufacturing.

“Each year, these awards showcase the innovation, craftsmanship and commitment to quality that define our industry,” said Sasha Demyan, executive director of MBCEA. “From complex project execution to decades of leadership and service, this year’s honorees represent the very best of MBCEA and the metal building community.”

The 2026 competition included 36 entries across four categories — Commercial, Community, Manufacturing and Agricultural — demonstrating the continued growth, diversity and innovation within the metal building systems industry. Following is a complete list of all 2026 MBCEA Building of the Year Award winners, the MBCEA members that worked on the buildings and the metal building manufacturers/suppliers.

Building of the Year

The Refinery Sports Complex – Garden City, Kansas

The Refinery Sports Complex is a 200,000-square-foot multi-sport and convention facility designed as a regional destination for athletics, events and community gatherings. GBS Enterprises of Bel Aire, Kansas, served as the contractor, with the building manufactured by Behlen Building Systems. The project features a massive clear-span structure assembled at grade and lifted into place, along with a complex multi-building configuration that integrates indoor fields, courts, retail space and a convention center. The project required significant in-field coordination to merge multiple building systems into a unified structure while maintaining high performance and energy efficiency.

Commercial category - under 30,000 square feet

Award of Excellence: Jersey Meadow Golf Clubhouse – Jersey Village, Texas

Red Dot Buildings of Athens, Texas, served as both manufacturer and erector for this 9,300-square-foot clubhouse. The project blends the efficiency of a metal building system with elevated architectural detailing, including a distinctive clock tower, concealed rooftop mechanical systems and high-performance insulation that exceeds typical standards — all within a compact footprint designed to enhance the surrounding golf course experience.

Award of Merit: Premier Custom Paint and Collision – Zelienople, Pennsylvania

C. Tucker Cope & Associates, Inc. of Columbiana, Ohio, served as general contractor for this modern automotive facility, manufactured by Chief Buildings. The project combines durability with design using insulated metal panels, expansive glazing and a thoughtfully integrated layout that supports both high-performance operations and a refined customer experience.

Commercial category - over 30,000 square feet

Award of Excellence: Mitchell Subaru – Canton, Connecticut

PDS Engineering & Construction, Inc. of Bloomfield, Connecticut, served as design-build contractor for this 32,000-square-foot dealership, manufactured by Metallic Building Systems. The project incorporates a wide range of architectural elements — including curtain walls, masonry, solar panels and a two-story showroom — while achieving Subaru Eco-Friendly certification, making it one of a limited number of certified dealerships nationwide.

Award of Merit: Ring Power Facility – Leesburg, Florida

Steel Worx Solutions LLC of Groveland, Florida, served as design-build contractor for this 77,000-square-foot facility, manufactured by Kirby Building Systems. Built to withstand Florida’s demanding environmental conditions, the project includes advanced roofing systems, engineered curb solutions and high-performance insulation designed to meet strict hurricane and weather-resistance standards.

Community category

Award of Excellence: St. Vrain Sanitation District Administration & Maintenance Buildings – Frederick, Colorado

Baker Steel Erectors of Frederick, Colorado, served as erector for this three-building campus, manufactured by Alliance Steel Buildings. The project features distinct yet interconnected structures with complex rooflines, extended overhangs and integrated architectural materials, designed to support growing regional infrastructure needs while maintaining a strong civic presence.

Award of Merit: Trinity Presbyterian Church – Owasso, Oklahoma

Metal Building Industries of Tulsa, Oklahoma, served as erector for this worship facility, manufactured by Metal Building Industries. The project combines structural ingenuity with architectural expression, including vaulted rooflines, full-height stone walls and phased construction that allowed the expansion of the original vision into a fully realized community landmark.

Manufacturing category

Award of Excellence: IMC Metals America Upcast – Shelby, North Carolina

Hoke Enterprises, Inc. of Grover, North Carolina, served as the general contractor for this 120,000-square-foot copper processing facility, manufactured by Schulte Building Systems. The project required precise coordination within a constrained site adjacent to active operations and included complex structural systems and crane integration — all completed with an exceptional safety record.

Award of Merit: Nucor Towers and Structures – West Hazleton, Pennsylvania

Kaiser-Martin Group, Inc., of Temple, Pennsylvania, served as general contractor for this multi-building manufacturing expansion utilizing systems from Nucor Building Systems and Metl-Span. The project involved constructing new facilities over and around existing operational infrastructure, requiring phased scheduling and advanced coordination to maintain uninterrupted production.

Entries were evaluated by an independent panel of industry professionals using a standardized scoring system. Each project was judged across five key criteria: aesthetics, interesting features, quality and safety, complexity and green building elements, with scores determining category winners and the overall Building of the Year.

In addition to the Building of the Year Awards, MBCEA also inducted the following individuals into its prestigious Pioneers Club and presented the Robert & Beverly Ketenbrink “Oil Can” Service Award.

Pioneers Club inductees:

• Steve Herrman, S & H Construction Co., Inc. of Oak Grove, Missouri
• Barry Daigle, BB Gunn Contracting Limited of Linwood, Ontario
• Randy Haefli, Component Construction Company of Fort Worth, Texas.

Each inductee has demonstrated decades of leadership, craftsmanship and commitment to advancing the metal building industry.

The Robert & Beverly Ketenbrink Service Award was presented to Joseph Allen of Thomas Phoenix International in recognition of his outstanding service and dedication to both MBCEA and the industry.

About MBCEA

The Metal Building Contractors & Erectors Association (MBCEA), founded in 1968, is dedicated to advancing the professionalism of contractors and erectors in the metal building systems industry. The association supports its members through a focus on education, industry image enhancement and grassroots engagement — providing programs, resources and opportunities that strengthen both individual businesses and the industry as a whole.

MBCEA’s membership spans virtually every aspect of the metal building industry and includes companies across all 50 states and Canada. For more information, visit www.mbcea.org or contact Sasha Demyan at 484-239-3337.

Honoring industry leaders for lifetimes of contribution and service to the metal industry.

In 2012, the Metal Constructon News Hall of Fame was formed through a collaboration with the Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA), Metal Construction Association (MCA) and Metal Building Contractors and Erectors Association (MBCEA) to recognize "those individuals who have had a significant impact on the metal construction industry through their innovation, effort and leadership." 

These individuals are chosen based on five categories:

• Unique contribution: Looks specifically at the individual's creations and/or developments that advance the industry.
• Body of work: Assess the depth and breadth of the nominee's contributions to the industry across their entire career
• Legacy: Focuses on the long-lasting impacts of the nominee's work in the industry.
• Integrity: Highlights the ethical and professional standards that the nominee exhibits.
• Longevity: Requires the nominee to have been "actively involved in the industry for at least 10 years."

Now in its 14th year, the Hall of Fame has releasede the 2026 list of contractors, manufacturers and industry friends who have made a difference and been inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Ted Wolfe

In the high-stakes, heavy-tonnage world of pre-engineered metal buildings (PEMB), the industry often risks losing sight of the people beneath the steel. Modern corporations frequently succumb to the “commodity trap,” viewing the market as little more than rows on a spreadsheet and total tons shipped. But for decades, the industry had a conscience — a “Southern gentleman” named Ted Wolfe who understood that while the factory produces the parts, it is the builder who produces the building.

Tony “TR” Raimondo and Phil Raimondo

The metal building industry is often defined by those who can bridge the gap between rigorous engineering and visionary leadership. For nearly four decades, Tony “TR” Raimondo and his son, Phil Raimondo, embodied this balance, transforming Behlen Manufacturing Company from a struggling enterprise into a global industry titan. Their combined leadership represents a unique “father-son” milestone in the Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) history, marking a legacy of service that has fortified the industry’s standards, market reach and workforce.

Jeff Alexander

In the world of industrial coatings, few names carry as much weight as Jeff Alexander. As the global vice president of sales for the coil and extrusion division of The Sherwin-Williams Company, Alexander doesn’t just help to manage a multibillion-dollar business; he shapes the very aesthetic and structural integrity of the modern built environment. With a career spanning four decades, Jeff’s induction into the Hall of Fame recognizes a leader whose impact is measured not just in square footage coated but in the enduring partnerships and organizational cultures he has built.

Arnold Corbin

In the specialized world of insulated metal panels (IMPs) and pre-engineered metal buildings (PEMBs), few professionals have bridged the gap between manufacturing precision and jobsite reality as effectively as Arnold Corbin. With a career spanning over four decades at the forefront of the industry’s evolution — from the early days of Metl-Span to his current leadership within the Nucor Insulated Panel Group — Arnold has become a foundational figure whose influence extends far beyond the corporate boardrooms of his employers.

Richard Ahrens

In the storied history of the Florida construction industry, few figures have managed to bridge the gap between legacy and logic as effectively as Richard Ahrens. A third-generation leader representing a heritage that dates back to 1902, Richard did not merely maintain a family business; he transformed it. By blending the grit of a traditional builder with the analytical precision of an academic, he moved the pre-engineered metal building (PEMB) industry from the fringes of economical utility into the mainstream of high-performance architectural design.

Mark Detwiler

Through a career spanning the full spectrum of structural engineering — from the details of project design to the influence of national standards — Mark Detwiler has been a cornerstone of the metal industry. His trajectory is defined not merely by his professional advancement from hands-on engineering to senior technical leadership, but by a tireless commitment to the safety, reliability and advancement of metal building systems. Mark’s work represents a rare bridge between the theoretical rigors of applied research and the practical realities of the field.

Find more information online.

By Fiona Maguire-O’Shea, METALCON.

Keynote insights highlight rising costs, uneven demand and sectors driving construction forward. 

Before leaders of the metal building industry in Colorado Springs, Colorado, keynote speaker Anirban Basu, a widely respected industry economist, underscored both the opportunities and headwinds facing construction: the U.S. economy is still growing, but growth is increasingly uneven and industry professionals need to be clear-eyed about where opportunity exists and where risk is building. 

Speaking at the joint Metal Building Contractors and Erectors Association/Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBCEA/MBMA) event, Anirban offered an early roadmap to the financing, labor, inflation and market questions facing the metal construction industry — conversations that will carry into METALCON 2026, where thousands of metal construction professionals will gather amid ongoing discussion about the market forces shaping the year ahead. 

Anirban, chief economist for the Associated Builders and Contractors, the Construction Financial Management Association and the Modular Building Institute and a former chair of the Maryland Economic Development Commission, brought a practical, construction-focused perspective to the stage. His core point was blunt: The economy is growing, but the benefits are uneven. “So, it’s a lopsided economic expansion with some families really benefiting, and other families really fading in terms of standard of living,” Anirban said.  

Prices, rates and project pressure 

One of Anirban's clearest messages centered on inflation and the frustration it is creating. He said there is “a fair amount of angst out there regarding the economy,” as well as “a fair amount of unhappiness” and “a significant amount of discontent,”driven in part by rising everyday costs such as groceries. At the heart of that discontent, he said, is “high and rising prices.” He noted that overall inflation has climbed 29% since May 2020, while core inflation has risen 25.7% over the same period. 

That matters because inflation continues to keep interest rates elevated, raising the cost of capital and making many projects harder to pencil. Anirban noted that after holding its benchmark rate near zero early in the pandemic, the Federal Reserve raised it to about 5.5% before later easing, but borrowing costs remain high relative to the pre-pandemic environment. As he put it, “Borrowing costs go up, project financing costs go up. That’s not good for construction projects.”

Anirban also said inflation is likely to linger, keeping interest rates higher for longer — an unwelcome outlook for the construction industry, which needs private financing costs to come down to support more construction starts. 

That pressure is most visible in residential construction and parts of the commercial market. Anirban pointed to declining housing under construction, weak permit activity and continued softness in multifamily, where many projects are simply not viableat today’s financing and input-cost levels. 

He also emphasized that the office sector remains a weak spot, with remote and hybrid work continuing to weigh on vacancy in major metropolitan areas, putting pressure on property values, lender appetite and municipal tax bases. As a result, private-sector work tied to traditional office, speculative multifamily and other rate-sensitive development remains under strain. 

Where strength is concentrated 

At the same time, Anirban made clear that not all construction sectors are struggling. He singled out data centers and the energy generation and distribution infrastructure needed to support them as two of the strongest opportunities ahead. “These two segments of construction tend to be the strongest going forward,” he said. 

He described artificial intelligence as one of the defining drivers of capital spending in today’s economy, with hyperscalers, such as Amazon and Meta, spending about $450 billion last year on related architecture and infrastructure and expected to spend $700 billion to $725 billion this year. He also noted that data centers used about 4.4% of U.S. electricity in 2023 and could consume well above 12% by 2028. Those trends will keep driving demand for power generation, transmission and related utility work, while also reinforcing the appeal of fast-track, durable building systems. 

Public construction is another relatively bright spot. Anirban showed that while total nonresidential construction has flattened, infrastructure-related categories such as transportation, water supply, sewage and waste disposal and conservation-related work continue to benefit from public funding already moving through the system. In practical terms, that means companies with exposure to civil, utility and public-sector work may find better near-term stability than those dependent on speculative private development. 

Materials costs remain a problem 

Anirban underscored rising construction input costs, particularly in metals-related categories. He said construction materials prices overall were up 48% from February 2020 to March 2026. The more targeted figure may be even more important: Anirban said the producer price index – the price received by producers – for architectural and structural metals manufacturing was up 7.4% year over year and 75% since February 2020. He also pointed to steep increases in steel mill products and fabricated structural metal products, highlighting how tariff policy and supply-side pressures continue to affect pricing. 

Materials volatility continues to shape pricing, bidding, procurement strategy and project timing. In a market where owners are already struggling with financing, further escalation can push work from delayed to dead. 

Labor and location still matter 

Labor remains another complicated piece of the outlook. Anirban noted that construction job openings have not surged the way some expected, even with changes in immigration policy affecting workforce availability. He said about 25% of the construction workforce is foreign-born, but the expected increase in advertisements for native-born or documented workers has not materialized. The reason, he suggested, is that between residential and nonresidential construction, overall construction spending has been in decline, even though some individual segments continue to grow. That means labor availability, wage pressure and productivity remain key concerns, particularly in labor-intensive trades. Even where demand exists, execution still depends on workforce access and retention. 

Anirban also urged the audience to think regionally, not just nationally. Some markets can transcend a weakening economy, particularly when population growth continues to drive demand. Economic momentum remains strongest in places that continue to attract people and business investment, including parts of Texas, Florida and the Carolinas. Those regions are more likely to support job creation and construction demand. Markets dealing with population outflows, weak office fundamentals or fiscal strain face a more difficult path. 

What comes next for metal construction 

As the industry looks ahead to METALCON 2026, the same questions Anirban raised continue to shape conversations about where work is coming from, which projects still pencil and how companies can position themselves for the next phase of the cycle. Strength remains concentrated in a relatively narrow group of drivers – artificial intelligence spending, data centers, power infrastructure and public work – while other parts of the market remain constrained by financing costs, input prices and softer demand. 

In closing, Anirban said, “So there are four things I’m watching to determine whether or not we’re going to enter recession.” First is the conflict in the Middle East, which he said the stock market appears to be treating as temporary, even though “it hasn’t ended yet, and things can go wrong.” Second is hyperscaler spending, particularly what major technology companies say about their investment plans. Third is the stock market’s performance, which is closely tied to that spending. Fourth is layoff activity, as hiring remains soft and a meaningful pickup in layoffs could quickly push unemployment higher and put more pressure on consumer spending. 

For now, Anirban said, initial unemployment claims remain low — a sign that employers are still largely holding on to their workers. That, he said, “speaks to economic stability.” His conclusion was cautiously optimistic: “My forecast is for growth in 2026.”  

That leaves the industry with a message that is neither alarmist nor complacent. Opportunity remains, especially in segments tied to infrastructure, energy and advanced technology. But so do serious headwinds, particularly for projects that depend on easier financing, steadier input costs and broader private demand.

That conversation will continue across the industry in the months ahead — including at METALCON 2026, scheduled for Oct. 7–9, 2026, in Orlando, Florida. Registration is now open. Learn more at www.metalcon.com.