The Coffee Shops™. 

An MBMA case study highlights how speed, flexibility and durability make metal buildings a strong fit for modern retail development. 

In its case study, “Retail & Wholesale Case Study: Retailers Benefit From the Metal Building Model,” the Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) explores how metal building systems are helping retailers meet evolving consumer expectations while improving construction efficiency, flexibility and long-term value. 

As retail businesses navigate changing demographics, growing eCommerce competition and increasing pressure to open locations quickly, metal building systems offer a compelling solution. According to the case study, one of the most significant advantages is speed-to-market. Because structural components are fabricated before arriving on-site, construction schedules can be shortened, allowing retailers to begin generating revenue sooner. 

The study also highlights the design flexibility of metal buildings. Large clear-span interiors and high ceilings allow retailers to easily reconfigure displays, departments and inventory layouts as business needs change. Metal buildings can also be customized with a variety of exterior finishes and integrated with conventional materials such as masonry and glass to meet branding objectives and local design requirements. 

Several real-world projects demonstrate these benefits. Costco Wholesale Corporation now uses metal building systems for approximately 90% of its new warehouse stores. The company cites faster construction schedules, cost savings and greater merchandising flexibility as key advantages. Costco representatives noted that metal warehouse stores can be completed from foundation to opening in approximately 110 days, significantly faster than conventional construction methods. 

Additional examples include retail renovations, strip malls, grocery stores and department store expansions. Contractors and developers interviewed for the case study emphasized the value of single-source coordination, year-round construction capabilities and the ability to efficiently expand or modernize existing facilities. 

The case study also underscores the sustainability benefits of metal buildings, including energy-efficient roof and wall systems, recyclable steel components and reduced construction waste. Long service life and low maintenance requirements further contribute to lower life-cycle costs for owners. 

For retailers seeking speed, adaptability and long-term performance, metal building systems continue to prove their value across a wide range of projects. 

To learn more about these projects and discover how metal building systems support retail success, read the full case study from MBMA.

As the metal construction industry navigates shifting market conditions, evolving building codes, workforce challenges and increasing performance demands, METALCON 2026 will bring together the associations helping shape its future through education, technical expertise and collaboration.

Celebrating its 35th anniversary October 7–9, 2026, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, the event will feature its broadest association participation to date, with organizations representing the entire metal construction ecosystem.

“For 35 years, METALCON has brought together every corner of the metal construction industry to conduct business, discover solutions and build lasting relationships,” said Judy Geller, vice president of tradeshows at METALCON. “Our association partners are a big reason professionals come to METALCON. They bring technical knowledge and practical insights that help attendees stay current, solve problems and make better business decisions.”

Attendees will have direct access to organizations focused on the issues that matter most to metal construction. Participating associations represent every sector of the industry, including roofing, metal buildings, air barriers, rainscreens, extrusions, manufacturing, workforce development, diversity and inclusion, education and training.

Jeff Henry of the Metal Construction Association (MCA) said, “METALCON gives MCA members a powerful platform to showcase their products, reach new audiences and demonstrate metal’s unmatched design and performance attributes. By bringing manufacturers, contractors, architects, engineers and associations together in one place, METALCON creates opportunities to share knowledge, discuss common challenges and accelerate innovation in ways that benefit the entire industry.”

Association-led education

Participating associations will lead sessions on the issues driving change in metal construction today. Highlights include:

• Industry Outlook: Metal Construction Code Updates - What’s Changed and What It Means
  • Metal Construction Association
• Industry Outlook: 2027 - The Future of Metal Construction
  • Metal Construction Association, Metal Building Manufacturers Association and American Institute of Architects
• Reflective Insulation & Radiant Barriers in Metal Building Design: Solving Real-World Thermal, Moisture and Energy Challenges
  • Reflective Insulation Manufacturers Association-International
• Designing Walls for Reality, Not Perfection
  • Rainscreen Association in North America
• MCM in Practice: Installation, Inspection and Fixes
  • MCM Alliance
• Facilitating Product Acceptance with ICC-ES Certification
  • International Code Council
• Residential Metal Roofing - The Sustainable Choice
  • Metal Roofing Alliance
• Noncombustible Steel Framing Construction in High-Wind Regions
  • Steel Framing Industry Association
• Why Would Anyone Choose Cold-Formed Steel?
  • Cold Formed Steel Association
• From Vision to Profits: How to Build a Successful Business Plan in the Metal Industry
  • Latinos en Roofing
• The Hidden Carbon in Metal Buildings
  • Metal Building Manufacturers Association
• FORGE: Where Women in Metal Shape What’s Next
  • National Women in Roofing

Many of these organizations and others — including the Association of Women in Metal Industries, the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association, the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association, the National Roofing Contractors Association and Roofers in Recovery — will have a presence on the show floor, where attendees can connect directly with subject-matter experts and industry resources.

“Residential metal roofing is one of the fastest-growing segments in construction, and the professionals driving that growth need access to strong training, product knowledge and peer insight,” said Renee Ramey, executive director of the Metal Roofing Alliance. “METALCON brings those resources together in one place, which is why the Metal Roofing Alliance continues to support the event.”

“The value of METALCON is what happens when associations, experts and decision-makers are part of the same conversation,” Geller said. “As the industry continues to evolve, that shared environment helps professionals build connections, exchange ideas and identify solutions they can apply to their businesses.”

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. For more information, visit www.metalcon.com

Education lineup connects industry shifts with real-world metal design decisions.

As architects and design professionals face growing pressure to make smarter decisions about carbon, code compliance, material performance and long-term resilience, METALCON is expanding its Design District programming for 2026 with a new education lineup centered on the issues shaping today's built environment.

Taking place October 7–9, 2026, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, The Design District @ METALCON will provide a focused space for design professionals to examine what is changing across the metal construction ecosystem and why those changes matter before the next project is designed, specified or built.

The 2026 program connects big-picture industry shifts — from embodied carbon and Environmental Product Declarations to adaptive reuse and high-performance façade systems — with practical, project-level decisions attendees can carry onto the METALCON show floor as they evaluate materials, systems and solutions.

"Design professionals are being asked to make increasingly complex decisions about materials, performance, sustainability and compliance," said Judy Geller, vice president of Tradeshows at METALCON. "The Design District gives them direct access to the education, experts and real-world applications they need to make those decisions with confidence."

Among the 2026 program highlights is keynote speaker Kermit Baker, a leading economic voice in the architecture, design and construction sectors and former chief economist for the American Institute of Architects. Kermit’s keynote, “Building Through Uncertainty: A Market Outlook for the Construction and Design Industries,”  will examine the economic forces shaping project activity, demand, pipeline trends and sector growth, giving attendees timely context for the year ahead.

Featured Design District sessions: Wednesday, October 7, 2026

• The Hidden Carbon in Metal Buildings – 10:30 a.m.
  Vincent Sagan of the Metal Building Manufacturers Association and Amanda Turner of Cornerstone Building Brands will examine embodied carbon in metal building systems, including material selection, manufacturing impacts, EPDs and integrated design strategies.
• Industry Outlook: Metal Construction Code Updates – What's Changed and What It Means – 1:30 p.m.
  Bill Beals of Therm-All, Paul Deffenbaugh of Deep Brook Media and Bob Zabcik of Z-Tech Consulting will break down recent and upcoming code changes affecting metal construction and what they mean for design, specification, fabrication and installation.
• MasterClass: Shipping Container Upcycling – Opportunities and Challenges with Supply Chain Connected Modular Steel Units – 3:00 p.m.
  Stephen Bender, architect and instructor at the University of Florida, will explore how upcycled shipping containers can become adaptable, cost-effective building solutions while navigating sustainability, supply chain, code and project delivery challenges.

Featured Design District sessions: Thursday, October 8, 2026

• Building Through Uncertainty: A Market Outlook for the Construction and Design Industries – 9:00 a.m.
  Kermit Baker, former chief economist for the American Institute of Architects, will examine the economic forces shaping project activity, demand, pipeline trends and sector growth.
• Industry Outlook: 2027 – The Future of Metal Construction – 10:30 a.m.
  Kermit Baker, Jeff Henry of the Metal Construction Association and Vincent Sagan of the Metal Building Manufacturers Association will discuss the economic, supply chain, regulatory and jobsite forces shaping metal construction through 2027.
• Why Metal Wins – 12:00 p.m.
  Brent Schipper will explore why metal continues to be selected for performance, resilience, sustainability, aesthetics, durability, recyclability and design flexibility.
• Metal in Adaptive Reuse: Crafting Community, Transparency and Identity Through Design-Build – 1:30 p.m.
  Debra Wilson of Interstruct Orlando, LLC will use two design-build case studies to show how reclaimed and newly applied metal systems can support adaptive reuse, transparency, texture, durability and community-focused design.
• Architectural Metal Plate Systems: Durable Design for Today's Buildings – 3:00 p.m.
  John Scornse of ATAS International, Inc. will examine how solid metal plate systems support design flexibility, durability, fire resistance, complex forms, finish options and high-performance building envelopes.

Together, this lineup gives design professionals a practical view of the forces influencing metal construction while offering the opportunity to earn up to a year’s worth of AIA Learning Units, including HSW credits. Design District attendees also have access to METALCON keynotes, networking events and more than 35 additional education sessions, giving them more ways to build expertise, exchange ideas and discover what is next in metal design and construction.

The programming is especially relevant for architects focused on performance, resilience and aesthetics; designers exploring new materials and applications; specifiers sourcing compliant, high-performance systems; and engineers working across envelope performance, acoustics, sustainability and constructability.

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. For more information, visit www.metalcon.com/architects.

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Metal-over-metal retrofit systems help address aging roofs while meeting modern structural and code requirements.  

Across the United States, a large portion of installed metal roofs are growing closer to the end of their service lives. Data compiled from the Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) shows that billions of square feet of metal roofs were installed between the 1970s and late 1990s, meaning many are now between 25-50 years old. For manufacturers such as Roof Hugger, this aging building stock represents a significant opportunity for offering metal-over-metal retrofit systems that extend roof performance without requiring a complete tear-off. 

The scale of this market is substantial. Estimates indicate there were roughly 24.3 billion square feet of metal roofing constructed during those decades, along with approximately 1.9 billion square feet of metal roofing used on U.S. military facilities. As these systems age, building owners increasingly face decisions about whether to repair, recover or replace existing roofs.  

One factor influencing those decisions is modern building code compliance. Many older metal buildings were designed with purlin spacing of five feet or more, a configuration that may not meet current wind load and snow drift design requirements. Retrofit framing systems can help address this issue by reducing attachment spacing so new metal panels meet contemporary code expectations for edge zones, corner zones and field-of-roof conditions.  

Contractors evaluating retrofit projects typically begin by assessing the condition of the existing structure. This process may include examining purlins for corrosion, determining whether penetrations such as skylights are still required and evaluating insulation or sound concerns inside the building. Walking the roof and speaking with the building owner about current performance problems also helps determine whether repair or a full recover is the best approach.  

Several structural panel options are available for recover systems. Trapezoidal panels are generally the most economical and work well on simpler roof geometries with minimal penetrations. Vertical ribbed asymmetrical panels are often used on more complex roof layouts with hips or valleys. Symmetrical standing seam panels typically offer the highest wind uplift resistance and improved watertightness, though they require additional material and installation complexity.  

A metal roof that has reached the end of its service life is no longer a crisis point for a building, it’s simply the next chapter waiting to be written. With a properly engineered retrofit system, that tired old roof becomes the foundation for a modern, code‑compliant metal roof designed to perform for 50 years or more. The transformation doesn’t just protect the structure; it breathes new life into the entire building, turning what once felt like an aging liability into a renewed, long‑term asset. And in an era when new construction costs continue to climb at a staggering pace, revitalizing an existing building can be one of the smartest and most valuable investments an owner can make. 

Learn more about how metal-over-metal roof retrofits help extend the life of aging metal roofs while meeting modern wind, snow and building code requirements!

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.” 

By Jesse Sanchez. 

One case study examines how flexibility, speed and performance are redefining campus construction. 

As educational institutions adjust to evolving learning models and heightened performance expectations, the built environment is changing with them. What once centered on permanence and standardization is now defined by adaptability, efficiency and long-term functionality. A recent case study from the Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) captures that shift, highlighting how metal building systems are increasingly aligned with the operational and instructional demands shaping modern K-12 and higher education campuses. 

That shift becomes most visible at the classroom level, where space must now support a wider range of learning behaviors. Static layouts are giving way to environments that accommodate individual focus, group collaboration and technology-driven instruction within the same footprint. According to the case study, modern classrooms are expected to support digital research, hands-on experimentation and creative work simultaneously. Within that context, structural flexibility becomes essential. Metal building systems allow interior walls and layouts to be adjusted with minimal disruption, enabling spaces to evolve in step with curriculum changes and teaching methods. 

As design priorities expand, performance considerations are extending beyond layout into the conditions that shape the learning experience. Indoor air quality and access to natural light are now central to how educational spaces are evaluated, particularly as post-pandemic standards continue to influence building strategies. The case study points to the use of operable windows and skylights to improve airflow, reduce dependence on artificial lighting and support student alertness. These features are no longer treated as optional enhancements but as integral components of effective learning environments. 

At the same time, the pressure to deliver projects on schedule is intensifying. For expanding school networks, construction timelines are closely tied to enrollment cycles and academic calendars. The case study outlines how metal building systems streamline delivery by allowing design and procurement phases to overlap. Steel can be ordered during the permitting process rather than after approvals are secured, compressing timelines and enabling completion in approximately 10 months from notice-to-proceed in some cases. 

That efficiency carries through the construction phase. With fewer trades required, coordination becomes more manageable and structures can be enclosed more quickly. Earlier enclosure allows interior systems to be installed sooner, reducing exposure to weather delays and helping projects maintain momentum. For schools working against fixed opening dates, that level of predictability is critical. 

Beyond initial construction, long-term adaptability remains a defining advantage. Educational facilities must respond to shifting enrollment, program expansion and changing instructional needs. The case study highlights how metal building systems support that reality by allowing additions to be completed through the removal of existing walls and the extension of structural frames. This approach reduces both disruption and cost, making it easier for campuses to grow without interrupting ongoing operations. 

Together, these factors reflect a broader recalibration in how educational buildings are conceived and delivered. As institutions continue to evolve, the systems that support them must provide the same level of flexibility and resilience. In that context, adaptability, speed and performance are no longer competitive advantages; they are foundational requirements shaping the future of campus construction. 

Learn more about how metal building systems are redefining flexibility, efficiency and long-term performance in modern educational facility design!

In 2025, Building Systems members had 20 plant facilities that earned an MBMA Safety Award.

The Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) honors member companies that demonstrate exceptional performance in maintaining workplace safety with their annual Safety Awards. These awards are given to Building Systems members as well as Associate members for their performance during the previous calendar year. Safety Awards for the 2025 year were presented during the 2026 MBMA Spring Meeting held April 22-24 in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

“As we strive to make the industry a safe place for everyone,” says Tony Bouquot, MBMA general manager, “it is a pleasure to honor those facilities that lead by example. Since the MBMA Safety Awards were inaugurated in 2011, we have given over 500 awards.”

In 2025, Building Systems members had 20 plant facilities that earned an MBMA Safety Award. “Effective safety initiatives have many benefits,” Bouquot adds, “including boosting employee morale, improving operations and mitigating insurance risks and exposure to OSHA audits.” 

The MBMA Safety Award program consists of three categories. The 2025 Superior Safety Award was presented to two plants that achieved zero recordable cases for the entire calendar year, which is a significant accomplishment. The 18 facilities that received the 2025 Safety Performance Award achieved an incident rate equal to 50% or less than the OSHA industry average. The 2025 Associate Member Superior Safety Award went to 56 facilities that achieved zero recordable cases for the year, also a major achievement. 

The following is a comprehensive list of the 2025 MBMA Safety Award winners:

2025 Superior Safety Award – In recognition of Building Systems member manufacturing facilities with zero recordable incidents.

• Dean Steel Buildings (Cedartown, Georgia)
• Dean Steel Buildings (Thomasville, Georgia)

2025 Safety Performance Award – In recognition of Building Systems member manufacturing facilities having achieved an incident rate equal to 50% or less than the industry average as reported by OSHA.

• Behlen Building Systems (Columbus, Nebraska)
• Bigbee Steel Buildings (Muscle Shoals, Alabama)
• Cornerstone Building Brands (Atwater, California; Elizabethton, Tennessee; Houston, Texas; Lexington, Tennessee; Mt. Pleasant, Iowa)
• Kirby Building Systems (Portland, Tennessee)
• Nucor Buildings Group (Brigham City, Utah; La Crosse, Virginia.; Swansea, South Carolina; Terrell, Texas; Waterloo, Indiana)
• Pinnacle Structures (Cabot, Arkansas)
• Red Dot Buildings (Athens, Texas)
• Schulte Building Systems (Hockley, Texas)
• Tyler Building Systems (Tyler, Texas)
• Whirlwind Steel Buildings (Houston, Texas)

2025 Associate Member Superior Safety Award – In recognition of Associate member facilities with zero recordable incidents.

• Atlas Building Products (Ashland, Ohio; Flat Rock, North Carolina; Houston, Texas)
• Bay Insulation Systems (Aurora, Colorado; Baton Rouge, Louisana; Brooklyn Heights, Ohio; Coppell, Texas; Eastlake, Ohio; Easton, Pennsylvania; Fridley, Minnesota; Houston, Texas; Kansas City, Missouri; Louisville, Kentucky; Norcross, Georgia; Orlando, Florida; Pensacola, Florida; Phoenix, Arizona; Roanoke, Virgina (2 locations); San Marcos, Texas (2 locations); St. Louis, Missouri; Sumner, Washington)
• Curbs Plus (El Dorado, Kansas, and Glendale, Arizona)
• Expi-Door Systems (Green Bay, Wisonsin)
• Global Building Products (Elkhart, Indiana - 3 locations)
• Metl-Span, A Nucor Company (Brigham City, Utah)
• S-5! Attachment Solutions (Iowa Park, Texas)
•  Silvercote A Service Partners Company (Ashland, Virginia; Byram, Mississppi; Denver, Colorado; Greenville, South Carolina; Houston, Texas; Huntsville, Alabama; Little Rock, Arkansas; Lubbock, Texas; Macedonia, Ohio (2 locations); Marshfield, Wisconsin; Mooresville, North Carolina; Portland, Oregon; Pottstown, Pennsylvania; Salt Lake City, Utah; Scotia, New York; Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Spokane Valley, Washington; Stockton, California; Valdosta, Georgia, Wright City, Missouri)
• Wurth Construction Services (Birmingham, Alabama; Hicksville, New York; Tampa, Florida)

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.

This presentation launches at the Davidson Center for Space Exploration at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center® campus.

The Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) has released the eighth video in its “Travels with Tony” series. This two minute and 45-second presentation launches with Tony Bouquot, MBMA general manager, at the Davidson Center for Space Exploration at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center® (USSRC) campus in Huntsville, Alabama. The 75,932 square-foot metal building holds one of only three original Saturn V rockets in existence along with the Apollo 16 capsule, as well as a theatre, interactive learning stations and more. The video is available on MBMA’s YouTube channel, @MBMAMedia.

“A metal building system is the ideal home to this historic and innovative rocket,” notes Bouquot, who hosts the Travels with Tony series. “The building has a large clearspan with the 365-foot long Saturn V supported from the roof. Underneath, a host of fun and informative activities and displays for visitors are spread throughout. The space program, like MBMA, got its start in the 1950s. MBMA, now celebrating its 70^th year, was introducing North America to revolutionary low-rise buildings while NASA was showing the way into space.”

The attractive and inviting exterior of the Davidson Center shows off the versatility of metal buildings. One side is a curtain wall encompassing glass panels drawing visitors in from near and far with views of the historic showpiece. The rest of the building is clad in energy-efficient insulated metal panels (IMPs). The building is a centerpiece of the USSRC campus, which hosts visitors from all over the world as well as current and future space travelers at its Space Camp.

Previous videos in this series include a visit to Starshine Texas, an events facility in Houston; a look at Bay Manufacturing’s headquarters and manufacturing buildings in Green Bay, Wisconsin; a tour of the Hardesty Center for Dance Education in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which showed off the Tulsa Ballet’s home; a visit to the USA BMX headquarters and track, also in Tulsa; a look at two craft breweries in Texas; a tour of the AdventHealth Sports Park at Bluhawk in Overland Park, Kansas; and a short visit to a metal building supplier in New Zealand. In addition to Travels with Tony, there are more than 30 videos available for free viewing at MBMA’s YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/@MBMAMEDIA.

About MBMA

Founded in 1956, MBMA serves manufacturers and suppliers that work with industry professionals, architects, building designers, educators, building code officials and others to advance the metal building systems industry. The efforts of member volunteers and association staff regularly lead to industry improvements and groundbreaking research. Resources at MBMA.com include technical materials, research reports, videos and design guides. The MBMA News provides the most current research and new ideas to propel the industry. MBMA also provides graduate and undergraduate educational resources at MBMAeducation.org.

By The Coffee Shops™.  

An MBMA report highlights how metal building systems support production, design and expansion for beverage facilities. 

The craft beverage industry continues to expand across the United States, creating new opportunities for facilities designed to support production, retail experiences and future growth. According to the “Distilleries & Breweries Case Study” report from Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA), metal building systems are playing a key role in helping breweries and distilleries meet those needs. 

According to the report, at the end of 2017, the U.S. was home to more than 6,300 breweries, including more than 6,200 craft breweries. Meanwhile, the craft distillery sector has grown dramatically, expanding from fewer than 100 distilleries in 2005 to nearly 2,000 by 2018. As these markets continue to grow, owners and developers are turning to metal building systems for their versatility, speed of construction and long-term performance. 

MBMA noted that one of the biggest advantages of metal in this case is construction speed. Metal buildings can be erected quickly, allowing breweries and distilleries to open their doors sooner and begin generating revenue. Fast delivery timelines also help developers keep projects on schedule as demand grows. 

Metal building systems also offer the space and flexibility required for production environments. Clear span interiors and high ceilings allow brewers and distillers to install large equipment, stack barrels and easily move materials throughout the facility. Many metal buildings are designed with future expansion in mind, enabling owners to remove a wall and add square footage as production increases. 

Durability and maintenance are additional benefits. Steel building components are resistant to mold, warping and cracking, while metal roofs and walls require minimal upkeep. According to MBMA research, metal buildings can be engineered to withstand sustained winds of up to 170 mph, making them a reliable choice for facilities in challenging climates. 

Beyond production needs, breweries and distilleries often serve as community gathering spaces. Metal building systems support a wide range of architectural designs and finishes, including glass, wood, masonry and decorative features that create inviting retail environments for tasting rooms, restaurants and event spaces. 

Furthermore, energy efficiency is an important factor. Metal wall and roof panels can accommodate various insulation systems and cool roofing technologies that help reduce energy use and operating costs. 

The MBMA report highlights several successful projects across the country, including Vista Brewing in Texas, Stony Creek Brewery in Connecticut and Dancing Goat Distillery in Wisconsin. Each facility demonstrates how metal building systems can support both manufacturing performance and customer-facing design. 

To explore more real-world examples and learn how metal buildings support craft beverage facilities, read the full MBMA report.

Image source: MBMA