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

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.

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. 

By Emma Peterson. 

From topic choices to networking events, the MBCEA team works tirelessly to make their annual conference a must-attend each year. 

There are a lot of different conferences, expos and events happening across the roofing industry, with each having their own niches and benefits for attendees. To learn a bit about the value of the Metal Building Contractors & Erectors Association (MBCEA)’s annual conference, which was held in the third week of April this year, Karen Edwards sat down with David Leinbach, MBCEA’s president, and Robert Tiffin, their previous president, for an episode of MetalCast™. 

This year marked the 57th year that MBCEA has held the event, and there are a few factors that make this show unique, keeping professionals coming back for more each year:  

• Relevant topics – The MBCEA team works hard to make sure that the conference stays relevant to professionals across the industry. David gave an example of how they did that this year, sharing, “We keyed in on some project management software. A lot of project management software companies were invited because we know there’s so many options out there. The whole idea was to help our members navigate AI and other software.”  
• Next level networking – In addition to making sure the educational parts of the show are relevant to contractors, the MBCEA team has been careful to design networking opportunities that get people engaged and connected! David explained, “It can be easy as a contractor to feel like you’re the only one struggling. And often what you’re facing is actually something a lot of people are facing... We want to create networking spaces where everybody's together and able to work together to solve those common challenges.”  
• Double the fun – MBCEA also partners with the Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) to host the MBCEA conference at the same time as the MBMA Spring Meeting, meaning double the fun for attendees! Robert shared how this helps attendees of both events, adding, “It just makes sense to bring together the people that put up the metal building structures and those that build the parts for them. It creates space for collaboration and growth for both manufacturers and contractors.” 
• Celebration and recognition – Overall, MBCEA uses their show to uplift and support professionals across the industry. As part of that mission, they like to create space to celebrate and recognize the incredible work people are doing with metal building systems. Robert explained, “We like to celebrate works well done and showcase to those outside the industry what a metal building system can actually be!” 

These are just four of the ways that the MBCEA team makes their annual conference a must-attend for professionals in the industry. As David put it, “The conference is just great place to go to learn from each other and help one another in an industry that at times can be difficult but overall is wonderful.” 

Listen to the whole episode or Watch the recording to learn more about what makes MBCEA’s annual conference unique.