The Metal Construction Association (MCA) is feeling optimistic about 2022 thanks to industry forecasts and work MCA has already done that will bear fruit this year. After months of adapting to new ways to work and connect, we are energized and excited about the opportunities 2022 presents.
Strong industry forecasts and work coming to fruition, MCA anticipates a good year
It begins with the MCA Winter Meeting (metalconstruction.org/winter-meeting-2022) scheduled for Jan. 24-26 in Scottsdale, Ariz. Our first in-person meeting in two years provides unique opportunities for members to network, learn and work collaboratively to address some of the industry’s most pressing issues. Our agenda is full of dynamic speakers and content that provides immediate and actionable value to attendees.
Construction Outlook
While the construction industry, like most, continues to be constrained by supply chain bottlenecks and labor shortages, our market analysis forecasts continued growth in 2022 and beyond. By sector, it’s a mixed outlook, certainly, but there are bright spots. The industrial and institutional markets are forecasted to be the biggest drivers of growth in 2022, with the entire construction industry seeing accelerating growth as we move into 2023 and 2024.
Supply chain bottlenecks have driven the construction of new distribution centers and warehouses, and the U.S. is estimated to need another 1 billion square feet of industrial space by 2025. As retailers seek warehouse space closer to customers than before, warehouse construction work could be available in locations throughout the country that didn’t previously have a lot of industrial buildings.
The $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill signed into law in November is promising for our industry too. The spending package’s focus on transportation, communication and utilities gives our industry an opportunity to advocate for metal construction of buildings needed for the airport, shipping port and transit system improvements. Metal’s sustainability may give it priority over other materials thanks to the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act’s emphasis on sustainability and the environment.
Foundational Work
At an organizational level, our forecasting is positive, too, based on how much we achieved in 2021. Much of our work was accomplished via distanced methods of communication. Seeing what MCA’s members can accomplish, even when it’s not business as usual, provides inspiration for what we can achieve. Examples of MCA projects set to begin this year include:
- •The National Roofing Contractors Association’s Pro-Certification program (www.nrca.net/procertification), developed in partnership with MCA, will result in more workers who are skilled in installing metal roofing.
- •Codes favorable to the use of metal in the building envelope have been adopted thanks, in part, to advocacy undertaken by MCA and our partners to advance modifications to codes under review.
- •MCA launched the Metal Architecture Academy (continuingeducation.bnpmedia.com/academies/metal) in 2021. The academy provides a high-profile platform to educate the design community about the benefits of using metal in the building envelope. The academy has significantly increased participation in educational courses developed by MCA, resulting in greater exposure for member products. Courses in the academy currently offer eight continuing education units/hours recognized by 13 architectural organizations.
- •MCA is the sponsor of METALCON (metalcon.com), which made its in person return in 2021 in Tampa, Fla. This allowed for the development and testing of many new programs and attractions to ensure this event continues to be valuable to everyone who works with metal in design and construction. The stage is set for METALCON 2022, Oct. 12 to Oct. 14 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. This is an outstanding tradeshow venue in a central geographic location that creates the opportunity to expose the show to new audiences and a broader range of industry partnerships.
As our organization and the industry benefit from what MCA achieved last year, we won’t rest on our laurels. We invite you to join us as we continue to advance the industry through marketing, education, and advocacy.
Jeff Henry, MBA, CAE, is the executive director of the Metal Construction Association. He leads MCA’s staff in supporting industry members and elevating the use of metal in construction. For more information, go to www.metalconstruction.org.
