Four decades of industry leadership
Launch
The concept of MCA began in March 1983 when members of the Metal Building Component Manufacturers Association (MBCMA) wanted to create a new, expanded association.
With funding from eight contributing companies, the organization took shape at the November 1983 organizational meeting in Dallas. Seventy-four companies signed on as charter members. The new organization was officially named the “Metal Construction Association” and its purpose was established: to promote the use of metal in all phases of construction and advocate for legislation and standards that advance the use of metal.
MCA’s beginning, members have come together to drive initiatives that advance the use of metal in the building envelope.
Today, that remains the essence of MCA’s strategic focus—to advance the use of metal through marketing, education, and selective action on public policies that affect metal’s use in building projects.
The progressive formula established by our early leaders has fueled MCA’s operations for 40 years and carries on into the future. MCA remains committed to forging ahead, exploring new approaches to delivering its mission while staying focused on its foundational strategy.
40 Years of Advancement and Impact
From MCA’s beginning, members have come together to drive initiatives that advance the use of metal in the building envelope. From the first MCA marketing brochure in 1984 and the launch of the Best Building Awards (today’s Design Awards) to early research initiatives, MCA has been the forum for members to launch collaborative efforts influencing and shaping the industry.
In 1989, the idea of an industry tradeshow led to the birth of METALCON. The first show was produced in partnership with PSMJ in 1991. Focused totally completely on metal in construction, this major event generates awareness and provides education through new product exhibits, education sessions and live-action demonstrations. Today, more than 30 years later, METALCON is the only international annual conference and exhibition dedicated exclusively to promoting the use of metal in the building envelope.
In 1998, MCA helped establish the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA), a national marketing initiative focused on promoting metal roofs in the residential market. Now separately incorporated, MRA has driven significant growth in the use of metal in the residential reroofing and new construction markets.
In 2004, MCA heightened its marketing efforts with the launch of The Metal Initiative (TMI), a program dedicated to educating architects, specifiers, building owners, and other decision makers about the benefits of metal in the building envelope.
The foundation built in MCA’s early years has provided a powerful path forward. Throughout its 40 years, MCA has continuously monitored national, state and local codes and taken action to defend or make changes that would benefit metal in construction. MCA has funded numerous research initiatives to evaluate performance of metal roof and wall products and systems. These studies support data to position metal accurately in codes and standards. Strong leadership within MCA councils and committees has helped increase awareness of metal products for use in the building envelope and create technical documents that create and promote best practices across the industry.
MCA’s certification programs establish a standard of excellence in metal products, including metal roofing cladding systems, roofing paints and coatings, and metal composite material (MCM) fabrication. The certification programs are a standard that metal construction companies should aim for to encourage widespread adherence to standards of quality throughout the industry, and they empower MCA to educate consumers on the use of certified metal products in construction.
More recently, as the focus on energy and environmental issues has dramatically increased, MCA has worked to keep metal at the forefront of building performance needs through life cycle assessments, the development of industry environmental product declarations (EPDs), and addressing sustainability and decarbonization.
MCA continues to address barriers to the growth of metal use in construction and to provide critical education and resources that metal construction companies need to thrive. The creation of MCA’s Metal University and the launch of the Metal Architecture Academy in Arch Record’s Continuing Education Center is bringing the message of the benefits of metal to more decision makers than ever before. MCA collaborated with the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) to develop and launch the ProCertification for metal roofing installers. The program provides experienced installers an opportunity to demonstrate their skills and creates a lasting career in the industry. Most recently, MCA, in collaboration with METALCON, launched a Future Leaders program to educate metal construction professionals who are advancing their careers.
MCA’s purpose is to grow the use of metal components in the building envelope. The history of the organization reflects significant progress toward that mission. Today, MCA’s product councils and committees continue to bring together experts from across the industry to address emerging industry concerns and leverage opportunities. MCA’s founders knew that collectively, we accomplish more. That’s the power of MCA.
We invite you to join MCA, engage with industry leaders, and make sure your company is represented on important initiatives promoting metal in construction. You and your company will benefit from getting involved.
For more information about MCA, go to www.metalconstruction.org.
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.
