While U.S. economists are now predicting that a full recession is unlikely in 2024, they are anticipating a soft economic landing. This means only weak growth is predicted and unemployment will likely increase.
That said, growth is predicted for the U.S. metal cladding market, led by the insulated metal panels (IMPs) and standing seam markets.
A number of key policy initiatives are also anticipated to drive growth. This includes the 2021 Infrastructure and Jobs Act, the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, and the 2022 CHIPS Act, which encourages development in the U.S. semiconductor market.
Another bright spot? The supply chain issues from the pandemic have largely been resolved, and shortages in the supply of steel, aluminum, and resins for coatings have been mitigated.
One issue to watch, however, is a focus on decarbonization. Fortunately, domestically produced steel is the greenest in the world. Consequently, U.S. steel companies are well poised to meet the regulatory requirements that are anticipated.
Educational outreach
The educational outreach of the Metal Construction Association (MCA) has traditionally focused on architects and designers, and successfully so. The number of subscribers receiving our monthly newsletter and promotions has grown to more than 15,000 professionals.
That said, another goal this year will be an increased focus on building owners and expanded outreach to the industry.
Along these lines, there is a lot of work to do as an industry to continue advancing sustainability in metal production and better publicize its sustainability attributes.
Unfortunately, there is a lack of properly coordinated messaging amongst the metal wall and roofing industry regarding metal’s sustainable attributes.
While steel and aluminum mills proactively publicize their sustainability and decarbonization initiatives, this messaging does not consistently filter down to metal panel manufacturers and their customers. Further, the industry lacks a uniform response to false or misleading claims made by competitive building materials.
To address these important issues, MCA is launching a new initiative to form an industry coalition focused on boosting the use of metal in exterior construction projects through the development of uniform messaging to inform key stakeholders about metal’s sustainable attributes.
To lead this effort to develop an industry coalition of material suppliers, manufacturers, fabricators, distributors, and aligned trade organizations, MCA recruited Robert Wills, formerly vice-president of construction for the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) and now an industry consultant. Wills started working with MCA on this initiative in January.
R&D initiatives and education
To continue driving sustainability and energy efficiencies in metal panel production and performance, MCA is involved in several initiatives.
For example, a program in collaboration with the Oakridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is focused on the development of a thermally anisotropic building envelope system that captures natural energy, which is then used to help power a building’s HVAC system, thereby reducing overall energy consumption. Metal’s conductive properties make it a perfect platform for such a system.
To continue training skilled craftspeople working with metal, MCA is updating its Metal Roof Installation Manual and will make it available in Spanish.
The organization conducted installation training sessions for standing seam, metal shingles, and retrofit systems, and portable rollforming demonstrations at the International Roofing Expo. It will do the same for METALCON and other industry trade shows.
MCA contributed to the development of the National Roofing Contractors Association’s (NRCA) PROCertification program and is involved in advocating to increase federal funding for trade school programs.
Winter meetup
In January, a few days were enjoyed in sunny Scottsdale, Ariz., during which the MCA 2024 Winter Meeting attracted strong attendance and a great lineup of speakers.
Gene Marks, a business advisor and national columnist, provided his thought-provoking keynote: “From Washington to Your Workplace: Tactics and Strategies the Smartest Leaders Are Making to Navigate and Grow in 2024–2025.”
Giving a codes update and addressing related issues of sustainability and ongoing chemistry issues, National Coil Coating Association (NCCA) technical director Dave Cocuzzi and MCA technical director Bob Zabcik, LEED AP, gave an informative presentation.
In addition, Paul Lowrey, founder of Steel Research Associates, addressed relevant data about the roofing, siding, and wall industry to help inform companies regarding
strategic decisions.
Receiving MCA’s first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award was Dick Bus, president of ATAS International. He has served on MCA’s board for 18 years and played a major role in the growth of the U.S. and Canadian residential metal roofing industry and in the creation of the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA).
Tom Seitz was honored with MCA’s Larry A. Swaney Award for his contributions to the success of the association and the betterment of the metal construction industry. He is the executive director of the Metal Composites Material (MCM) Alliance and leads development, education, technical, and research initiatives.
In conclusion, we would like to thank our board members for their outstanding contributions to MCA and the industry. Here’s to a great 2024.
Jeff Henry, MBA, CAE, is the executive director of the Metal Construction Association (MCA). He leads MCA’s staff in supporting industry members and elevating the use of metal in construction. For more information, visit metalconstruction.org.
