When the Only Constant Is Change: Thriving in a Shifting Landscape
by David Flaherty | 30 July 2025 2:25 pm
The metal industry is being affected by sweeping changes in the economic and business environment. All our members are exercising vigilance in navigating uncharted territory. A shifting economy, the strain of a continuing labor shortage, decarbonization, evolving sustainability and LEED criteria, and a growing emphasis on resiliency are a few of the issues members are having to factor into their daily business operations. Much like the installer needs to ensure they have the proper tools to do the job, member companies need to ensure their toolbox includes what is required to navigate turbulent times. Participation in a trade association is one means of obtaining the information and resources needed to survive and thrive.
Associations serve as a critical resource, assisting members in gathering the information to make informed strategy decisions. In serving that purpose, MCA’s recent Summer Meeting brought many of the industry’s best and brightest minds together, offering attendees educational resources, research data, market insights, and marketing support, all aimed at strengthening the industry. The program’s strong lineup of speakers included Dr. Chris Kuehl, Armada’s chief economist, who provided insights into the rapidly changing economic and business environment to help us understand trends, challenges, risks, strategies, and opportunities to stay ahead of the curve.
Don Griffin, senior department vice president and project coordinator in the Policy, Research, and International Division for the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA), informed attendees of the current challenges and efforts in the property insurance industry.
Alan Scott, architect and Intertek’s director of sustainability and building science solutions, spoke on the updates and opportunities for metal contained in LEED v5, which comes into effect later this year.
Finally, Paul Trombitas, principal at FMI Corporation, presented the findings of the 2025 MCA Market Study. The study, which includes market forecasts for building construction and growth rates for the use of metal in the various building sectors, is a strategic tool that helps member companies navigate a fast-changing economic and political landscape with clarity and confidence.
Metal: A resilient building material
Recent natural disasters and weather events have fueled an increased emphasis on resiliency. Hurricane Helene (and those that preceded it) and the tragic wildfires have driven industry, government agencies, and building owners to examine how changes in our building practices can help mitigate damage in future events. Metal certainly has a significant role to play. Whether hail, wind, or fire, metal roofing and wall products are a leading performer when compared to alternative building materials. MCA’s recently announced Metal Resilience Council aims to establish metal construction systems as a cornerstone of resilient, sustainable, and future-ready building practices across North America. We encourage both members and non-members to get involved in promoting and advancing the use of metal in the built environment.
Addressing the labor shortages
The shortage of qualified labor has been a chronic challenge for the construction industry for decades. (I recently heard a speaker citing articles dated back to the early 1960s.) To address the challenge, MCA participates in a coalition of roofing industry trade associations advocating for increased funding for career and technical education. Led by the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), the coalition is lobbying Congress to increase funding for the Perkins Career and Technical Education (CTE) Grant Program by $70 million over 2025 fiscal year levels. The program provides grants for high school, community college, and small business CTE programs operated at the state and local levels. To further address the challenge for our industry, MCA has launched an installer/contractor training initiative. The program is intent on developing a body of skilled workers with demonstrated skills in best practices in installing metal roofing and wall systems. The training, inclusive of the various metal roofing and wall systems such as single skin panels, metal shingles, metal composite material (MCM) panels, and IMP systems, will be delivered through multiple channels, including an interactive online platform, in-classroom, and live demos. Following completion of the training, participants will be directed to a skill-based certification program.
Showcasing metal
It is August, and I can’t leave the column without a plug for METALCON, the only tradeshow dedicated exclusively to the design and use of metal in the built environment. Through the extraordinary efforts of our partners at PSMJ, METALCON continues to grow, bringing greater exposure to the benefits of metal roofing and wall systems. The 2025 tradeshow floor will be one of, if not the largest, in our history. The education program is robust, with outstanding sessions for designers and contractors. The Design District, live demos, and other on-floor activities will provide a dynamic experience for all attendees. Scheduled for October 21 to 23 in Las Vegas, we invite all in the industry to attend and experience the accelerating momentum of both the show and the metal construction industry.
Tackling the challenge
MCA representatives have been busy traveling the country, attending events, and consulting with industry leaders to keep their fingers on the pulse of issues impacting the industry. These efforts complement our continual commitment to represent members in the development of new building codes, advocating on regulatory actions impacting the industry, providing solutions to shared challenges, and educating our audiences about the benefits of metal in construction. We invite companies in the industry to join us in promoting the industry.
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.
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