As the first quarter of 2026 comes to a close, it’s a good time to celebrate recent successes and contemplate our expectations for the rest of this year. Read on to find out how you can use this information to build your own business success and fuel your own future.
Record high membership levels
I’m pleased to announce that the MBMA has many new members who could likely be beneficial contacts for you and your company. We surpassed all previous annual membership records, entering the new year with the most significant number of both metal building manufacturers and associate member firms in MBMA’s 70-year history. Here are our most recent inductees:
New building systems manufacturer members
- Waldroop Steel
- Ostro Steel Structures
- Draco Steel Buildings
- Taylor Building Systems
- Phenix Construction Technologies
- AllMetal Building Systems
New associate members
- Arco Design/Build
- BRUCHA
- Centerline Structural Engineering
- Bim Built Innovations
- PermaTherm
- Blast Resource Group
- Quick Veneer
IMP members increasing
Interestingly, the number of associate members who provide insulated metal panels (IMPs) has grown significantly. IMP members now include: All Weather, BRUCHA, Falk, Kingspan, Metl-Span, and PermaTherm. To address this growing segment of our membership, our technical staff is working diligently to add IMP sections to our Fire Resistance Design Guide and to MBMA’s Common Industry Practices. These additions will benefit the IMP members by providing clear guidance to builders and owners for using their products in a variety of applications. MBMA will be defining other benefits specific to the IMP industry in the days to come, so stay tuned.
Proprietary stats and new ideas
In speaking with our new members, we have learned that one of the core reasons that firms join the association is for access to our proprietary industry data, which we compile and update throughout the year. Based on internal data shared with us by our manufacturing company members, we compile sales and shipment trends, market share data, and geographic distribution statistics—right down to the county level. It’s excellent information and ideal intelligence when planning marketing and regional strategies.
Another way we provide members with business and market intelligence is by inviting experts to speak at our national meetings. At our annual meeting last December, our keynote address was presented by Alex Chausovsky, a nationally recognized market researcher and analyst who advises corporate executives and industry trade associations on analytical, economic, and business-oriented topics. He shared many insights about the future of America’s economy in general and about our specific industry.
A few highlights of Alex’s presentation include the following:
Understanding:
- Tariffs aren’t going anywhere, and there are more coming in 2026.
- Market share gains and new customer acquisition are key to 2026 growth.
- Companies should simulate and prepare action plans for a variety of scenarios.
Prepare strategically:
- Make decisions based on data (taxes, tariffs, sales, and investment).
- Increase communication efforts up and down the supply chain.
- Achieve productivity gains via technology investment and implementation.
Ready to join MBMA?
If your firm is an MBMA member, you have numerous opportunities to impact your industry’s future by getting involved in our committees, task groups, and possibly even our board of directors. You and your organization can also benefit by participating in our many technical events throughout the year. Here are some upcoming activities that will educate, inspire, and invigorate you and your team:
MBMA 2026 Events
Architectural Faculty Workshop, April 15-16, Amherst, Mass.
Spring Association Meeting, April 22-24, Colorado Springs, Colo.
Design Seminar, July 21-23, Cleveland
Safety Workshop, September 15-16, Indianapolis, Ind.
Energy and Sustainability Meeting, September (Dates TBD), Minneapolis
MBMA Annual Meeting, Dec 7-9, Orlando, Fla.
Learn how to get involved by visiting the membership section of MBMA’s website. If you have specific questions or would like to speak with our general manager, please reach out to Tony Bouquot at mbma@mbma.com or 216-241-7333. We encourage you to share this article with your senior management team and would be pleased to share more insights with you, helping the entire metal building industry achieve greater success.
P.S. Get ready! MBMA is releasing its first book, written specifically for architects, later this year. Geared to educate, enlighten, and enthuse architects and design professionals nationwide, this nearly 300-page resource will be loaded with photos, renderings, floor plans, interviews, and so much more. We can’t wait to introduce you to the first definitive professional publication that shows just how amazing metal buildings can genuinely be.
Christen Brooker Funk is the president of Butler Manufacturing, a founding MBMA member company. She is the first female president of Butler Manufacturing and the first woman to chair MBMA’s board of directors.
