August 23, 2010--Metal building systems are one of the three core segments of the metal construction industry, along with metal roofing and metal walls, and therefore, one of the core market segments for our magazine.
One of the areas of emphasis for Metal Construction News going forward is a refocusing on our core markets, and metal building systems will play a major role in our editorial plans. To kick-start that focus, we plant the spotlight firmly on metals building systems in two features in our upcoming September issue.
Our cover story looks at metal buildings that feature exterior textured finishes that help open markets that might otherwise be closed to metal buildings. Also, our Snapshot feature takes a glimpse at the unique and innovative designs of today’s metal buildings that are far from the antiquated designs from generations past. We showcase just some of the possibilities for modern metal building systems.
METALCON is around the corner
The September issue of Metal Construction News is a special one, as it features our 2010 METALCON Preshow Guide, providing you with your first look at the educational sessions, exhibitors, products and services available at the 20th annual conference and exhibition. Look for it to hit your desk in early September.
This year’s METALCON will see the metal construction community descend on Las Vegas this October 20-22, and our Preshow Guide offers you a great opportunity to begin planning your time at the show. Our Special Section includes travel information, show highlights, a schedule-at-a-glance and detailed information about the educational sessions. In addition, you’ll find a show floor map, a listing of exhibitors and the products and services they provide, along with a brief guide to Las Vegas with some tips on popular restaurants and entertainment.
In October we’ll provide additional details and updated information in our METALCON Show Issue, while at the event attendees can utilize our METALCON Show Guide--the ONLY official show guide of METALCON.
See you in Sin City!
Follow us on Twitter @MetalConstruct
Send your comments to: boneill@moderntrade.com
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Opportunities Opening for Metal
Finally, the leaking pipe causing the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico appears to have been effectively capped. During the past three months while the oil poured into the Gulf, alternative energy experts have been cropping up everywhere you look, from television to newspapers and magazines and numerous online outlets.
The consensus seems to be that this recent oil tragedy is just the latest--and possibly largest--reminder that we need alternative sources of energy in place now, not five, 10 or 20 years from now. One of the possibilities is wind energy, illustrated on every news program with giant wind turbines grouped in expansive wind farms. But that requires great resources--chief among them, land and money.
The other popular alternative is solar power. This is where metal construction comes in. Over the years it has become obvious that metal roofing is the perfect place for photovoltaics. Large solar panels, flexible films and even PV paint are all in use on metal roofs across the country, and with a relatively small capital investment, these quick-and-easy installations are recouping their costs quicker than ever before. As solar power grows in popularity, so too will metal construction components.
In one example, a 7,500-square-foot solar panel array installed on the headquarters of a company in New Jersey consisted of 392 panels for a 81.5 kW system. The $700,000 investment generated 124,034 kWh of energy in the first full year of operation, ending in June 2010. The system generates 305 kWh of electricity per day, representing approximately 99 percent of the company’s current power needs.
To date, the solar panels have prevented 227,011 pounds of emissions of CO2, NOx and SO2 into the atmosphere -- more than an average passenger car emits during a 20 year period. Also of note, the company has recouped 75 percent of the cost of the installation already, thanks to utility savings and various state a federal programs.
While this is a large PV system, the positive benefits and savings are on par (proportionally) with arrays of other sizes.
The integration of such energy systems into metal construction components like roofs, the expansion into other areas such as wall panels, and the development of new technologies including PV paints and coatings, should all help the metal construction industry propel itself into the future as the best, most effective construction method for an increasingly green and sustainable society.
Send comments to: boneill@moderntrade.com.
The consensus seems to be that this recent oil tragedy is just the latest--and possibly largest--reminder that we need alternative sources of energy in place now, not five, 10 or 20 years from now. One of the possibilities is wind energy, illustrated on every news program with giant wind turbines grouped in expansive wind farms. But that requires great resources--chief among them, land and money.
The other popular alternative is solar power. This is where metal construction comes in. Over the years it has become obvious that metal roofing is the perfect place for photovoltaics. Large solar panels, flexible films and even PV paint are all in use on metal roofs across the country, and with a relatively small capital investment, these quick-and-easy installations are recouping their costs quicker than ever before. As solar power grows in popularity, so too will metal construction components.
In one example, a 7,500-square-foot solar panel array installed on the headquarters of a company in New Jersey consisted of 392 panels for a 81.5 kW system. The $700,000 investment generated 124,034 kWh of energy in the first full year of operation, ending in June 2010. The system generates 305 kWh of electricity per day, representing approximately 99 percent of the company’s current power needs.
To date, the solar panels have prevented 227,011 pounds of emissions of CO2, NOx and SO2 into the atmosphere -- more than an average passenger car emits during a 20 year period. Also of note, the company has recouped 75 percent of the cost of the installation already, thanks to utility savings and various state a federal programs.
While this is a large PV system, the positive benefits and savings are on par (proportionally) with arrays of other sizes.
The integration of such energy systems into metal construction components like roofs, the expansion into other areas such as wall panels, and the development of new technologies including PV paints and coatings, should all help the metal construction industry propel itself into the future as the best, most effective construction method for an increasingly green and sustainable society.
Send comments to: boneill@moderntrade.com.
Friday, June 25, 2010
The Metal Industry is Giving Back
One of the things I’m interested in when I read about top industry people or companies, is how they respond once they’ve achieved a certain level of success. There’s an old adage about how your character is not defined by how you treat people when you’re at the bottom, but rather, how you treat people when you’re at the top. It seems to me, the best people and companies are equally, if not more, respectful and generous once they’ve reached lofty levels of success.
A recent example of this concept crossed my desk recently, and I had to share. Greg Sharp is the president of Corner Solutions Inc., a company specializing in custom metal corners and column wraps. The company is based out of Auburn, Washington, but five years ago on a road trip with a brief stop in his family’s ancestral roots in southern Iowa, Sharp was struck by the special connection he felt to this small town.
After years of planning and purchasing real estate in Tingley, Iowa, boasting a population of 172, Sharp is roughly 120 days away from the grand opening of his new manufacturing facility in the town.
Sharp bought his old family farm and has a residence there, but also the lot where the new plant will be located, as well as adjoining property to clear out some very old dilapidated houses and turn the several block area into something that would attract tourists to the area. He also purchased additional property in the town to restore an orchard and an old schoolhouse, all in an effort to help revive this dying town.
The only other business of note in the town is a small café, and Sharp said he will tell his employees that on any day they are working in his facility, they can eat lunch at the café on his dime so that the town will see the increased cash flow.
This is an amazing story, one that Metal Construction News will follow as it develops, bringing our readers the in-depth reporting that stories like this demand.
Speaking of grand openings, our Special Report on page 22 features the new insulated metal panel manufacturing facility that NCI Group opened in Jackson, Miss., creating new jobs and providing much-needed stimulation to the local economy.
Follow us on Twitter @MetalConstruct
A recent example of this concept crossed my desk recently, and I had to share. Greg Sharp is the president of Corner Solutions Inc., a company specializing in custom metal corners and column wraps. The company is based out of Auburn, Washington, but five years ago on a road trip with a brief stop in his family’s ancestral roots in southern Iowa, Sharp was struck by the special connection he felt to this small town.
After years of planning and purchasing real estate in Tingley, Iowa, boasting a population of 172, Sharp is roughly 120 days away from the grand opening of his new manufacturing facility in the town.
Sharp bought his old family farm and has a residence there, but also the lot where the new plant will be located, as well as adjoining property to clear out some very old dilapidated houses and turn the several block area into something that would attract tourists to the area. He also purchased additional property in the town to restore an orchard and an old schoolhouse, all in an effort to help revive this dying town.
The only other business of note in the town is a small café, and Sharp said he will tell his employees that on any day they are working in his facility, they can eat lunch at the café on his dime so that the town will see the increased cash flow.
This is an amazing story, one that Metal Construction News will follow as it develops, bringing our readers the in-depth reporting that stories like this demand.
Speaking of grand openings, our Special Report on page 22 features the new insulated metal panel manufacturing facility that NCI Group opened in Jackson, Miss., creating new jobs and providing much-needed stimulation to the local economy.
Follow us on Twitter @MetalConstruct
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Innovative Outlook for Composite Materials
Materials are very important in metal construction, obviously. Steel is the most ubiquitous metal, found in virtually every aspect of the metal building envelope. But composite materials are found more and more, especially in wall panels, and this is an area that looks ripe for additional innovation.
Composite materials are just that, a composite of more than one type of material. Today composite wall panels are often found utilizing aluminum, steel and zinc. Titanium is also being used for these applications, and I expect to see some new metals finding their way into this category.
For me, one of the more interesting aspects of these composite material panels is the ability to combine these metals with other non-metal materials to create panels that have additional functionality. For example, sandwiching a mineral-based core material between two sheets of composite metal can create a fire-resistant panel. Of course, using different core materials like plastics and foams can result in an insulated metal panel.
I'm very interested to see how the metal panel market makes use of composite material panels in the future. Is it possible that a composite material panel becomes more "green" than its steel or aluminum counterpart? What other types of materials will find their way into a composite material panel, and how big will the role of actual metal be in these panels in the future?
Want to comment, e-mail boneill@moderntrade.com
Follow us on Twitter @ MetalConstruct
Composite materials are just that, a composite of more than one type of material. Today composite wall panels are often found utilizing aluminum, steel and zinc. Titanium is also being used for these applications, and I expect to see some new metals finding their way into this category.
For me, one of the more interesting aspects of these composite material panels is the ability to combine these metals with other non-metal materials to create panels that have additional functionality. For example, sandwiching a mineral-based core material between two sheets of composite metal can create a fire-resistant panel. Of course, using different core materials like plastics and foams can result in an insulated metal panel.
I'm very interested to see how the metal panel market makes use of composite material panels in the future. Is it possible that a composite material panel becomes more "green" than its steel or aluminum counterpart? What other types of materials will find their way into a composite material panel, and how big will the role of actual metal be in these panels in the future?
Want to comment, e-mail boneill@moderntrade.com
Follow us on Twitter @ MetalConstruct
Friday, April 30, 2010
Future Looks Bright for Metal Building Systems
Metal buildings; pre-engineered buildings; metal building systems. Whatever you call them, they’ve been popping up all over North America in recent years with new, innovative designs and are becoming more and more affordable. Encompassing all aspects of the building envelope from the roof to the walls and framing, metal building systems appear poised to make a leap in market share once the economy and construction market truly recover.
Often when I’m paging through various publications and websites looking for interesting metal components or metal buildings, I find myself having to do a double-take, as many of today’s metal buildings aren’t easily identifiable upon first glance, thanks to the innovative coatings, paints and exterior insulating finishing systems (EIFS). Metal building systems have come a long way, and I think with some strategic education and marketing efforts directed at builders and end users, the growth of this market could outpace other segments in the immediate future.
The May issue of Metal Construction News is packed with great metal building information, starting with our cover story.
Top 100 Metal Builders
This is the 20th year we’ve provided rankings of the Top 100 Metal Builders based on tonnage and square footage, and on page 16 you can find out where your favorite builder ranks. Leading the way in tonnage for 2009 was Keller, Inc., based in Kaukana, Wisc., with more than 7,000 tons, and square footage leader was Ocala, Fla.-based Florida Metal Building Services with more than 2,600,000 square feet of metal buildings.
Profile on BlueScope Buildings
In our Profile story on page 38, we spotlight BlueScope Buildings North America, a leading metal building manufacturer that is utilizing this down economy to improve its efficiency and fully-integrate its multiple brands. The company’s strategic moves have put it in great position to grab market share once the economic pendulum swings back in a positive direction.
Follow us on Twitter @MetalConstruct
Send comments to: boneill@moderntrade.com
Often when I’m paging through various publications and websites looking for interesting metal components or metal buildings, I find myself having to do a double-take, as many of today’s metal buildings aren’t easily identifiable upon first glance, thanks to the innovative coatings, paints and exterior insulating finishing systems (EIFS). Metal building systems have come a long way, and I think with some strategic education and marketing efforts directed at builders and end users, the growth of this market could outpace other segments in the immediate future.
The May issue of Metal Construction News is packed with great metal building information, starting with our cover story.
Top 100 Metal Builders
This is the 20th year we’ve provided rankings of the Top 100 Metal Builders based on tonnage and square footage, and on page 16 you can find out where your favorite builder ranks. Leading the way in tonnage for 2009 was Keller, Inc., based in Kaukana, Wisc., with more than 7,000 tons, and square footage leader was Ocala, Fla.-based Florida Metal Building Services with more than 2,600,000 square feet of metal buildings.
Profile on BlueScope Buildings
In our Profile story on page 38, we spotlight BlueScope Buildings North America, a leading metal building manufacturer that is utilizing this down economy to improve its efficiency and fully-integrate its multiple brands. The company’s strategic moves have put it in great position to grab market share once the economic pendulum swings back in a positive direction.
Follow us on Twitter @MetalConstruct
Send comments to: boneill@moderntrade.com
Monday, March 15, 2010
The Growing Green Theme
This week, St. Patrick's Day comes along -- as a guy with the last name O'Neill, I do enjoy this holiday -- but the "wearing of the green" takes on a whole different meaning for me these days. I cannot even hear the word 'green' without immediately thinking of sustainability and eco-friendly products. And in this industry, that means metal buildings, metal roofing, metal wall systems and all the associated metal accessories.
While the people within our industry have intimate knowledge of just how 'green' metal building materials are and can be, one of the most important efforts happening throughout the metal construction industry --from coast to coast -- is the education of builders, contractors, specifiers and owner/developers about the true green benefits of metal buildings. As an industry we need to spread the word and reinforce the sustainable benefits of metal buildings, not just the recyclability of the materials (which should not be underestimated) but also the energy savings that can be achieved by using metal building materials when properly installed and insulated.
To that end, more and more companies across many industries now have employees with titles like Chief Sustainability Officer, Sustainability Manager, Director of Sustainability, Environmental Policy Manager, or Director of Environment, Energy & Safety, to name a few.
Are these simply added functions and responsibilities that have already been assumed by an individual or individuals at your company (minus the trendy title), or is there a need for such a position in your operation?
We'd like to know exactly how metal building manufacturers, suppliers and contractors are reacting to this evolving business climate, so please e-mail me with your comments, thoughts and opinions: boneill@moderntrade.com.
While the people within our industry have intimate knowledge of just how 'green' metal building materials are and can be, one of the most important efforts happening throughout the metal construction industry --from coast to coast -- is the education of builders, contractors, specifiers and owner/developers about the true green benefits of metal buildings. As an industry we need to spread the word and reinforce the sustainable benefits of metal buildings, not just the recyclability of the materials (which should not be underestimated) but also the energy savings that can be achieved by using metal building materials when properly installed and insulated.
To that end, more and more companies across many industries now have employees with titles like Chief Sustainability Officer, Sustainability Manager, Director of Sustainability, Environmental Policy Manager, or Director of Environment, Energy & Safety, to name a few.
Are these simply added functions and responsibilities that have already been assumed by an individual or individuals at your company (minus the trendy title), or is there a need for such a position in your operation?
We'd like to know exactly how metal building manufacturers, suppliers and contractors are reacting to this evolving business climate, so please e-mail me with your comments, thoughts and opinions: boneill@moderntrade.com.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Good Signs for the Industry
Last week's International Roofing Expo in New Orleans was the first big-time metal construction trade show since last fall's Metalcon. Like many, I wasn't exactly sure what to expect, as the down economy of 2009 has extended into 2010, although by some reports in our industry we are already starting to see signs of recovery.
That said, the 2010 budgets for trade show exhibition, travel and attendance were no doubt determined using 2009's revenue numbers, which would point to a down year for nearly all industry events.
As a result, I was pleasantly surprised as I walked onto the tradeshow floor at IRE and saw aisles filled not only with quality metal roofing companies, but with attendees talking business and looking to make or maintain relationships.
I can say with complete confidence that, other than Greenbuild, which is benefitting from the popularity of the green building trend/movement, the 2010 International Roofing Expo was the best trade show I've attended in the last two years. There was a buzz about the event; attendees were packing the aisles; and virtually every exhibitor I spoke with said they not only had great foot traffic, but were receiving a large number of high-quality leads.
In addition, the conference program offered strong educational opportunities and, maybe even more important, they all appeared to be well attended. Even the last session on the final day of the show -- a presentation by Rob Haddock on PV systems and standing seam metal roofs -- had roughly 40-50 people in the audience, which is a very strong number.
From start to finish, this year's IRE show was a wonderful event, and it might prove to be just the kick-start to 2010 that our industry needed.
Find videos from the IRE show floor and also a peak at Rob Haddock's conference session on PV and standing seam metal roofs on our video page: http://www.moderntrade.com/Default.aspx?PublicationID=2&Video=Yes
Follow us on Twitter @MetalConstruct
To comment, email boneill@moderntrade.com.
That said, the 2010 budgets for trade show exhibition, travel and attendance were no doubt determined using 2009's revenue numbers, which would point to a down year for nearly all industry events.
As a result, I was pleasantly surprised as I walked onto the tradeshow floor at IRE and saw aisles filled not only with quality metal roofing companies, but with attendees talking business and looking to make or maintain relationships.
I can say with complete confidence that, other than Greenbuild, which is benefitting from the popularity of the green building trend/movement, the 2010 International Roofing Expo was the best trade show I've attended in the last two years. There was a buzz about the event; attendees were packing the aisles; and virtually every exhibitor I spoke with said they not only had great foot traffic, but were receiving a large number of high-quality leads.
In addition, the conference program offered strong educational opportunities and, maybe even more important, they all appeared to be well attended. Even the last session on the final day of the show -- a presentation by Rob Haddock on PV systems and standing seam metal roofs -- had roughly 40-50 people in the audience, which is a very strong number.
From start to finish, this year's IRE show was a wonderful event, and it might prove to be just the kick-start to 2010 that our industry needed.
Find videos from the IRE show floor and also a peak at Rob Haddock's conference session on PV and standing seam metal roofs on our video page: http://www.moderntrade.com/Default.aspx?PublicationID=2&Video=Yes
Follow us on Twitter @MetalConstruct
To comment, email boneill@moderntrade.com.
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