Metal Construction Association

Metal Construction Association

Formation	1984
Headquarters	Glenview, Illinois
Region served	International
Executive Vice President	Mark Engle
Website	http://www.metalconstruction.org

The Metal Construction Association (MCA) was formed in 1984 with a focus on one key strategy - to grow the use of metal in construction through marketing, education, and selective action on public policies that affect metal’s use in building projects.

MCA’s marketing and technical activities create awareness of metal and its benefits as a construction material. MCA also works to eliminate barriers to metal’s use in construction by supporting product performance testing, initiating research, and monitoring and responding to codes and regulations affecting metal. These activities help educate building owners, designers, installers, educators and those who determine relevant codes and standards.

History

The concept of the MCA began in March 1983 when members of the now-defunct Metal Building Component Manufacturers Association wanted to create a new, expanded association. ^[1]

MCA took shape later that year when these companies contributed seed money for the new organization: American Building Components; Binkley Company; Corrugated Metal; Engineered Components; McElroy Metal; Metal Building Components Inc.; Moncrief Lenoir; and Omega Metal Building Products.

The new organization was officially named the Metal Construction Association and its purpose was—to promote the use of metal in all phases of construction and collectively oppose any legislation that deters the use of metal. Today, that remains the essence of MCA’s strategic focus - to grow the use of metal through marketing, education, and selective action on public policies that affect metal’s use in building projects. ^[2]

The formula established by its early leaders also made MCA a progressive organization always able to forge ahead with new ideas while staying focused on its basic strategy. At a November 1983 organizational meeting in Dallas 74 companies signed on as charter members, adopted bylaws and elected the first Board of Directors: - President - Larry Swaney, Chromalloy American Corp, Precoat Metals Division; - 1st Vice President, and Marketing and Development Committee Chair – J. C. “Chuck” Anderson, Coated Sheet Products, Jones & Laughlin Steel; - 2nd Vice President, Activities Committee Chair - Tem McElroy, McElroy Metal, Inc.: In January 1984 the first MCA Board Meeting was held in Washington, D.C. Shortly after the MCA Marketing/Development Committee set plans for the first MCA brochure; created a Best Building Awards Program, which has evolved to the annual President’s Awards; accepted an offer from Metal Building News and Metal Building Review to write a monthly section about MCA activities; and determined an approach to work with other industry organizations.

In April 1984 MCA held its first annual meeting in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, with 104 people attending. In October 1984 it held its first semi-annual meeting in St. Louis, Missouri, where members decided MCA should focus on technical and marketing efforts. METALCON International, an annual conference and exhibition, was established in 1990, with the first show held in 1991. Focused totally on expanding the use of metal in construction, this major event generates awareness and provides education through new product exhibits, education sessions and live-action demonstrations produced by members of MCA roofing and wall councils.

In 1998 MCA helped establish the Metal Roofing Alliance, a national marketing initiative that has helped achieve MCA goals in the residential market. It’s a separately run entity closely aligned with MCA activities. In 2002,MCA worked with the American Iron and Steel Institute and the Metal Building Manufacturers Association (among others) as part of the Steel Coalition. ^[3] In 2004, MCA launched The Metal Initiative a program that educates decision makers and influencers in the commercial building market.

During its 25 years, MCA has funded or co-funded numerous research programs to evaluate various performance areas of metal roof and wall systems. These studies helped develop data to position metal favorably in codes and standards and form the basis for several industry white papers. Strong leadership within MCA councils and committees also helped reposition metal products for use in the building envelope and create technical documents for industry use.

From the beginning MCA has continuously monitored national, state and local codes and taken action to defend or make changes that would benefit metal in construction. In the last ten years as the focus on energy and environmental issues has dramatically increased, codes and standards have also dramatically changed and MCA has kept pace with the changes to help its members remain at the forefront on building performance needs.

Membership

MCA members are:
• Producers of metal roofing, wall panels, insulated panels, metal building systems, hardware and accessories
• Fabricators, primary metal producers, coatings manufacturers, coil coaters and chemical suppliers
• Contractors, consultants, trade publications and allied industry associations

Education

MCA offers two certification programs; Roofing Certification and MCM Fabricators Certification. The Roofing Certification Program sets the standard for steep slope metal roofing substrates and paint finishes. The Premium MCM Fabricator Certification Program verifies performance standards for MCM (metal composite material) fabricators.
MCA is a Registered Provider of AIA/CES programs. Its members can access this well-known education system to develop qualified AIA presentations.
The annual MCA Student Design Competition provides an opportunity for students of architecture to submit designs utilizing metal construction products. Each year a different project theme is developed by a team of MCA members, architects, and municipal planners. These projects are developed to increase student awareness of metal products and to promote an understanding of the benefits of using metal in construction. Students are challenged to address issues of creativity, environmental concern, and functional need. A panel of respected architects juries entries to the competition. Students, faculty sponsors and the schools involved in the top three winning entries receive a monetary award from the MCA totaling $8,600.

References

External links

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