Metal Construction News, February 2019

INDUSTRY NEWS MBMA has released a series of three videos titled How Metal Buildings Compete in Todays Market These videos each between three and four minutes long are now available on MBMAs YouTube channel www youtube com mbmamedia Tony Bouquot MBMA general manager said the new video series sums up why metal building systems are the most popular lowrise commercial building solution in use today Viewers get to see the many benefits of a metal building solution including aspects such as their versatile design durability singlesource responsibility speed of construction sustainability and low maintenance costs Throughout the videos industry experts and professionals speak to why so many buyers choose metal building systems Part 1 Economical Design and Construction focuses on the design options for metal buildings as well as the speed to market ability of single source manufacturers The second video in this series Accelerated Construction highlights the speed of construction for metal building systems Because they are created and sourced from one manufacturer the building components are constructed quickly and efficiently The speed of construction ensures that the owner or tenants get into their building faster an important advantage in todays quickly changing marketplace The third video Benefits of Metal Building Systems reviews the attributes of this construction method Linetec launches new website Linetec revealed its new message Single Source Solution for architectural finishing along with a brand new website and printed literature Tammy Schroeder marketing manager at Linetec said Customers rely on Linetec as a singlesource solution for their architectural aluminum needs according to the research insights gained in creating our new website Building on this reputation and recognition we are incorporating the Single Source Solution message into all of our marketing materials Rick Marshall Linetecs president said As the largest finishing company of architectural aluminum products in the U S Linetecs ability to provide the core finishing needs of both paint and anodize along with its wide range of specialty finishes and many other services both upstream and downstream of the finishing process help our customers save time and money The new website www linetec com provides a comprehensive overview of the companys paint anodize and specialty finishes as well as specifications processes quality and environmental considerations maintenance guidelines warranty information and color charts The online Select and Spec tool and request forms for samples and quotes are available on demand Frequently Asked Questions FAQs and answers are detailed throughout the site The Paint section highlights Linetecs unlimited choice of colors in all architectural finish types 70 percent fluoropolymer 50 percent fluoropolymer and baked enamel paints The Anodize section emphasizes the extreme durability and longevity of these metal finishes Specialty Finishes showcases such custom options as Brushed Stainless Anodize Copper Anodize Wood Grain finishes and textured Terra Cotta coatings The Services section describes Linetecs valueadded offering of customer material warehousing Linetec Managed Inventory thermal improvement services both thermal strut and poured anddebridged aluminum stretch forming flat sheets brake metal and fabrication on site repair and restoration and route trucking services The Company section shares Linetecs history mission values and contacts This section also connects visitors to regular news updates and blog posts Visitors can explore further with links to Linetecs Careers section and job postings its Customer Portal to password protected customer specific information its multiple social media options and its Architectural Resource Center with access to three part guide specifications helpful forms and new literature Reflecting the same design and Single Source Solution message as its website Linetecs new collage of literature also is available To request a printed copy or for additional information call 888 717 1472 or e mail sales@ linetec com Construction input prices continue to fall in December Construction input prices declined 17 percent in December on a month over month basis yet are 35 percent higher than the same time last year according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of U S Bureau of Labor Statistics data recently released In December nonresidential construction prices fell 16 percent but are up 41 percent compared to one year ago Among 11 subcategories monitored in the data six declined in price in last month with the crude petroleum category registering the largest decrease at 37 percent and 111 percent year over year The decline in input prices occurred despite a massive run up in natural gas prices of 643 percent ABC chief economist Anirban Basu said the data should be viewed as good news for contractors For months there has been growing concern that the combination of rising wages and construction input prices would steadily hammer away at profit margins While that remains a concern particularly considering the ongoing shortage of skilled construction workers the fact that input prices have moderated especially as they rose rapidly in 2018 should be viewed positively from the perspective of contractor earnings performance There are many explanatory factors involved including a softening global economy said Basu And while a softer global economy is good news from the perspective of inflationary pressures ultimately this will result in weaker U S economic growth In addition while there is no consensus among economists about the prospects for an economic downturn later this year or in 2020 or 2021 most agree that economic growth will be weaker going forward compared to 2018 It is conceivable that materials prices will continue to decline particularly if tariffs imposed on certain items like steel and aluminum are removed said Basu Iron and steel prices are up nearly 15 percent on a year over year basis and steel mill product prices are up nearly 19 percent On the other hand a recent decline in the value of the U S dollar may translate into firmer materials prices over the very near term AIA announces Strategic Partnership with Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope The American Institute of Architects AIA announced it has formed a Strategic Partnership with Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope Santa Monica Calif The partnership will lead efforts to strengthen understanding among architects of building enclosure technology and performance factors that can create a better built environment Robert Ivy FAIA EVP CEO of the AIA said When product manufacturers and architects work together it benefits everyone including building owners and occupants Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope has an excellent reputation in the design and construction market We look forward to working with their team to foster dialogue engagement and innovation with our members Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope is the first www metalconstruct ionnews com 12 METAL CONSTRUCTION NEWS February 2019