The Metal Building Manufacturers Association: Setting Industry Standards

The Metal Building Manufacturers Association: Setting Industry Standards

The Metal Building Manufacturers Association, or MBMA, has become a considerably important organization in promoting and consolidating today’s pre-engineered, pre-fabricated metal structure production industry. The group aims to ensure that there is industry-wide agreement on protection and insurance regulations, code use, and planning guidelines. The Association was established in the U.S. in 1950, with 13 members–and it continues with its hard work today. The MBMA presents engineering improvements and guidelines for metal structure fabricators. Prior to the formation of the group, each metal building producer would create its own design guidelines, which resulted in significant grade and reliability differences within the trade. Today’s metal building reliability is due, in large part, to the Association’s planning guidelines. As a solid enrollment at the early stages of the 21st century, the Metal Building Manufacturers Association has nearly 30 metal building fabricators–which accounts for close to 10,000 builders nationwide. Metal building suppliers have recently been granted membership in order to strengthen information and program content. A majority of all-metal structure models that are assembled across the nation today are a result of group member work. The MBMA’s efforts have also led to ideal metal building wind loads since wind tunnel research was carried out in the 1970s. This research is currently utilized universally as appropriate building regulations for pre-engineered metal structure construction. The organization has additionally sponsored and encouraged snow loading, fire rating, and thermal studies examining. The MBMA continues to undertake wind research from varying locations at several laboratories and universities. The MBMA has been also been involved with approval programs. One of the most recent courses aims to not only guarantee a top quality pre-engineered metal building end product results from the production process, but also to stress correct quality and design procedures once the structure is completed. American Institute of Steel Construction certification is required by the MBMA for enrollment in its affiliation. The MBMA has published many periodicals that offer the fundamentals for correct high-grade metal roofing engineering; an annual manufacturing market review; and several presentations, videos, and promotional materials that point out the advantages, features, and benefits of pre-engineered, pre-fabricated metal structures. The MBMA has also produced a reference guide for more than 50 years that is an accredited informational program for everyone involved in the industry. The publication is essential for those concerned with the features of proper engineering, proper structural loads, and other essential industry applications and practices. The MBMA, which operates from Ohio, continues to be the most influential and substantial pre-engineered, pre-fabricated metal building establishment in the United States.