In America there are a number of significant trade groups that provide the steel and metal pre-engineered building businesses and industries with standard procedures and state-of-the-art research. Here are some ABC’s of the steel and metal building industry.

The 100 year old NRCA or National Roofing Contractors Association includes many contractors specializing in roofing, and also counts steel building fabricators among its ranks. One of the NRCA’s primary activities is the circulation of information on past and recent roofing materials and engineering applications.

The CCFSS or Center for Cold-Formed Steel Structures is working to increase the visibility of the cold-formed steel building systems industry. This organization brings together consultative panels, manufacturers, universities and the government to help push for growth and publicity of the industry. The CCFSS is located on a University of Missouri campus.

A particularly well-known alliance within the steel industry is the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). This organization originated in the mid-1800s as a group called the American Iron Institute. The AISI evolved from the AII and has consistently worked to expand steel applications and establish legitimate all-metal building design regulations, generally focusing on cold-formed (building parts made without heat) metal elements. The AISI oversees many pre-engineered steel building framework assemblies, such as ancillary building components and roofing and wall applications. An instruction book, published by AISI for over 60 years, is the authority on cold-formed design. AISI is a remarkable proponent of mechanical instruction, and they are continually working to promote metal building manufacturing.

The MCA or Metal Construction Association promotes the use of premium quality metal in any building project. This group sponsors a trade convention once a year, at which outstanding projects are recognized. MCA, located in Illinois, also analyzes new business locations suitable for metal buildings.

The Light Gauge Structural Institute, or LGSI, is comprised of a group of manufacturers that use light gauge framing. This alliance distributes a guidebook for ensuring appropriate load-bearing capabilities for many vital steel components. This institute also sanctions scheduled inspections of affiliate fabrication facilities to audit and improve production procedures in the manufacture of essential materials.

The North American Insulation Manufacturers Association, or NAIMA, is headquartered in Virginia. This alliance works with most producers of insulation, and establishes structural insulation products’ safety and application guidelines.

The Metal Building Contractors & Erectors Association (MBCEA) does business in Ohio. The membership of this alliance is comprised of contractors and builders of metal and steel structures. This organization stresses a decentralized approach that authorizes local area membership to meet and discuss issues and exchange information. Customer/contractor activities and activities related to industry standard documentation are also administered by MBCEA. These are just a few of the organizations that have been established to raise awareness, encourage higher standards and promote technological advances in the steel and metal building industry.