What is the MBMA?

The Metal Building Manufacturers Association–or, MBMA–continues to establish itself as the most influential and important metal building organization in our nation. With a home office in Cleaveland, Ohio the MBMA has grown to become a very influential organization in consolidating and promoting the pre-engineered, pre-fabricated metal building industry. With 13 charter members taking its energetic work into the 21st century, this organization aims to ensure across-the-board agreement on safety and insurance rules, ordinance applications and design guidelines.

Since it was established in 1956, the membership in the MBMA has now grown to around 30 manufacturers and as many as 10,000 builders nationwide. Group member fabricators have erected almost all all-metal building applications built in the U.S. Building industry suppliers have recently been granted membership in order to strengthen program and facts offerings.

The MBMA furnishes metal structure producers with design advancements and guidelines. Prior to the establishment of the Association, each building fabricator would come up with its own planning protocols, which resulted in reliability and quality issues in the industry.

During the 1970’s the MBMA undertook significant wind tunnel research in order to provide the pre-engineered metal building industry with wind resistance data. Important improvements resulted from the research and the MBMA continues today with wind speed analysis at various labs and schools. Heat and cold studies, fire rating, and snow loading measurements have also been promoted and vitalized by the membership’s ventures.

The Association is also integral to suggesting approval programs for building manufacturers. One of the latest programs made an effort to not only guarantee that a high quality metal building commodity is realized through the fabrication method, but also to maintain correct quality and design regulations when the building is completed. Certification by the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) is required by the MBMA for enrollment.

Many publications produced by the MBMA encompass reviews that lay out rules and regulations required for proper commercial grade metal and steel rooftop construction, an annual industry market review, and multiple presentations, videos, and promotional materials that offer the benefits, concepts, and features of pre-engineered metal buildings. The MBMA has also produced a reference book for over 45 years that is an invaluable handbook for people involved in the industry. This book is essential for those wishing to educate themselves about the features of good design, correct structural loads, and other manufacturing practices and applications.