Sales of metal building systems reach nearly $1.9 billion as low-rise, non-residential construction market booms

Business Wire, March 22, 1995

CLEVELAND--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 22, 1995--Capitalizing on pent-up demand from the industrial sector, member companies of the Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) shipped a record $1.87 billion worth of metal building systems in 1994.

This figure represents a significant increase from 1993's $1.48 billion in sales, and tops the previous record set in 1989.

Because a metal building system typically represents between 15% and 20% of a construction project's total cost, MBMA sales translated to approximately $10 billion of new, in-place construction during the year.

As in previous years, metal building systems construction remained the primary choice of construction professionals in 1994, accounting for 65% of all sales in the low-rise, non-residential market. This key market segment consists of one- and two-story community, commercial and industrial buildings of up to 150,000 square feet.

MBMA member firms accounted for 344 million sq. ft. out of 526 million sq. ft. of new building space completed in the low-rise, non-residential construction market during 1994. In addition, industrial buildings over 150,000 sq. ft. added 39.5 million sq. ft. of new space to overall MBMA sales.

``All signs point to continued growth in 1995 and beyond,'' says MBMA Chairman Robert Ammerman. ``This growth is being led by the industrial sector, as evidenced by the fact that U.S. industrial manufacturing capacity utilization is in excess of 85%. Some economists predict that utilization will approach 90% over the next few years. Several MBMA firms will be adding plant capacity this year through the addition of new plants or by enlarging existing facilities, which should help the industry better serve our customers.''

MBMA sales by market segment for 1994 were:

o Manufacturing 40%

o Commercial 36%

o Community 14%

o Miscellaneous 10%

Total MBMA member company steel shipments rose to 1.49 million tons in 1994, an increase over 1993's figure of 1.21 million tons.

For addition information, contact: Metal Building Manufacturers Association, 1300 Sumner Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44115-2851.

CONTACT: Selz, Seabolt & Associates Inc., Chicago

John Mandel, 312/372-7090, fax: 312/372-6160

Metal Building Manufacturers Association, Cleveland

Steve Owens, 216/241-7333