The 4-part session examines emerging technologies shaping cold-formed steel (CFS) design. These include new seismic pathways, automation systems and open-source tools — innovations that improve efficiency, decision-making and building performance. Attendees who participate will earn 2 PDHs.

The 2026 CFSEI Expo will take place May 18-20, 2026, at the Westin Long Beach Hotel in Long Beach, California.

Emerging Technologies session sponsor

1. Enabling Seismic Performance-Based Design Pathways for Cold-Formed Steel Framed Buildings

Benjamin Schafer, Ph.D., P.E., F. SEI, Johns Hopkins University
Kevin Aswegan, P.E., S.E., Magnusson Klemencic Associates
Tara Hutchinson, PhD., P.E., University of California, San Diego

Session speakers: (l to r) Ben Schafer, Johns Hopkins University; Kevin Aswegan, Magnusson Klemencic Associates; Tara Hutchinson, University of California, San Diego

This presentation includes a broad technical discussion on the use of seismic performance-based design for cold-formed steel (CFS) framed buildings. The presenters will outline emerging pathways for its practical implementation.

Seismic performance-based design has reshaped reinforced concrete structural practice in high seismic regions, particularly in California. Such design has enabled architectural and structural solutions outside of prescriptive code limits. 

In contrast, seismic design of CFS framing remains largely constrained by prescriptive provisions in ASCE 7. These include limits on height, details and system applicability, despite growing evidence of CFS’s robust seismic performance. Click for details

2. From Artificial Hearts to Steel Skeletons: Algorithmic Assurance in Cold-Formed Steel Housing

Rodger Ford, FrameUpNow

Rodger Ford, FrameUpNow

FrameUpNow’s innovation Algorithmic Automation System (FUN) is  a deterministic, rule-driven design engine inspired directly by medical device rigor. Built on 350 pages of specifications and more than 6,000 lines of code, FUN converts traditional wood-frame ADU plans into perfectly engineered cold-formed steel (CFS) skeletons. 

Unlike probabilistic AI, the FUN system does not guess. It executes pre-defined structural engineering rules, International Building Code and California Residential Code requirements and manufacturing constraints with mathematical certainty. Click for details

3. A Web-Based App for Cold-Formed Steel Member Structural Calculations Built with Open-Source Software

Cristopher Moen, RunToSolve, LLC

Cristopher Moen, RunToSolve

Imagine your company has developed a new family of cold-formed steel (CFS) cross-sections. You believe they work better than the industry baseline. However, you don’t have the right workflow tool to calculate and tabulate section and buckling properties that confirm their performance. A web-based app can help.

In this presentation, Cristopher Moen of RunToSolve will introduce the web-based app. It can quickly generate results, graphically and in tabular formats, for multiple cross-sections. Moen will demo how the app works. 

This app is a prototype, a glimpse into the future of what can be done to advance engineering workflows with freely available, open-source software. Click for details

4. SIN Floor: Advancing Cold-Formed Steel in Composite Floor Systems

Phil Reinders, Steelcon, Inc.

Phil Reinders, Steelcon, Inc.

Traditional composite floor systems often rely on heavy secondary framing and extensive shoring, adding both cost and complexity. SIN Floor introduces a new approach. 

SIN Flor is a cold-formed steel (CFS) and concrete floor system. It combines two c-channels, a sinusoidally corrugated deck and a cast-in-place concrete topping to create a single, efficient structural panel. 

By embedding the steel sections within the slab and leveraging composite action, SIN Floor delivers long spans with reduced floor depth, while eliminating the need for secondary framing or shoring. The result is lighter structures, faster construction and improved sustainability. Click for details

Additional Resources

• Register for the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach, California (May 18-20)
• CFSEI Announces Speakers for 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach, California (May 18-20)
• Insights and Inspiration Take Center Stage at 2025 CFSEI Expo in Raleigh

The post CFSEI Expo’s Emerging Technologies Session to Showcase the Future of Cold-Formed Steel Design (May 20) appeared first on BuildSteel.org.

       

The new UCSC student housing features 35 two-story four-plex buildings. The project will deliver 140 two-bedroom units, classrooms, administrative space and outdoor play areas. Across the 17-acre site, the development also includes a community center, maintenance and utility buildings, open space, gardens and parking, creating a fully integrated campus neighborhood.

CEMCO received the 2025 SFIA Industry Project and Product Honorable Mention in the Low Rise category for the University of California, Santa Cruz, Student Housing West – Phase 1 Hagar Development. The SFIA Awards recognize excellence in the use of cold-formed steel (CFS) framing across design and construction. Wayne Capers of ADCO Drywall and Metal Framing, the framing subcontractor, submitted the award entry.

Featured image (above): CEMCO supplied cold-formed steel (CFS) framing products for the UCSC Student Housing project in Santa Cruz, California.

The UCSC Student Housing project in Santa Cruz, California, features cold-formed steel (CFS) prefabricated panels.

CEMCO’s honorable mention was announced during the 2025 SFIA Awards live ceremony and posted online. The SFIA 2025 Industry Project and Product Awards, an annual steel framing industry awards competition, focuses on CFS manufacturing and construction. Designers, manufacturers, distributors and contractors entered a variety of projects in the latest competition.

Design Quality

How did this project use CFS efficiently and what was the value engineering solution?

The project features a mixture of CEMCO cold-formed steel studs and track. It also features the CFS systems in collaboration with a proprietary truss design for floor and roofs.

Installation Complexity

Did this project require special methods or conflict resolution?

Using a combination of cold-formed steel members and panelized CFS production, ADCO Drywall and Metal Framing, the framing subcontractor, had to frame 35 residential buildings and two community centers in just three months. With 130 workers and four cranes, the team finished ahead of schedule, despite Santa Cruz’s many wet days.

Because the project was panelized, crews framed all walls using CFS off-site. The team then trucked the panels to the job site and craned them into place.

CEMCO cold-formed steel (CFS) members form the load-bearing walls for the UCSC student housing project.

A prefabricated cold-formed steel (CFS) wall panel is craned into place after off-site fabrication, part of an approach that helped ADCO crews stay ahead of schedule.

A student family housing unit takes shape as cold-formed steel (CFS) framing and panelized walls come together on-site, reflecting the project’s fast-paced, prefabrication-driven construction approach.

Manufacturing Complexity

Were the materials custom made or were they modified standard pieces?

CEMCO custom produced and cut to length the materials, minimizing waste. Crews completed panel fabrication off-site, producing individual panels ready for installation.

An Early Education Center takes shape at the UCSC Hagar Development, where cold-formed steel (CFS) framing supports classrooms, administrative space and more.

Overall Job Quality

How did the completed system perform in alignment, finish, and overall design intent?

The project met the university’s rigorous standards for quality and performance. Alignment from concrete to framing to finishes remained precise, fully supporting the design intent.

CEMCO received the 2025 SFIA Industry Project and Product Honorable Mention in the Low Rise category for the UCSC Student Housing project.

Additional Resources

• The Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA) Names 13 Recipients of the 2025 Industry Awards
• SFIA Unveils 9 Winners of the 2024 Industry Project Awards
• SFIA Reveals 7 Winners of the 2023 Industry Project Awards in Online Ceremony

The post UCSC Family Student Housing, Featuring CEMCO Steel, Wins SFIA Low-Rise Category Honors appeared first on BuildSteel.org.

      

Related Stories

• Tech Company’s Steel-Framed HercuWall System Streamlines Construction of 194 Homes
• Scottsdale Delivers Innovative Thermal Solutions for Cold-Formed Steel Framing
• Video: Creative Details for Children’s Museum of Denver Wins SFIA Award for South Valley Drywall

 

A University of Houston engineering team developed a method to detect hidden damage in cold-formed steel (CFS) framing within walls. The approach combines ground penetrating radar with artificial intelligence to locate and assess concealed studs and joists. 

CFS framing plays a major role in many nonresidential buildings, yet inspecting it has required costly wall removal. This research highlights structural inspection and data driven analysis as key skills advancing steel evaluation, with findings reported in the American Society of Civil Engineers Journal of Computing in Civil Engineering.

At top, radar images of cold-formed steel (CFS) studs behind common wall claddings as scans capture the damaged and undamaged studs. At bottom, the damaged stud and truss as predicted in the scan. Image Credit: University of Houston

The system uses radar scans to capture internal wall conditions and AI to interpret patterns linked to steel presence and damage. Researchers created a dataset of radar images showing different layouts and damage scenarios. They also introduced a training method that improves accuracy under real world conditions. The AI identifies issues such as buckling by recognizing changes in echo patterns and marking areas for targeted inspection. This reduces unnecessary demolition and focuses effort where it is needed.

The framework supports faster, scalable assessments for maintenance and post disaster evaluation. By limiting disruption and lowering costs, it improves how teams manage aging or damaged structures. 

Read the full article.

Steel Stud Innovation Changes Jobsite Cutting

SFIA member Grabber Construction Products introduces TrueShear, a tool that shears cold-formed steel (CFS) studs instead of cutting them with saws. It is designed for use across demanding jobsites, including data centers, occupied buildings and hospitals. The tool reflects a shift in how crews approach steel stud cutting, with a focus on controlled shearing rather than friction based methods.

TrueShear applies 12 tons of force to shear steel studs 54 mils (16 gauge) to 33 mils (20 gauge). The process eliminates sparks and reduces the need for fire watch and permits. It also produces a consistent edge without burrs. Lower noise levels make it more suitable for spaces where limiting disruption is important.

The change from saw cutting to shearing alters jobsite conditions and workflow. Crews can avoid hazards tied to sparks and reduce secondary tasks related to cleanup and safety monitoring. The cleaner edge also reduces finishing work. This approach supports more predictable steel stud installation in controlled environments.

Learn more from Grabber Construction Products.

Spazzer Bar Cuts Steel Installation Time

As labor pressures increase, cold-formed steel (CFS) framing contractors must balance precision and speed. Walls must stay plumb while crews work efficiently. SFIA member ClarkDietrich’s Spazzer Bar provides a continuous steel bridging solution that integrates into the framing process. It moves through pre-punched stud knockouts to help maintain alignment and resist stud rotation.

Spazzer Bar reduces the complexity of traditional clip and channel systems. It eliminates many components and removes clips in non-load-bearing applications, which reduces handling and fastening in the field. Internal data shows crews can, depending on conditions, install the system significantly faster than conventional U-channel systems. Integrated notch spacing also helps crews maintain consistent layouts and improve wall alignment.

Spazzer Bar supports a range of stud sizes and applications, allowing contractors to standardize across projects. Spazzer 5400 and 9200 configurations provide flexibility, including use in load-bearing conditions with added fastening.

“Once it’s on the job, the guys go, go, go, and it makes us look really good with the general contractor,” says Jonathan Lamb of Millard Drywall & Acoustical Construction.

Read the full article from ClarkDietrich.

Additional Resources

• Update #7: ClarkDietrich’s iTools, Scottsdale’s Roll Forming Videos, U.S. Steel’s Learning Mill All Help Transform CFS
• Update #6: T.J. Wies Redefines Hospital Prefab, Contractors Back Steel Growth, U.S. Steel Invests in the Future
• Update #5: U.S. Steel Upgrades, Nucor Mill Targets 2027 Launch, Startup Reinvents Housing
• Update #4: L&W Supply Expands in Oregon, CEMCO Adds ArcelorMittal’s Magnelis® Coating, ClarkDietrich Obtains Connector Certification
• Update #3: Grabber Introduces New Fastener, TSN Expands in Texas, ClarkDietrich Connector Reduces High-Rise Noise
• Update #2: CEMCO Reaches 50, FRAMECAD Unveils New CFS Platform, ClarkDietrich Adds Sustainability Glossary
• Update #1: BlazeFrame® Tape, Bridging Connectors and Steel-Framed Glass Curtain Walls

The post Update #8: University of Houston’s Radar and AI Tech, Grabber’s Stud Cutter, ClarkDietrich’s Bridging Bar appeared first on BuildSteel.org.

      

Related Stories

• Update #8: Grabber Advances Stud Cutting, ClarkDietrich Speeds Bridging, Univ. of Houston Develops AI Inspection
• CFSEI Expo Keynote Urges Cold-Formed Steel Engineers to Lead the AI Transition
• SFIA’s Don Allen Shares Insights on Technology, Training and Code Advocacy on “If Walls Could Talk”

 

Behind the design, CFS framing products from Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA) member ClarkDietrich, and support from SFIA members The Steel Network and L&W Supply, played a central role. Prefabricated panels and a drift track system allowed crews to build efficiently, reduce labor and deliver a clean, continuous exterior.

ClarkDietrich received the 2025 SFIA Industry Project and Product Honorable Mention in the High Rise category for the 24th & Rio Grande Housing project. The SFIA Awards recognize excellence in the use of cold-formed steel (CFS) framing across design and construction. Jenny Hull of ClarkDietrich submitted the award entry.

Featured image (above): ClarkDietrich supplied cold-formed steel (CFS) framing products for the 24th & Rio Grande Housing project in Austin, Texas.

The 24th & Rio Grande Housing project in Austin, Texas, features cold-formed steel (CFS) prefabricated exterior panels and a drift track attachment system.

ClarkDietrich’s honorable mention was announced during the 2025 SFIA Awards live ceremony and posted online. The SFIA 2025 Industry Project and Product Awards, an annual steel framing industry awards competition, focuses on CFS manufacturing and construction. Designers, manufacturers, distributors and contractors entered a variety of projects in the latest competition.

Design Quality

How did this project use CFS efficiently and what was the value engineering solution?

The 24th & Rio Grande Housing project used a prefabricated CFS panelized system with a drift track attachment method. The project team stacked the panels efficiently to create a robust, seamless outer skin. Prefabrication reduced time and costs while streamlining construction and minimizing on-site labor and material waste. The approach improved overall efficiency and cost performance.

ClarkDietrich pre-cut CFS materials based on panelized shop tickets, which optimized usage and reduced waste at the 24th & Rio Grande Housing project.

The team fabricated framing, sheathing, windows, vents, weatherproofing and EIFS off-site.

The project team stacked the panels efficiently to create a robust, seamless outer skin.

Installation Complexity

Did this project require special methods or conflict resolution?

The prefabricated panelized system required specialized techniques to maintain efficiency and precision during installation. The team developed custom solutions for transportation and installation to address system-specific challenges.

For example, the project team planned panel transport to prevent damage from the shop to the job site.

In addition, lifting and installing the panels required careful engineering to ensure safe, precise handling. The team designed the process so crews could lift and secure each panel while maintaining system integrity. Crews used a crane and monorail system to lift panels into position with precision and control.

The installers also monitored daily weather conditions, especially during high-elevation installation. This attention reduced risks from wind, rain and other environmental factors.

The 24th & Rio Grande Housing project used a prefabricated cold-formed steel (CFS) panelized system with a drift track attachment method.

Crews used a crane and monorail system to lift panels into position with precision and control.

Manufacturing Complexity

Were the materials custom made or were they modified standard pieces?

ClarkDietrich pre-cut CFS materials based on panelized shop tickets. The team organized materials by level to optimize usage and reduce waste. These steps accelerated panel assembly and reduced manufacturing time. Prefabrication improved speed, accuracy and overall quality. It also maximized workflow efficiency within the panel shop.

The project used a comprehensive panelized system. The team fabricated framing, sheathing, windows, vents, weatherproofing and EIFS off-site. This approach improved precision, shortened the schedule and enhanced overall system consistency.

Panel shop precision and seamless installation kept the 24th & Rio Grande Housing project on schedule.

Overall Job Quality

How did the completed system perform in alignment, finish, and overall design intent?

The project turned out nothing short of spectacular.

“Thanks to the precision of the panel shop fabrication and the seamless installation process, the project stayed on schedule, allowing interior trades to begin their work as scheduled,” Hull wrote in the awards entry submission. “This was a key factor in meeting the project’s tight timeline.”

While the design is complex, the quality and consistency of the shop fabrication ensured that every detail was executed to perfection, she wrote.

ClarkDietrich received the 2025 SFIA Industry Project and Product Honorable Mention in the High Rise category for the 24th & Rio Grande Housing project.

Additional Resources

• The Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA) Names 13 Recipients of the 2025 Industry Awards
• SFIA Unveils 9 Winners of the 2024 Industry Project Awards
• SFIA Reveals 7 Winners of the 2023 Industry Project Awards in Online Ceremony

The post Panel Prefabrication for an Austin, Texas, High Rise, Featuring ClarkDietrich Steel, Wins SFIA Honors appeared first on BuildSteel.org.

      

Related Stories

• University of New South Wales Study Shows the Value of Prefabricated Steel Framing — 39% Cost Savings and More
• Steel-Framed Pods, Engineered by raSmith, Saved 17,000 Trade Hours on Cleveland Clinic Project
• Update #8: Cold-Formed Steel Frames Award-Winning School, Hospital Expansion and NYC Affordable Housing

 

Deadline: June 26 at 8 pm ET

The deadline for the SFIA 2026 Awards entries is 8:00 pm ET on Friday, June 26, 2026. The competition is open to SFIA members only. SFIA members in any SFIA membership category can participate, but they must be a member to submit a project to the SFIA Awards competition.

SFIA members can download the Contest Rules in PDF format and submit their projects using the official SFIA Awards Submissions Form. Architects, engineers, manufacturers, distributors, contractors and others can enter projects in the competition, so long as the projects feature SFIA-certified CFS products and the entrants themselves are SFIA members.

Submit a Project

Download the 2026 SFIA Awards Contest Rules PDF.

“These projects tell the story of what SFIA-certified steel can do in the real world — helping teams deliver resilient, sustainable and code-compliant construction on today’s most demanding builds,” says Don Allen, SFIA executive director.

Entrants may select multiple categories to best reflect their project. For example, a submission can be both sustainable and low-rise. This self-selection helps organize entries for judging, while final category placement remains at the judges’ discretion.

View last year’s SFIA Awards winners.

11 Categories of Awards

The SFIA Industry Project Awards will emphasize the innovative use of CFS framing. The 2026 competition will accept entrants in the following 11 categories:

1. Efficient use of cold-formed steel framing
2. Conversion from another material to cold-formed steel framing
3. Architectural design detail
4. Sustainable project
5. Interior project
6. Panelized project
7. Size of the job (quantity of cold-formed steel products used) in a Low Rise (1-3 stories) project
8. Size of the job (quantity of cold-formed steel products used) in a Mid Rise (4-7 stories) project
9. Size of the job (quantity of cold-formed steel products used) in a Super Mid Rise (8+ stories) project
   
10. Judging panel’s choice
11. Innovative Product

One winner and one honorable mention will be awarded for each category, unless suitable submissions are not received. Winners will be announced at a special awards ceremony to be held by SFIA later this year.

SFIA Awards judges give higher marks to entries with high-quality photography focused on details, such as this past award winning project submitted by CEMCO.

Submit a Project

The SFIA 2026 Industry Project Awards will focus on CFS manufacturing and construction. The awards program is a complement to the Design Excellence and Creative Detail Awards governed by the Cold-Formed Steel Engineers Institute (CFSEI).

The 2026 SFIA Awards has 11 categories recognizing outstanding use of cold-formed steel (CFS) framing, such as this past winner submitted by Industrialized Construction Solutions.

Remember, projects must feature the use of CFS framing certified by the SFIA as code compliant. This means they have passed physical tests for mechanical properties, coatings and manufacturing tolerances.

Submit a Project

Contact Info

Contact:
Meredith Perez, Awards Program Manager
Steel Framing Industry Association

Additional Resources

• • The Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA) Names 13 Recipients of the 2025 Industry Awards
  • SFIA Unveils 9 Winners of the 2024 Industry Project Awards
  • 2023 SFIA Awards: 7 Key Learnings about Using Cold-Formed Steel (CFS)

The post Enter the Fourth Annual SFIA 2026 Industry Project and Product Awards Competition (Deadline Jun. 26) appeared first on BuildSteel.org.

      

Related Stories

• CFSEI Expo’s Emerging Technologies Session to Showcase the Future of Cold-Formed Steel Design (May 20)
• AD Names 2026 LLC Board of Directors Following Owner/Member Vote
• Building for Fire: How Cold-Formed Steel Is Changing Noncombustible Construction

 

In the Walls & Ceilings article, “Why the Explosion in the Growth of Data Centers in the U.S. is a Boon for Steel Framing Manufacturers in 2026,” Steve Farkas, director of business development at CEMCO, an SFIA member, highlights how AI expansion is driving demand for large, clear-span buildings where steel framing offers clear advantages.

“The rapid expansion of AI-driven data centers is creating major opportunities for steel framing manufacturers because of steel’s safety, strength and sustainability advantages,” says Farkas.

AI expansion is driving demand for large, clear-span buildings where steel framing offers clear advantages.

Comparing Structural Systems

Data center construction moves quickly, and projects demand massive footprints and flexible design. Many facilities span 200,000 to 500,000 square feet, with hyperscale projects reaching into the millions. These buildings rely on large clear spans to support cooling systems and adaptable server layouts.

To meet these requirements, project teams must evaluate the pros and cons associated with available structural systems:

• Wood framing can burn, warp and attract pests, limiting long-term performance
• Concrete blocks require large, heavy foundations to support walls typically 20 to 30 feet high.
• Steel framing delivers strength, efficiency and design flexibility

“When comparing wood-framed, concrete block and steel-framed construction, steel framing is often the most practical choice,” says Farkas. 

Cold-formed steel framing systems support the critical performance demands of large-scale data center construction. Engineers rely on CFS to meet safety, load capacity and sustainability targets.

Steel framing delivers strength, efficiency and design flexibility.

Why CFS Meets Data Center Demands

• CFS Is Safe — Steel framing supports resilient design with hundreds of fire-tested assemblies and decades of validated structural performance data. Engineers specify certified, code-compliant products to meet building codes.

“Organizations such as the Steel Framing Industry Association require members to maintain compliance through programs like the Code Compliance Certification Program, which involves third-party inspections by groups such as the International Code Council and Intertek to verify materials, manufacturing quality, and code transparency,” says Farkas.

The Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA) requires members to maintain compliance through its Code Compliance Certification Program, which uses third-party inspections to verify materials, manufacturing quality and code compliance transparency.

• CFS Is Strong — Steel framing handles significant axial and lateral loads while maintaining structural integrity over decades of service. It accommodates seismic movement through controlled flexibility, while tight manufacturing tolerances and custom profiles improve installation efficiency and jobsite safety.

• CFS Is Sustainable — Steel framing supports a circular lifecycle with high recycled content and efficient electric arc furnace production. It reduces embodied carbon during manufacturing and allows full recovery and reuse of materials at the end of a building’s life.

“Using scrap steel lowers Global Warming Potential, a metric that measures the climate impact of production in kilograms of CO₂ per metric ton of steel,” says Farkas. “EAFs’ lower GWP translates to lower embodied carbon in steel framing products.”

CFS Readies the AI Era

As AI continues to advance, it is driving optimism in the construction sector. CFS framing delivers the speed and durability required for large-scale data center construction.

“With growing domestic steel capacity and ongoing technological progress, steel framing manufacturers are well positioned to support data center growth by delivering products that are safe, strong, and sustainable for generations to come,” says Farkas. 

Read the full article from Walls & Ceilings.

Additional Resources

• CEMCO Wins SFIA Award for the Steel Framing at Denver’s Wynkoop Street High-Rise
• The Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA) Names 13 Recipients of the 2025 Industry Awards
• Data and Noncombustible Materials Hold the Key to Safer Construction, Says SFIA’s Don Allen

The post Data Centers Drive Construction Growth, Opportunities for Cold-Formed Steel Framing Business appeared first on BuildSteel.org.

      

Related Stories

• FRAMECAD: Why Cold-Formed Steel Is Accelerating Data Center Construction
• Salas O’Brien Wins 2025 CFSEI Creative Detail Award for Casino Hotel Tower
• Excel Engineering Wins Top 2025 CFSEI Creative Detail Award for Harrah’s in New Orleans

 

In the article “How Cold-Formed Steel Streamlines Data Center Construction,” Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA) member FRAMECAD highlights CFS for its strength-to-weight ratio, noncombustibility, dimensional accuracy and fast installation — key features that meet data center needs.

“For developers, these attributes translate into shorter construction programs, improved cost certainty and reduced risk,” says Nader Elhajj, FRAMECAD engineering director in sales. “For manufacturers and panelizers, cold-formed steel enables repeatable, scalable production that supports the aggressive timelines typical of data center projects.”

Graphics provided by FRAMECAD.

Data Center Market’s Unprecedented Expansion

The data center market is expanding rapidly as cloud computing, artificial intelligence and digital services drive global demand.

Developers are investing heavily in new facilities, with global capital expenditures projected to reach nearly $7 trillion by 2030. The United States leads this growth, with more than 5,400 data centers and continued expansion in key regions such as Virginia, Texas and California.

The top 10 countries with the highest number of data centers.

The distribution of data centers in the U.S. in 2025.

Projects range from small enterprise facilities to hyperscale campuses exceeding one million square-feet, pushing developers to prioritize scalable, efficient construction solutions that can meet aggressive timelines and performance expectations.

The fastest-growing data center hubs in the U.S. through 2030.

3 Reasons Developers Choose CFS for Data Centers

Developers are selecting cold-formed steel (CFS) to meet the speed, scale and performance demands of data center construction. Three key advantages explain why CFS continues to gain traction across these projects:

1. Repeatable Design and Scalable Framing

CFS supports repeatable design strategies that define data center construction. Teams rely on proven templates, and CFS framing systems adapt across projects and locations.

“CFS is widely used for exterior façades and interior wall systems, both load-bearing and non-load-bearing,” says Elhajj.

Internally, data centers require tall, high-capacity walls to support dense equipment layouts.

“Wall heights are increasing, with typical ranges between 29 and 36 feet and some facilities incorporating three-story-high wall systems,” says Elhajj. “CFS studs can be engineered with varying steel thicknesses to achieve the required heights and load capacities while remaining lightweight and easy to install.”

This flexibility allows developers to scale projects without adding complexity.

“We typically run six-inch lines where engineering allows,” says David Huff, senior project manager of C.J. Coakley, a Virginia-based contractor and SFIA member. “When height and load requirements demand it, we’ll introduce wider flanges or specialty studs to meet the structural needs without compromising efficiency.”

Wall heights are increasing in data centers, typically ranging from 29 to 36 feet, with some facilities incorporating three-story-high wall systems.

2. Offsite Manufacturing Drives Speed and Precision

Manufacturers produce CFS panels in controlled environments using automated roll-forming systems. This process ensures consistent quality and tight tolerances at scale.

“Rather than relying on onsite labor, teams engineer framing systems upfront to support efficient installation, with interfaces to concrete or structural steel resolved early in the design phase,” says Elhajj. “This reduces on-site complexity and enables faster, more predictable construction.”

Manufacturers deliver prefabricated components tailored to project requirements, which reduces installation errors.

“Schedules in the data center sector are particularly unforgiving,” says Elhajj. “Large facilities are often delivered in eight to nine months, with smaller projects completed in as little as four to five months, and substantial liquidated damages applied for delays.”

Manufacturers produce cold-formed steel (CFS) panels in controlled environments for data centers, using automated roll-forming systems to ensure consistent quality, tight tolerances and faster, more predictable construction. Photo Credit: FRAMECAD

3. Predictable Construction Through Integrated Design and Digital Tools

Project teams improve constructability by resolving design coordination early in the process.

Teams integrate framing with concrete and structural systems before construction begins, reducing field conflicts and delays.

Integrated engineering and detailing tools, such as FRAMECAD Steelwise, support design and compliance. The software enables efficient, code-compliant design to International Building Code requirements and produces complete structural documentation for permitting and approvals.

By streamlining engineering and documentation, FRAMECAD Steelwise reduces design costs and accelerates project start-ups – a key advantage in a highly competitive market.

Developers gain predictable schedules, lower risk and reduced waste. At the same time, CFS provides a noncombustible, durable solution that meets strict fire safety and resilience requirements.

CFS Positions Data Centers for Future Growth

Cold-formed steel continues to prove its value as developers scale data center construction to meet rising demand. Its combination of speed, precision and performance helps teams deliver projects faster with greater confidence. As digital infrastructure expands, CFS positions teams to build efficiently while meeting evolving performance expectations.

Read the full article from FRAMECAD.

Additional Resources

• 5 Reasons Developers Specify Steel for Mid-Rise Projects, According to FRAMECAD
• FRAMECAD Posts Beginners Guide to Steel Frame Manufacturing
• FRAMECAD Explains Shift from Traditional Design to DfMA with Cold-Formed Steel Framing

The post FRAMECAD: Why Cold-Formed Steel Is Accelerating Data Center Construction appeared first on BuildSteel.org.

      

Related Stories

• Data Centers Drive Construction Growth, Opportunities for Cold-Formed Steel Framing Business
• Salas O’Brien Wins 2025 CFSEI Creative Detail Award for Casino Hotel Tower
• Excel Engineering Wins Top 2025 CFSEI Creative Detail Award for Harrah’s in New Orleans

 

As CFS framing transitions from an alternative system to a primary structural solution in multifamily, healthcare, and mixed-use construction, the need for deep, practical knowledge has never been greater.

Building the Foundation

In the early 2000s, industry leaders identified a critical gap: a lack of experienced contractors and carpenters confident enough to bid and build complex structural steel projects. To bridge this gap, the Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry (AWCI) and the Steel Framing Alliance (SFA) collaborated to create a contractor-focused curriculum covering:

• Estimating and project management
• Advanced construction methods
• Quality control and code compliance

“The strength of the Steel—Doing It Right program lies in its ability to translate complex engineering and code requirements into practical, actionable knowledge for the field,” says Don Pilz, director of technical services with AWCI. “With the 2026 update, we are ensuring that the next generation of builders has the most current tools to master the complexities of modern structural framing.”

Evolving for the Digital Age

The program held its first seminar in February 2006 in Atlanta, Georgia. For 14 years, interactive, multi-day in-person sessions were the hallmark of Steel—Doing It Right. However, in 2020, AWCI pivoted to a user-friendly, self-paced online format to meet the demands of a modern workforce.

The upcoming 2026 relaunch (the third version and second online edition) represents a significant leap forward. It features:

• Narrated Content: Expert-led modules with refreshed audio.
• Enhanced Visuals: Modern animations and video clips showing real-world applications.
• Refreshed Layout: A streamlined learning pathway consistent with other Doing It Right programs.

“AWCI’s mission has always been to provide the wall and ceiling industry with the highest level of technical excellence,” says AWCI CEO Mike Stark. “By modernizing Steel—Doing It Right for a 2026 release, we are making world-class CFS education accessible to every professional, regardless of their location, helping them gain a competitive edge and increase profitability.”

A Comprehensive 13-Module Curriculum

Steel—Doing It Right is a non-product-specific course that focuses on industry-accepted best practices. Participants move through 13 modules covering essential topics, including:

• Load-bearing wall systems
• Roof and floor framing
• Interior assemblies and panelization
• Continuous load-path integrity

All graduates receive a certificate of completion. Additionally, engineers and others can earn professional development hours (PDHs), and architects may self-report learning units (LUs) for AIA (The American Institute of Architects) continuing education credit.

Strategic Advantages for Industry Professionals

For Contractors and Field Leaders. The program focuses on the technical factors that control performance and liability, tolerances, framing geometry, fastening and bracing, while delivering clear, current code-based guidance for noncombustible, mold-resistant cold-formed steel systems. As demand grows, contractors with this expertise gain a clear competitive edge.

For Estimators. Margins are won or lost at the bid stage. This program includes a dedicated estimating module that establishes a consistent methodology for quantifying scope, labor and materials, preventing “small misses” in gauge or spacing that can erase profit.

For Project Managers. The course clarifies the nuances of delegated design, submittals and inspections. By aligning project managers and field crews with the same technical framework, companies see fewer installation errors and more predictable project outcomes.

Turning Expertise into a Competitive Advantage

Beyond technical knowledge, program participants gain verified expertise that aligns with modern project specifications. This allows contractors to move beyond simple interior partitions and into the lucrative market of structural steel framing. By reinforcing quality control and fastening standards, the course helps reduce liability risk in an environment of tightening building codes and insurance requirements.

Subject-Matter Experts

From its inception, this program has been crafted and curated by the best of the best in the industry. This latest edition would not be possible without the support and knowledge of the following subject-matter experts:

• Don Allen, Executive Director, Steel Framing Industry Association
• William Babich, Director of Engineering, TrusSteel
• Adam Conerly, Chief Estimator, F.L. Crane & Sons, Inc.
• Jim DesLaurier, Executive Vice President, Marino\WARE
• Carl Elliott, Director of Product Development, Sure-Board
• Tyler Elliott, Production Manager/Head of Research and Development, Sure-Board
• Terry Evans, Estimator/Project Manager, MAREK
• Georgi Hall, Director of Engineering, CEMCO
• James Hillegas, Chief Operating Officer, Offsite Systems
• Joel Marek, Project and Prefab Coordinator, MAREK
• Jim Morton, Senior Project Manager/Estimator, MAREK
• Greg Ralph, Vice President of Business Development, ClarkDietrich
• Sam Sanderson, Technical Engineer, Grabber Construction Products, Inc.
• Daniel Stadig, Senior Vice President, Salas O’Brien
• Jim Stafford, Owner/Operator, Jim Stafford Consulting
• Travis Vap, CEO, South Valley

AWCI Staff

• Thao Nguyen, Project Manager
• Don Pilz, Director of Technical Services
• Annemarie Selvitelli, Director of Education and Member Services

Conclusion

For two decades, Steel—Doing It Right has been the industry’s premier training program for cold-formed steel framing, evolving from hands-on seminars to a flexible, fully online course. Designed for contractors, estimators, project managers and field leaders, it delivers code-based knowledge that improves skills, reduces risk and enhances project outcomes.

By providing a consistent technical framework, the program helps teams work more efficiently, seize new market opportunities and stay competitive as cold-formed steel grows as a primary structural solution. With its newest edition launching in 2026, Steel—Doing It Right is more comprehensive, engaging and accessible than ever.

Thao Nguyen is the education program manager at AWCI. Don Pilz is the director of technical services at AWCI. Annemarie Selvitelli is the director of education and member services at AWCI.

Register for the program by May 1, 2026, to receive $50 off the regular price.

The post Steel—Doing It Right®: Excellence in Cold-Formed Steel Training appeared first on BuildSteel.org.

      

Related Stories

• Steel Stands Firm as Termites Threaten Homes, Real Estate Agents Say
• Hot-Rolled vs. Cold-Rolled Steel: Mill Steel Breaks Down the Basics
• 5 Reasons Developers Specify Steel for Mid-Rise Projects, According to FRAMECAD

 

At the Westerly 2 South Tower in Etobicoke, Tridel Corporation is advancing a major mixed-use development that blends residential towers, retail and public space. The project forms part of the broader Westerly community, a large-scale urban infill effort designed to activate the surrounding neighborhood.

At street level, a sculptural canopy defines the tower’s entrance. Designed by Kirkor Architects, the free-form structure serves as more than weather protection. It creates a distinct visual identity and establishes a strong pedestrian presence through expressive form and detail. Maxan Interior Systems, a specialty interior contractor based in the Greater Toronto Area, worked on the project.

Architectural Design Detail

Maxan Interior Systems received the 2025 SFIA Industry Project and Product Honorable Mention in the Architectural Design Detail  category for the Westerly 2, South Tower canopy. The SFIA Awards recognize excellence in the use of cold-formed steel (CFS) framing across design and construction. Doug Villeneuve of Maxan Interior Systems submitted the award entry.

Featured image (above): Maxan Interior Systems worked on a unique cold-formed steel (CFS) framed exterior building canopy for the Westerly 2, South Tower.

The Westerly 2, South Tower, canopy features a stud-beam system, made up of interconnected studs and tracks, which establishes a robust structural backbone.

Maxan Interior Systems’ win was announced during the 2025 SFIA Awards live ceremony and posted online. The SFIA 2025 Industry Project and Product Awards, an annual steel framing industry awards competition, focuses on CFS manufacturing and construction. Designers, manufacturers, distributors and contractors entered a variety of projects in the latest competition.

Design Quality

How did this project use CFS efficiently and what was the value engineering solution?

This innovative project employed standard metal studs and angles to create a dynamic, free-flowing architectural shape that aligned seamlessly with the architect’s vision.

MTE Consulting Engineers undertook meticulous calculations to ensure the support structure effectively transferred loads back to the foundational concrete and the underlying steel stud “rib” framework. The project features a stud-beam system, made up of interconnected studs and tracks, which establishes a robust structural backbone. This provided secure support for the ribs.

“This design not only fulfilled the aesthetic aspirations,” the award submission says, “but also adhered to engineering principles, ensuring stability and durability throughout the structure.”

This design shows the proposed steel outrigger locations to support the canopy framing at the Westerly 2 South Tower.

The team used 3D scanning to confirm outrigger locations that would support the cold-formed steel (CFS) canopy framing at the Westerly 2 South Tower.

Installation Complexity

Did this project require special methods or conflict resolution?

The team used 3D scanning to plan and install the structure. Crews scanned the existing space before erecting the steel canopy. The Raw laser scan data captured millions of data points and generated a Point Cloud. The team used that model to design the canopy in three dimensions before installation.

The architect reviewed and approved the 3D model. The fabricator then produced metal sheet templates to define the planar regions. The team issued a series of installation packages that showed each cold-formed steel (CFS) stud layout, angle and location in 3D, in relation to the templates. These drawings established the canopy geometry.

Installers followed the model to lay out, cut and fit each stud with precision. The finished canopy matched the 3D model exactly. The team could not have achieved the canopy’s unique geometry without 3D modeling.

Manufacturing Complexity

Were the materials custom made or were they modified standard pieces?

The team ordered standard CFS stud profiles and thicknesses. The steel structure was built on-site. The fabricator created templates from CAD files and laser-cut them to match scanned locations of steel outriggers and the concrete structure.

East elevation detail shows template layout used to define planar regions and guide the placement of the cold-formed steel (CFS) framing system.

This detail shows templates for the South and West elevations.

Overall Job Quality

How did the completed system perform in alignment, finish, and overall design intent?

The team re-evaluated the canopy installation after placing the steel backbone and ribs. Metal panels allowed a 10 mm tolerance, and crews achieved 2 to 6 mm in the field.

Even though the canopy lacked a defined gridline reference, the team maintained tight control over its execution. In the end, the canopy’s high level of accuracy reflects strong installation practices and quality workmanship.

Maxan Interior Systems received the 2025 SFIA Industry Project and Product Honorable Mention in the Architectural Design Detail  category for the Westerly 2, South Tower canopy.

Additional Resources

• The Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA) Names 13 Recipients of the 2025 Industry Awards
• SFIA Unveils 9 Winners of the 2024 Industry Project Awards
• SFIA Reveals 7 Winners of the 2023 Industry Project Awards in Online Ceremony

The post Maxan Interior Systems Earns SFIA Honors for Sculptural CFS Canopy in Etobicoke, Ontario appeared first on BuildSteel.org.

      

Related Stories

• 9-Story Hotel Features Minimal Structural Steel with Cold-Formed Steel, Earns SFIA Award for raSmith
• Excel Engineering Wins Top 2025 CFSEI Creative Detail Award for Harrah’s in New Orleans
• Ensign Engineering Wins Top 2025 CFSEI Design Excellence, Commercial, Award for Onset Financial

 

Carl Welty of The Banning Land Trust and W. Donald Wheeler of Wheeler Steel Framing Supply will present the session titled, “Building for the 21st Century: Noncombustible Construction with Cold-Formed Steel.”

The 2026 CFSEI Expo will take place May 18-20, 2026, at the Westin Long Beach Hotel in Long Beach, California. Attendees who participate in the keynote will earn 1 PDH / 1 AIA LU Credit.

The session will provide engineers, designers and industry professionals with a practical look at how cold-formed steel (CFS) enables noncombustible construction. It will also examine how material choices influence fire performance in modern buildings.

Fire Risk Demands a New Approach

Cold-formed steel construction provides a practical and affordable way to build noncombustible homes. But this is not always apparent in studies examining the damage after an urban wildfire event. Industry discussions tend to focus on reducing fire risk, not on building with noncombustible materials.

“Recommendations for fire risk reduction typically focus narrowly on ‘home hardening’ strategies designed to protect combustible wood construction from embers and other ignition sources that threaten our wooden homes,” says the abstract for this intriguing 2026 CFSEI Expo session.

Welty and Wheeler will show session attendees a broader approach. They’ll examine how noncombustible construction can address fire risk right at its source.

In the Palisades Fire, a home’s wood studs and plywood (left) burned away completely (right), leaving only cold-formed steel (CFS) framing, nail heads and the back of the exterior stucco.

The Data Reveals Wood Is a Problem

What does wildfire data reveal? 

• The January 2025 Los Angeles fires destroyed more than 11,500 homes and killed at least 31 people.
• Single-structure fires claim more lives than large conflagrations. They kill 2,600 to 2,800 people each year in the United States.

“Modern conventional wood-framed houses present an alarming reality,” the session abstract adds. “They burn 8 times faster and generate 200 times more smoke and toxic gases than older homes.” 

Adhesives and chemicals in manufactured lumber release deadly gases during a fire. Toxic outgassing causes more fatalities than flames, Welty and Wheeler say. 

At the Palisades home, cantilevered cold-formed steel (CFS) deck joists and their foundation connection remained intact — where less wood meant less fire intensity.

Steel Framing Changes the Equation

Welty and Wheeler’s presentation will show how steel framing can build noncombustible homes at costs comparable to wood construction. Their session will address two critical challenges.

1. Fire ignition
2. Toxic outgassing

“Steel framing prevents fire ignition and spread at the source, while eliminating dependence on manufactured lumber that outgasses toxic chemicals responsible for rapid incapacitation and death in fires,” the session abstract notes. 

The increase in large-scale fires reflects broader issues. Faster-burning modern homes highlight the need for change. The industry must rethink materials and construction methods, Welty and Wheeler say.

This 2026 CFSEI Expo session poses critical questions. It also provides insight into how noncombustible steel construction can solve these challenges.

Partially constructed when the wildfire hit, this Malibu home’s cold-formed steel (CFS) framing package provided by Wheeler Steel Framing Supply withstood the flames.

What Keynote Attendees Will Learn

The 2026 CFSEI Expo keynote session will highlight key lessons on fire performance and noncombustible construction. Welty and Wheeler will explore:

• CFS framing vs. wood framing performance in fires
• Home hardening compared to noncombustible construction
• Cost-effective methods to build noncombustible homes with CFS
• Fire impacts on structures in wildfires and single-family homes
• Drivers behind faster-burning modern homes and material influence

These insights help engineers and designers understand how cold-formed steel reduces fire risk and improves building resilience.

Industry Experts Leading the Session

The session will be presented by two experienced professionals in design and construction.

Carl Welty, Carl Welty Architects

Carl Welty

Carl Welty is a California licensed architect and principal of Carl Welty Architects. He has led green building and sustainable design for more than 30 years.

Welty serves as Director of Architecture and Planning at The Banning Land Trust. He focuses on affordable, energy-efficient design and resilient building systems.

He applies solar orientation and climate-responsive design to improve performance. He delivers durable, low-maintenance structures with improved fire, mold and termite resistance.

Welty designed a 9,000-square-foot Water Conservation Education Center using CFS framing. The design achieved a Title-24 Energy Compliance score 60% above baseline.

He also designed a 1,500-square-foot greenhouse using CFS framing. The structure met California school seismic requirements and reduced construction cost by 20%.

Welty earned his Master of Architecture from Yale University and his bachelor’s degree from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo.

Carl Welty, Carl Welty Architects

W. Donald Wheeler

Donald Wheeler is a general contractor with more than 50 years of experience in residential and commercial construction. He specializes in custom residential steel construction from foundation to finish.

Wheeler manufactures and installs steel trusses and pre-cut framing materials, including concrete form material. He manages supervision, cost control and complex construction challenges.

He coordinates all phases of construction, from permit through open house. At Wheeler Steel Framing Supply, he supervises pre-cut steel framing at the Fullerton warehouse and supports onsite installation.

Wheeler taught CFS framing at Chaffey College for three years. He has presented on CFS internationally, including in Japan.

Wheeler participates in industry associations and appears in professional publications.

Join the Industry in Long Beach

The 2026 CFSEI Expo session will provide a timely opportunity. Attendees will hear directly from industry professionals advancing noncombustible construction with CFS farming. 

Professionals attending the 2026 CFSEI Expo will gain insight into how CFS improves fire performance and reduces risk. “Building for the 21st Century: Noncombustible Construction with Cold-Formed Steel” offers a practical look at design strategies that support safer, more resilient buildings.

Attendees packed last year’s CFSEI Expo in Raleigh, North Carolina. More are expected this year.

Additional Resources

• Register for the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach, California (May 18-20)
• CFSEI Announces Speakers for 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach, California (May 18-20)
• Insights and Inspiration Take Center Stage at 2025 CFSEI Expo in Raleigh

The post Building for Fire: How Cold-Formed Steel Is Changing Noncombustible Construction (May 20) appeared first on BuildSteel.org.

      

Related Stories

• CFSEI Expo’s Emerging Technologies Session to Showcase the Future of Cold-Formed Steel Design (May 20)
• Enter the Fourth Annual SFIA 2026 Industry Project and Product Awards Competition (Deadline Jun. 26)
• AD Names 2026 LLC Board of Directors Following Owner/Member Vote

 

BuildSteel is spotlighting Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA) members who are defining excellence in the cold-formed steel (CFS) framing industry. Here are the latest updates recognizing milestones in international growth, integrated project delivery and social responsibility that demonstrate their leadership and commitment to advancing steel framing solutions.

Scottsdale Steel Framing Technology Drives Indonesia Milestone

PT Prima Unggul Persade celebrates 25 years of steel framing leadership in Indonesia by advancing cold formed steel (CFS) framing with Scottsdale Construction Systems technology. Scottsdale, an SFIA member, supports this progress through high performance roll-forming machines. PT Prima Unggul Persade has completed more than 1,000 steel framed structures while building strong customer trust across Indonesia.

PT Prima Unggul Persada celebrates 25 years advancing cold-formed steel framing in Indonesia with Scottsdale technology

PT Prima Unggul Persade uses steel framing to deliver durable structures in demanding environments. These include remote mining locations, where worker housing, offices, cafeterias, warehouses and workshops are needed. CFS framing improves installation speed and simplifies transport to these locations. Scotpanel 5090 and Scotpanel 7090 machines roll form accurate and durable steel framing systems.

As PT Prima Unggul Persade grows, the company plans to add new building systems, including infill wall systems that improve thermal and acoustic performance. Scottsdale roll formers provide the flexibility to add new systems without disrupting production. 

Read the full article from Scottsdale Construction Systems.

Salas O’Brien Named to System Integrator Giants List

Salas O’Brien, an SFIA member, earned a spot on WTWH Media’s 2026 System Integrator Giants list. The list recognizes leading providers of automation, controls and digital systems solutions. This marks the firm’s second appearance and reflects its focus on connecting complex technologies. WTWH Media is publisher of Control Engineering, Plant Engineering and the Global System Integrator Report. 

Salas O’Brien earned a spot on WTWH Media’s 2026 System Integrator Giants list, recognizing leaders in automation and digital solutions.

Ranked #42 on the list, Salas O’Brien supports clients across life sciences, food and beverage, data centers and other sectors. Its digital and automation teams deliver end-to-end services across project lifecycles. Of course, cold formed steel (CFS) framing design forms a large part of its work, enabling efficient project delivery.

“Salas O’Brien is uniquely positioned at the intersection of engineering, system integration and turnkey delivery,” says Darin Anderson, chairman and CEO of Salas O’Brien.

Read the full article from Salas O’Brien. 

Steel Dynamics: Named One of World’s Most Admired Companies

Fortune named Steel Dynamics, Inc., an SFIA member, one of the World’s Most Admired Companies for 2026. The company earned high marks in the metals industry. The recognition reflects strong performance, clear leadership and a culture grounded in operational discipline.

The annual list ranks the world’s most respected companies. A survey evaluates corporate reputation across nine attributes, including innovation, social responsibility and long-term investment value.

Steel Dynamics applies its expertise to deliver reliable, efficient results across markets. It emphasizes teamwork and continuous improvement, strengthening customer outcomes. Its workforce drives quality and advances performance across operations.

“Earning a place on this list for the ninth consecutive year reflects the unwavering commitment, passion and excellence of our teams,” says Mark D. Millett, Steel Dynamics chairman and CEO.

Read the full article from Steel Dynamics, Inc.

Additional Resources 

• Update #4 | Defining Excellence with Steel Dynamics, U.S. Steel and Simpson Strong-Tie
• Update #3 | Defining Excellence with Simpson Strong-Tie, CFSEI Honoree Vince Salvador and ClarkDietrich
• Update #2 | Defining Excellence with T.J Wies Contracting, U.S. Steel and Cleveland-Cliffs
• Update #1 | Defining Excellence with Simpson Strong-Tie, U.S. Steel and Steel Dynamics

The post Update #5 | Defining Excellence with Scottsdale, Salas O’Brien and Steel Dynamics appeared first on BuildSteel.org.

      

Related Stories

• CFSEI Expo’s Emerging Technologies Session to Showcase the Future of Cold-Formed Steel Design (May 20)
• Enter the Fourth Annual SFIA 2026 Industry Project and Product Awards Competition (Deadline Jun. 26)
• AD Names 2026 LLC Board of Directors Following Owner/Member Vote

 

AD, a member of the Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA), announced that its owner/members elected one new director to its LLC Board of Directors and re-elected two directors following its annual Board nomination and voting process.

Each year, AD’s owner/member-led Governance & Nominating Committee evaluates candidates submitted from across the membership. The committee presents a slate of nominees for vote by AD owner/members. Directors are elected by their peers to represent the interests of the membership and help guide the strategic direction of the organization.

A New AD Director, Two Re-Elected

Following the most recent vote, Bill Condron, CEO of The Granite Group Wholesalers, LLC, was elected to the Board for the first time. Karla Neupert Hockley, Chair & CEO of Consolidated Supply Co., and George Vorwick, President and CEO of United Electric Supply Company, Inc., were re-elected to additional terms.

Bill Condron leads The Granite Group Wholesalers LLC. The Granite Group is a third-generation, privately held HVAC and plumbing distribution company with more than 70 locations across New England. Ranked among the 25 largest wholesalers in the United States, The Granite Group distributes plumbing, PVF, HVAC, propane and industrial products. It also operates 17 Sink & Spout showrooms in addition to a growing e-commerce platform.

“AD plays a critical role in helping independent distributors scale, adapt, and compete,” Condron shared. “To be elected by fellow owner/members is a meaningful responsibility. I look forward to contributing to Board discussions that strengthen our governance and position AD for continued long-term impact.”

‘Value to Independent Distributors’

Karla Neupert Hockley is Chair & CEO of Consolidated Supply Co., an independently owned distributor established in 1928. Representing the fourth generation of family leadership, she oversees 22 locations across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, serving contractors and municipalities in the plumbing, waterworks, and hydronics markets. Neupert Hockley joined the AD LLC Board in 2022 and currently serves on the Organizational Development Committee.

“I’m grateful for the continued confidence of AD’s owner/members,” Neupert Hockley shared. “Serving on the LLC Board is both a responsibility and a privilege, and I look forward to building on our progress to ensure AD remains forward-looking, disciplined in its governance, and focused on delivering value to independent distributors.”

George Vorwick is President and CEO of United Electric Supply Company, a nationally recognized 100% employee-owned electrical distributor offering a comprehensive range of electrical supplies and services. With more than four decades of industry experience, he has also served in leadership roles with NAED, IDEA, and IMARK Group.

“It’s an honor to continue representing AD’s owner/members,” Vorwick shared. “I remain committed to helping guide decisions that strengthen our collective position and deliver value across our industries.”

The 2025 AD LLC Board

The members of the 2026 AD LLC Board are:

• Bill Condron, CEO, The Granite Group Wholesalers, LLC
• François Deschênes, President & CEO, Deschênes Group Inc.
• Clay Geary, President, Interior Exterior Building Supply
• Karla Neupert Hockley, Chair & CEO, Consolidated Supply Co.
• Paul Kennedy, President & CEO, DSG & Organizational Development Committee Chair
• Dr. Don McNeeley, Chair & CEO, Chicago Tube & Iron & Investment Committee Chair
• Donald Slominski, Jr., Executive Chair, McNaughton-McKay Electric Company & AD LLC Audit Committee Chair
• John Thomspon, CEO, First Electric Supply Company, LLC & Governance and Nominating Committee Chair
• George Vorwick, President & CEO, United Electric Supply Company
• Scott Weaver, President & CEO, APR Supply Co.
• Bill Weisberg, Chairman & CEO, AD
• John Wiborg, President & CEO, Stellar Industrial Supply, Inc. & AD LLC Board Lead Director

Read the complete AD news release.

Additional Resources

• AD Names 2025 LLC Board of Directors After Vote, Some Are New to the AD Board
• AD Announces Record Sales in First Nine Months of 2024
• AD Partners with Case for Smiles in Giving Back Event

The post AD Names 2026 LLC Board of Directors Following Owner/Member Vote appeared first on BuildSteel.org.

      

Related Stories

• AD Names 2025 LLC Board of Directors After Vote, Some Are New to the AD Board