Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/124234
Steel Going Strong W Innovation and expansion characterise the steel building sector by Robin Brunet When asked in January how her company is faring in the New Year, Carla MacLeod, marketing coordinator for Robertson Building Systems replied, "Couldn't be better. The market for steel buildings is strong in many provinces, especially in the Prairies where we have a lot of clients." MacLeod's sentiment is echoed by other manufacturers; but just how big is the market for steel buildings? According to the November 2012 publication of the Prefabricated Metal Building and Component Manufacturing Industry, revenue for steel building manufacturing in 2011 was $6-billion USD, with $498.9-million of that figure representing the export of products to 120 countries. Although no revenue/export figures are available for Canada, the sheer volume of current and recently completed projects suggests that comparable profits are being made north of the 49th parallel. "For one thing, the resources industry is booming with mega-projects like the oil sands," says MacLeod. "Also, steel buildings are becoming a mainstay of the commercial sector – which is where Robertson focuses most of its attention, due to its affordability and durability." Many manufacturers are seeing an almost across-the-board move to steel buildings in all construction activities. Pre-engineered custom packages are being sought by an ever-expanding list of new users. The first biomass heat recovery power plant in the Canadian forest industry recently wrapped construction and includes steel buildings provided by Heartland Steel Ltd. and manufactured by Behlen Industries LP. The new $7-million power plant is owned by the Nechako Lumber Company Ltd. and located 2.7 kilometres west of Vanderhoof, B.C. The major reasons for the spurt in steel building popularity are low cost and speedy construction. This method of construction is also becoming more commonly associated with green values. Canadian Sheet Steel Building Institute (CSSBI) general manager Steve Fox points out that "steel makers are reevaluating their processes to be more environmentally conscious, and they're making great strides in manufacturing products that contribute to sustainable development." The CSSBI is playing a major role in demonstrating these initiatives and supporting them with numbers and facts in an effort to "prove to prospective new customers just how attractive steel buildings are to the construction sector," according to Fox. The CSSBI has been aggressive in drawing attention to the fact that not only are pre-engineered steel buildings made of recycled material, but that the light-reflective quality of the metal keeps the inside of the building much cooler, and the insulation helps keep the interior warmer during winter, thus contributing significantly to energy savings. Another green argument is that by choosing metal over wood, developers contribute towards conservation of forests. Manufacturers have, in a very short space of time, evolved far beyond their origins as suppliers to the industrial sector, to the point where today their products are genuinely esthetically pleasing. "Arguably our products have gained the most acceptance in municipalities that require new recreational and sport facilities," says MacLeod. "For example, we're building a huge four-pad arena for the citizens of Stoney Creek, Ontario, just one of many arenas we've built in recent years." Jane Swayze, marketing managerNorth America for Vicwest Building Products, says her company's insulated metal panel line is continuing to grow. "We're branching out of the cold storage market and making a footprint with other more design-savvy buildings." One such building is the new Fort Saskatchewan Community Hospital designed by IBI Group Architects and exhibiting what Swayze refers to as "a trend in aluminum composite material: a predominant use of colour." Vicwest also continues to innovate. Its new Summerside shingle combines the rustic yet natural appearance of cedar shakes with the strength and trusted longevity of steel. The shingles are engineered from 28-gauge steel with a double-embossed finish. Swayze describes 2013 as a year of slow growth, leading up to 2014 when the industrial construction market is expected to see significant growth. In the meantime, Vicwest is maintaining its environmental focus by launching a new web-based program that will enable building owners and architects to easily attain product-specific information for various green initiative submittals. The Metal Building Group (MBG) was recently responsible for constructing Canada's first Ground Run-up Enclosure at YVR Vancouver International Airport. This steel structure mitigates Above: ATP Building, Ancaster, Ontario. Builder: Lanca Contracting Ltd. The photo on the left shows the vast amount of Robertson Thermal System Clips before the insulation was installed. Steel Building Systems p18-21Steel Building.indd 19 april 2013 /19 13-04-05 1:57 PM