Por The Coffee Shops® 

Asegúrate de incluir estas sesiones y expositores en tu lista de prioridades para METALCON.  

Del 7 al 9 de octubre en Orlando, Florida, la industria se reunirá para tres días de educación, innovación y networking. Con más de 60 sesiones educativas y 250 expositores, es importante que los asistentes planifiquen su agenda con anticipación. Desde nuevos productos y servicios hasta soluciones innovadoras, no querrás perder la oportunidad de conversar con estos socios de The Coffee Shops®: Carlise Architechtural Metals, Central States Manufacturing, Malco, Roof Huger, Van Mark, ATAS International, Inc., Metal Construction Association (MCA), Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA), Sherwin-Williams Coil Coatings y muchos más. Además, no olvides visitar el stand 408 para conocer al equipo de MetalCoffeeShop®.

Conferencia Magistral: Nada Puede Detenerte 

El exlanzador de las Grandes Ligas Jim Abbott compartirá su extraordinaria historia, desde Flint, Michigan, hasta lanzar un juego sin hit ni carrera en el Yankee Stadium. Nacido sin mano derecha, Jim encontró formas creativas de perseguir sus metas mientras aprendía la importancia de la responsabilidad y la confianza. Su inspiradora conferencia explora cómo la mentalidad adecuada puede transformar la adversidad en crecimiento personal, ayudando a los asistentes a reconocer sus propios desafíos como oportunidades para desarrollar resiliencia y adaptarse al cambio. 

¡Regístrate hoy!

Conferencia Magistral: Construyendo en la Incertidumbre: Perspectivas del Mercado para las Industrias de la Construcción y el Diseño 

¿Qué factores económicos influirán en la construcción y el diseño durante los próximos 12 meses? El execonomista en jefe del American Institute of Architects, Kermit Baker, analizará los indicadores que afectan la actividad de los proyectos, el crecimiento de los distintos sectores y las prioridades de los clientes. Los asistentes obtendrán una perspectiva basada en datos sobre las tendencias del mercado, las diferencias regionales y las oportunidades emergentes que les ayudarán a tomar decisiones informadas en un entorno de constante cambio. 

¡Regístrate hoy!

Perspectiva de la Industria: Actualizaciones de Códigos para la Construcción Metálica: Qué Cambió y Qué Significa 

Los cambios en los códigos pueden provocar retrasos en permisos, rediseños y problemas de cumplimiento cuando no se conocen o se interpretan incorrectamente. Los expertos Bill Beals, Paul Deffenbaugh y Bob Zabcik analizarán las actualizaciones recientes y futuras que afectan a la construcción metálica. La sesión abordará aspectos relacionados con el diseño, las especificaciones, la fabricación y la instalación, ayudando a los asistentes a comprender los requisitos actuales y prepararse para las tendencias que podrían influir en futuros proyectos. 

¡Regístrate hoy!

Perspectiva de la Industria: 2027, el Futuro de la Construcción Metálica 

Líderes de la industria examinarán las fuerzas económicas, regulatorias, de materiales y de obra que darán forma a la construcción metálica rumbo a 2027. Los panelistas Kermit Baker, Jeff Henry, Vincent Sagan y Benton Trotter conectarán la realidad actual del mercado con los desafíos y oportunidades que se avecinan. Los asistentes explorarán cómo las condiciones de suministro, la evolución de los códigos y las presiones en la construcción están influyendo en los costos, los métodos de entrega y las prácticas del sector. 

¡Regístrate hoy!

Las sesiones educativas son solo una parte de la experiencia. Los asistentes también podrán recorrer una enorme área de exhibición para establecer contactos, descubrir nuevas soluciones y aprender directamente de profesionales de toda la industria. Asegúrate de incluir el stand 408 de MetalCoffeeShop® en tu recorrido. 

Mientras visitas la expo, también encontrarás a varios socios de The Coffee Shops®, entre ellos Western States Metal Roofing, BITEC, Franklin International, Giddy Up, H.B. Fuller / GSSI, Latinos en Roofing, MARCO Industries, Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA), McElroy Metal, MetalForming Inc., MFM Building Products, RoofScope y muchas otras empresas destacadas del sector.

No te pierdas el evento metalero del año. Regístrate para asistir a METALCON y utiliza el código 30MCS para obtener $30 de descuento en tu pase. 

By The Coffee Shops®.

Make sure these sessions and exhibitors are on your METALCON short list.

METALCON is just around the corner happening October 7-9 in Orlando, Florida! With over 60 education sessions and 250 exhibitors, it’s important for attendees to plan their schedules carefully. From new products and services to innovative solutions, you won’t want to miss the chance to talk to these Coffee Shop partners: Carlise Architechtural Metals, Central States Manufacturing, Malco, Roof Huger, Van Mark, ATAS International, Inc., Metal Construction Association (MCA), Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA), Sherwin-Williams Coil Coatings and more! Don’t forget to stop by booth 408 to meet the MetalCoffeeShop team!

Featuring an impressive lineup of industry experts and motivational speakers, the METALCON headline sessions just scratch the surface of the learning opportunities.

Keynote: nothing Can Stop You

Former Major League Baseball pitcher Jim Abbott shares his remarkable journey from Flint, Michigan, to throwing a no-hitter at Yankee Stadium. Born without a right hand, Jim developed creative ways to pursue his goals while learning the importance of accountability and trust. His inspiring keynote explores how mindset can transform adversity into personal growth, helping attendees recognize their own challenges as opportunities to build resilience, adapt and celebrate the experiences that shape who they are.

Register today!

Keynote: Building Through Uncertainty: A Market Outlook for the Construction and Design Industries

What economic forces will shape construction and design during the next 12 months? Former American Institute of Architects Chief Economist Kermit Baker examines the indicators influencing project activity, sector growth and client priorities. Attendees will gain a data-driven view of shifting pipelines, regional market differences and emerging opportunities. The session provides a forward-looking framework to help industry professionals anticipate risks, align business planning with changing conditions and make informed decisions in an uncertain market.

Register today!

Industry Outlook: Metal Construction Code Updates: What’s Changed and What it Means

Code changes can lead to permit delays, redesigns and compliance gaps when they are missed or misunderstood. Industry experts Bill Beals, Paul Deffenbaugh and Bob Zabcik will break down significant recent and upcoming updates affecting metal construction. Covering design, specifications, fabrication and installation, the session will help attendees understand current compliance requirements, distinguish the roles of standards organizations and prepare for emerging trends that could influence future projects and business decisions.

Register today!

Industry Outlook: 2027 the Future of Metal Construction

Industry leaders examine the economic, regulatory, material and jobsite forces expected to shape metal construction through 2027. Panelists Kermit Baker, Jeff Henry, Vincent Sagan and Benton Trotter will connect current market realities with the challenges and opportunities ahead. Attendees will explore how supply conditions, evolving codes and construction pressures are influencing project costs, delivery methods and building practices, gaining practical insights for managing risk and positioning their businesses for the next 12 months.

Register today!

The formal sessions are just one way to learn. Attendees will also enjoy a massive exhibition hall where they can network and learn from each other. Make sure our MetalCoffeeShop booth 408 is on your list too!

While you’re in the hall, don’t miss our Coffee Shops partners including: Western States Metal Roofing, BITEC, Franklin International, Giddy Up, H.B. Fuller / GSSI, Latinos en Roofing, MARCO Industries, Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA), McElroy Metal, MetalForming Inc., MFM Building Products, RoofScope and more!

Don’t miss the metal event of the year! Register for METALCON and use code 30MCS for $30 off passes!

By The Coffee Shops®. 

As demand for metal systems grows, contractors look for ways to improve efficiency and overcome labor shortages. 

As metal continues gaining market share across roofing and wall applications, contractors are facing a familiar challenge: how to keep up with demand when skilled labor remains difficult to find. In a recent Read Listen Watch®, Karen Edwards sat down with Ryan Lemmel, vice president of architectural sales for MetalForming, to discuss what contractors are experiencing today and how fabrication technology is evolving to meet those pressures. 

Ryan described the current environment as one of “guarded optimism,” noting that opportunities remain strong despite ongoing economic challenges. “Construction demand certainly is not uniform,” he said. “There are pockets of strength and pockets of not-so-strong.” 

At the same time, he pointed to continued momentum for metal construction. Citing growth projections outlined by the Metal Construction Association through 2030, Ryan explained, “Metal continues to gain share in both roofing and walls.” For many companies, however, demand is not the primary obstacle. “The opportunity is not necessarily the constraint. The constraint is capacity, both on the machine side and the human side, the labor,” he shared. 

That labor shortage is compounded by changing customer expectations. Ryan referenced the “Amazon effect,” where buyers increasingly expect faster turnaround times, greater transparency and streamlined service experiences. “We have the smallest labor force we've had with these rising demands of the consumer,” Ryan said. The retirement of experienced workers adds another layer of complexity. As veteran operators leave the workforce, companies risk losing valuable operational knowledge while simultaneously trying to train a new generation of employees. 

In response, Ryan said MetalForming focuses on equipment that is intuitive and easy to operate while emphasizing long-term process improvement. “We’re not just selling a piece of equipment but helping you to put a repeatable process into your workflow,” he explained. 

As contractors evaluate ways to expand production capacity, the conversation increasingly shifts from equipment alone to the broader systems, software and processes that support sustainable growth. The future of metal manufacturing may depend as much on workflow efficiency as it does on fabrication capability. By adopting intuitive technology and repeatable workflows, contractors can overcome labor constraints, increase capacity and turn growing demand for metal systems into sustainable business opportunities. 

Listen to the webinar or Watch the recording to learn more about metal manufacturing challenges and growth opportunities. 

By Emma Richardson. 

Discover the innovations that are helping metal contractors prepare for growth. 

In an upcoming Read Listen Watch, host Megan Ellsworth meets with Vice President of Architectural Sales for MetalForming LLC, Ryan Lemmel, for an exclusive preview of the innovations the company is bringing to METALCON. Together, they will explore the challenges shaping today’s metal construction market and the equipment designed to help contractors and fabricators address them. 

Demand for metal continues to create exciting possibilities for the industry, but taking advantage of those possibilities requires businesses to navigate significant workforce and production challenges. Contractors and fabricators are being asked to increase efficiency while maintaining accuracy, precision and consistency. At the same time, skilled labor shortages and the loss of tribal knowledge can make it difficult to increase production or bring less-experienced team members up to speed. 

During this RLW, Ryan will explain how MetalForming is addressing these issues through automation, intuitive controls and equipment engineered for speed and repeatability. Viewers will learn how these innovations can help streamline operations, increase throughput and support a strong return on investment without compromising the quality of finished products. 

MetalForming offers equipment and support focused on the real-world needs of metal contractors and fabricators. Rather than stopping at the sale of a machine, the company helps customers through on-site setup, training, maintenance, parts support and ongoing education. This comprehensive approach gives businesses access to both advanced equipment and the knowledge needed to incorporate it successfully into their workflows. 

Ryan will also introduce several of the solutions MetalForming is highlighting at METALCON. These include the Schroeder Architectural shear and folder, designed to support higher throughput, precision and repeatability, as well as the VIETSTEEL roll former, which combines user-friendly controls, automation and scalability for roofing and wall applications.  

Whether you are looking to increase output, address labor constraints, preserve valuable production knowledge or plan for future growth, this RLW will offer a valuable look at the possibilities available through modern metal-forming technology. 

Join Megan Ellsworth and Ryan Lemmel to learn how new equipment, automation and customer support can help metal contractors and fabricators work smarter. 

Register for the World of Possibilities RLW.

By The Coffee Shops™.

The SSQ3 MultiPro is engineered to help increase productivity, reduce waste and support larger, more complex jobs.

New Tech Machinery is bringing a new generation of portable rollforming to the metal roofing industry with the release of the SSQ3™ MultiPro Portable Rollformer for Roof Panels. Introduced as a METALCON 2025 new product release, the SSQ3 builds on the legacy of NTM’s trusted SSQ II with a focus on smarter controls, faster production and more efficient operation.

Designed for contractors who want greater control over their metal roofing business, the SSQ3 MultiPro is engineered to help increase productivity, reduce waste and support larger, more complex jobs. Whether panels are being produced in the shop or directly on the jobsite, the machine is built to deliver the accuracy, versatility and reliability contractors expect from New Tech Machinery.

The SSQ3 offers the ability to run up to 16 different panel profiles, including standing seam, flush wall and board and batten siding, with each profile sold separately. A high-speed hydraulic drive helps reduce run time, allowing contractors to produce more panels per day. Operators can also choose an advanced touchscreen controller with job tracking and automation or upgrade to the full UNIQ® Automatic Control System.

Safety and usability were also priorities in the updated design. New features include a shear warning strobe, RFID cover sensors, interior LED lights and remote zerk fittings for easier lubrication. The Quick-Change™ power pack adds further flexibility by allowing operators to switch between gas and electric power in seconds on the job site.

To support the machine’s portability, MetalForming has developed and stocked its own trailer for the SSQ3. Trailer features include a 5-foot tongue for stability, an adjustable tongue for easier connections, a front center jack, 14-ply tires, 14,000-pound GVWR, LED running lights and internal wiring.

For contractors looking to streamline operations and expand rollforming capabilities, the SSQ3 MultiPro represents a significant step forward in portable panel production.

By Jenny Yu.  

Understanding panel profiles, production needs and equipment configurations can help contractors make informed equipment investments. 

In a recent Lunch & Learn titled “How to Choose the Right Rollformer,” Karen Edwards spoke with MetalForming (MF) Business Development Director Chad Rowe about the factors contractors should consider when choosing between portable and in-plant rollforming systems. 

Chad explained that the decision should come down to a contractor’s operational goals, production volume and the types of panels being produced. Portable systems are commonly used for concealed fastener and standing seam profiles while in-plant systems are better suited for wider through-fastened panels. 

Portable rollforming can reduce the risk of damage to panels during transportation and allows contractors to produce long panels directly on-site. “The biggest benefit of onsite production is that concealed fastener profiles are very difficult and labor-intensive to package,” Chad said. “The ability to take a rollformer to a site and be able to produce panels saves a lot of time and labor while reducing the risk of damaging those panels.” 

Portable rollformers do have some size and weight limitations that can make in-plant rollformers the preferred choice. “In-plant rollformers are designed in such a manner that they are forming from the center of the material out to the edges, and those rollformers are typically somewhere in the 16 to 20 station passes, whereas a portable roll farmer as typically in the 10 to 12,” Chad explained.  

Ultimately, owning either an in-plant or portable rollformer offers contractors greater control over scheduling and material handling. “It’s really about controlling the jobsite. You can get finished with your job sooner,” Chad said. “You also gain margin from purchasing your own coils and producing those panels yourself.”  

Finally, the Lunch & Learn explored the continued growth of the metal roofing market, driven by expanded finish options, improved durability and changing insurance requirements in storm-prone regions. Chad expressed, “The quality has gone up, and we’ve closed that price gap.” 

Wath the full Lunch & Learn to learn more about how to determine the best rollforming approach for your business.

By The Coffee Shops™. 

MetalForming is set to demonstrate how the right equipment can help optimize operations. 

MetalForming LLC is heading to FABTECH Canada, bringing a clear message to manufacturers looking for stronger, more precise bending solutions: power and precision can work together. 

The MetalForming team will be at Booth #4051 during FABTECH Canada, held June 9-11 in Toronto. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with the team, see live demonstrations and learn more about the Schroeder PowerBend Industrial, a folding solution designed for heavy-gauge applications and demanding production environments. 

At the booth, MetalForming will showcase the machine’s ¼-inch bending capacity through live demonstrations. The team will also be available for expert consultations on heavy-gauge applications, offering practical insight for manufacturers working through production challenges, equipment needs or process improvements. 

The PowerBend Industrial is built around German precision engineering and is designed to support manufacturers that need strength, accuracy and repeatability. For shops running 24/7 production, that level of performance can help streamline operations and support consistent output. For teams managing complex prototype work, the machine offers the precision and control needed to handle detailed requirements. 

Attendees can also learn more about bilateral drive technology and advanced automation, two areas that are increasingly important as manufacturers look for ways to improve efficiency, reduce bottlenecks and strengthen production capabilities. MetalForming’s booth will provide space for one-on-one conversations, giving attendees a chance to discuss their specific applications with knowledgeable team members. 

FABTECH Canada brings together professionals across the metal forming, fabricating, welding and finishing industries. For MetalForming, the event offers an opportunity to connect directly with manufacturers and demonstrate how the right equipment can help optimize operations. 

Contractors, fabricators and production teams attending the show are encouraged to stop by Booth #4051 to meet the MetalForming team, see the Schroeder PowerBend Industrial in action and explore how precision folding technology can support their work. 

MetalForming will see you in Toronto! 

Learn more about MetalForming and their fleet of high-end architectural sheet metal machines!

By The Coffee Shops™. 

MetalForming’s booth will feature elite equipment built to support evolving roofing and architectural metal fabrication needs. 

MetalForming (MF), LLC is set to participate in the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA) 2026 Expo, one of the largest regional trade shows for roofing and sheet metal professionals in the United States. Taking place June 10–12, 2026, at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Kissimmee, Florida, the event brings together thousands of contractors, manufacturers and industry experts for networking, education and product discovery. 

At this year’s expo, MetalForming will showcase a comprehensive lineup of advanced equipment designed to support modern architectural fabrication. Visitors to the company’s booth, Booth #1417, can expect to see cutting-edge solutions including the New Tech SSQ3 portable rollformer, the Schechtl MAX-F folder and more exclusive solutions from VIETSTEEL and ASCO/Slinet. These metal folding and coil processing technologies are engineered to improve precision, efficiency and versatility in applications ranging from roofing panels to custom wall systems.  

Beyond product demonstrations, MetalForming’s team will be available to provide expert guidance on selecting the right equipment and optimizing fabrication processes. This hands-on approach reflects the broader value of FRSA 2026, which combines live demonstrations, educational sessions and peer-to-peer connections to help industry professionals stay ahead of evolving trends. 

Overall, MetalForming’s participation underscores its commitment to advancing the sheet metal and roofing industries through innovation and customer-focused solutions. Attendees of FRSA 2026 will gain valuable insights into the latest technologies shaping the future of metal fabrication while connecting with a trusted leader in the field. 

Visit booth #1417 at FRSA 2026 to connect with the MetalForming team and discover how their solutions can help expand your company’s success!

By Jenny Yu.  

Contractors will gain practical insights from leading experts while connecting with top manufacturers and suppliers. 

The Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA) is hosting its 104th Convention & Expo from June 10-12, 2026, at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in in Kissimmee, Florida. With a strong lineup of sponsors and an educational program packed with timely topics, this year’s event is set to provide contractors with practical insights and valuable networking opportunities. 

A wide range of industry leaders are lending their support for the event, underscoring its importance across the roofing and metal construction sectors. Platinum sponsors include Eagle Roofing Products, ABC Supply and TAMKO®; while gold sponsors CertainTeed LLC, Polyglass and SOPREMA further highlight the depth of industry participation. Additional support from emerald sponsor Adams & Reese LLP; sapphire sponsors BITEC, Drexel Metals, MetalForming LLC and Sika Corporation; silver sponsor SRS Building Products; bronze sponsors Duro-Last®, IB Roof Systems™, PAC-CLAD Petersen and Roof Hugger; and affiliate sponsor, Roofing Contractors Association of South Florida (RCASF), reinforce the event’s focus on innovation, performance and contractor success. 

Educational sessions 

Education remains the cornerstone of the convention, with sessions designed to address today’s most pressing challenges in the industry while providing attendees with opportunities to earn CE credits. Legal and compliance topics are a hot topic with multiple sessions led by Trent Cotney, RoofersCoffeeShop® Influencer and partner at Adams & Reese LLP, including: 

• “Building an OSHA Inspection SOP” - Wednesday, June 10, 8:00 a.m. 
• “Roofing Legal, Labor and Policy Trends” - Wednesday, June 10, 12:30 p.m. and Friday, June 12, 7:00 a.m. 
• “Artificial Intelligence in Roofing” - Thursday, June 11, 7:00 a.m. 
• “ICE Raids and I-9 Audit Defense” - Thursday, June 11, 8:15 a.m. and Friday, June 12, 8:15 a.m. 

These sessions will provide contractors with actionable guidance on navigating regulations, mitigating risk and adapting to emerging technologies.  

Business operations are also a key focus. John Kenney, Influencer of The Coffee Shops™ and CEO of Cotney Consulting Group, will lead “Estimating for Small Business” on Wednesday, June 10, at 9:15 a.m. and Thursday, June 11, at 7:00 a.m., offering practical strategies to improve accuracy and profitability for contractors of all sizes. Meanwhile, Chad Westbrook, founder of Service Alignment, will present “Documenting a Roofing Project” on Thursday, June 11, at 9:30 a.m. and Friday, June 12, at 7:00 a.m., helping attendees strengthen processes that support accountability, communication and long-term project success. 

Additional sessions cover critical issues including Florida Building Code updates, metal roofing best practices and safety topics such as heat illness prevention. The “SkillsUSA: Build a Workforce Pipeline” session on Thursday, June 11, at 9:30 a.m., will also highlight strategies for developing the next generation of roofers, a growing priority for contractors facing ongoing workforce shortages. Together, these seminars provide well-rounded education opportunities tailored to both roofing and sheet metal professionals.  

Register to reserve your spot and take full advantage of everything the 104th FRSA Convention & Expo has to offer!

By Jenny Yu.  

Advanced machinery and expanded distribution partnerships are making MetalForming solutions more accessible across North America. 

At the 2026 International Roofing Expo, MetalForming LLC showcased more than new machinery. According to Chad Rowe, business development manager at MetalForming, the company is pairing high-performing equipment with expanded partnerships to make metal forming solutions more accessible across North America.  

“This year, we have a lot of new features. We have several new pieces of equipment, but more importantly, we're really establishing a lot of great relationships throughout North America where people can find metal forming products more easily,” Chad shared. “We want to try to make the availability of what MetalForming has to offer as easily as possible.” 

Chad highlighted its new partnership with VIETSTEEL to support wide coverage panel needs and its new role as the exclusive distributing partner for New Tech Machinery. The latest SSQ3 machine includes quick change tooling and advancements in its control system.  

On the equipment side, MetalForming introduced a 126-inch folding machine from Germany, expanding beyond its 122-inch limitation; 14-gauge machines capable of hemming 14 gauge; and a Schechtl all graphic control system designed for ease of use.  

Beyond hardware, Chad emphasized the growing demand for enhanced digital tools. “There's a lot of demand for software, but people overlook it at times,” Chad stated. “We are representing a company called Bendex, a company that provides multiple solutions starting as low as $250 a month.” 

Across the board, safety was a key throughline. "Overall, the systems are generally a lot safer for the workforce, which is important to you as a business owner. Insurance is expensive,” Chad noted. “Safer shops — same, or maybe even more, productivity.” 

Watch the interview to learn more about MetalForming’s latest innovations and partnerships, and check out our soundstage interview with Steve Gosk, president of MetalForming!