Architectural & Structural Metals Mfrs

The 13,179 metal manufacturers in the US produce structural, ornamental, and architectural metal products, primarily for use in the construction industry. Major product categories include sheet metal work; fabricated structural metal products; ornamental and architectural products; plate work; windows and doors; and prefabricated building and component products. Sheet metal work includes air conditioning ducts and stove pipe; electronic enclosures; roofing and roof drainage equipment; flooring and siding; and culverts, flumes, and irrigation pipe. Fabricated structural metal products include bar joists, concrete reinforcements, and structural metal for bridges.

Seasonal Sales

Sales are seasonal and driven by construction activity, which typically peaks during warmer weather.

Capital-Intensive Operations

Historically, architectural and structural metals manufacturing has been a capital-intensive industry and is becoming more so as the pace of technological change accelerates.

Oct 18, 2026 - Megaprojects Dominate Nonresidential Construction Spending

• Megaprojects are accounting for a growing share of US nonresidential construction activity, according to Construction Dive. ConstructConnect chief economist Michael Guckes said projects valued above $1 billion represent approximately one-quarter of nonresidential construction spending. Data centers, power infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing facilities are driving much of the growth, while traditional commercial construction segments remain comparatively weak. The concentration of spending in large projects also contributes to volatility in construction starts and benefits contractors capable of managing complex developments. Large projects could support orders for architectural and structural metal products, including steel framing, metal building systems, and other fabricated components. However, manufacturers serving smaller commercial projects may face weaker demand, while rising material costs and supply chain disruptions threaten margins.
• Merger and acquisition activity in metals manufacturing is recovering as industry fundamentals strengthen, according to Capstone Partners. The investment banking firm's October report identifies trade policy changes, investment in domestic manufacturing, and aerospace and defense demand as important growth drivers. Strategic and financial buyers are competing for manufacturers with specialized capabilities and exposure to attractive end markets. Although factory construction spending has declined from its recent peak, domestic manufacturing investment remains elevated by historical standards. Tariffs are encouraging changes in global supply chains and supporting domestic production, but manufacturers continue to face high raw material and energy costs. Architectural and structural metals manufacturers with advanced fabrication capabilities, diversified customers, and strong positions in infrastructure-related markets could attract acquisition interest. Smaller manufacturers may also face increasing competition from consolidated businesses.
• US manufacturing activity continued expanding in September, according to the Institute for Supply Management (ISM). The Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) registered 54.5, compared with 54.6 in August, marking the ninth consecutive month of manufacturing expansion. Index readings over 50 indicate expansion; readings under 50 suggest contraction. The New Orders Index rose to 55.3, while the Production Index remained elevated at 56.7. However, the Prices Index increased to 77.9, indicating faster growth in manufacturers' input costs. ISM respondents reported higher prices for steel, aluminum, copper, brass products, and other industrial inputs. Architectural and structural metals manufacturers could benefit from stronger industrial demand and improved order activity, but persistent increases in metal costs may squeeze margins on fixed-price fabrication contracts.
• More than 300 US steel and aluminum products and derivatives became subject to new Canadian tariffs beginning September 8, Manufacturing Dive reports. US steel and aluminum products previously facing 25% duties were raised to 50%, while steel and aluminum derivative products face 25% tariffs. The measures followed an escalation in trade restrictions between the two countries. Architectural and structural metals manufacturers that export finished or semifinished products to Canada may face weaker price competitiveness and greater uncertainty over cross-border orders. Domestic metal producers have generally supported stronger US trade enforcement, according to Manufacturing Dive, while Canada's government says its measures are intended to provide a level playing field for Canadian businesses.

Industry size & Structure

The average architectural and structural metals manufacturer operates out of a single location, employs about 31 workers, and generates $11.4 million annually.

• The architectural and structural metals manufacturing industry consists of about 13,179 companies, employs 413,900 workers, and generates about $150.8 billion annually.
• The industry is highly fragmented; the top 50 firms account for only 29% of industry sales.
• Some large companies are vertically integrated and own and operate raw steel manufacturing facilities, such as mini-mills.
• Large companies include Valmont Industries, Cornerstone Building Brands, OmniMax International (formerly Euramax International), Quanex Building Products, and Gibraltar Industries.
• Commercial construction accounts for the majority of industry sales.
• Structural steel is the most commonly used framing material in the US, and accounts for over half of framing used in non-residential and multi-story (more than four stories) residential construction, according to the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC).