About SMDI

Partner Alliances

Auto/Steel Partnership (A/SP)

Auto/Steel Parternship

The Auto/Steel Partnership (A/SP) was established in 1987 to provide a means of direct interaction between steel and the auto manufacturing process. A/SP (Chrysler, Ford, GM and steel companies) is run by a Joint Policy Council (JPC) and a Joint Policy Board (JPB) which approve budgets and strategic direction. The Joint Policy Board is comprised of two car company representatives and one steel representative from each member company.

A/SP functions as an extension of the steel technical development organization within Chrysler, Ford, and GM and enables cooperative research and development to be accomplished with leveraged contributions by its investor companies and federal programs. AISI/SMDI investor companies benefit by directly impacting the steel development needs of its customers.

With the OEMs undergoing restructuring at several different levels, there has been increased reliance on the Auto/Steel Partnership to address key technology developments, especially in the use of advanced high-strength steels. There is a strong desire by the partner OEMs to make the Auto/Steel Partnership the steel research resource for their respective companies.

Steel Framing Alliance (SFA)

The Steel Framing Alliance (SFA) was established as the North American Steel Framing Alliance (NASFA) in 1998 to expand industry participation in activities originally started by AISI’s Residential Advisory Group. The Steel Framing Alliance delivers innovative steel framing solutions to the residential and light commercial construction industries. SFA is currently managed by a president, who reports to the SFA Board of Directors. Mark Nowak of Newport Partners was contracted (by AISI) as SFA interim president in 2008.

SFA is funded by members and investors, with about two-thirds of its revenue over the years provided by AISI. In 2007, SFA redirected its focus toward commercial construction (mid-rise commercial

The program mix is 70% commercial framing and 30% residential framing.

SFA was integrated back into AISI/SMDI in 2010. Other funding comes from investor company membership dues, general membership dues, Steel Stud Manufacturers Association (SSMA) research funding, publication sales, and grants/contracts. SMDI currently has four seats on the SFA Board.

Cold-Formed Steel Engineers Institute (CFSEI) - a unit of the Steel Framing Alliance

The Cold-Formed Steel Engineers Institute (CFSEI) was originally founded as the Light Gauge Steel Engineers Association (LGSEA) but consolidated its activities under the Steel Framing Alliance in 2004. The SFA provides staff to support the initiatives of a Board of Directors for CFSEI. Both SFA and CFSEI have Boards of Directors, although the CFSEI Board has no legal standing except in an advisory role. CFSEI has four regional chapters. CFSEI and the four chapters all operate under the SFA corporate charter as the technical council of SFA. The primary role of CFSEI in the SFA business plan is to develop and disseminate technical notes and design guidance.

Considered an extension of SFA, CFSEI is a dues-based organization, with funding support from its engineer membership and SFA. SMDI provides financial support through its funding to SFA and provides management support through Don Allen, who serves as the Executive Director. Jay Larson, Managing Director of SMDI’s Construction Technical Program, sits on the CFSEI Board.

CFSEI was brought under SMDI’s Construction Market Council in 2010.

Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA)  

The Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) was founded in 1956 by a group of companies that developed an innovative way of designing, manufacturing and marketing buildings. MBMA's mission is to promote the design and construction of metal building systems in the low-rise, non-residential building marketplace. MBMA has been instrumental in defining and promoting the common interests of metal building systems manufacturers and has provided engineering leadership through the many research programs that it sponsors.

Metal Construction Association (MCA)

Founded in 1983, the Metal Construction Association (MCA) is an organization of manufacturers of metal wall and roofing panels, and suppliers whose metal products are used in structures throughout the world. MCA’s mission is to grow the use of metal through market development, education, technical programs and selective action on public policies that affect the use of metal in building projects. During the past five years, MCA market development efforts have increased market share of metal wall and roof panels by 20 percent.

Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA)

The Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) was formed in 1999 with the goal of educating consumers about the benefits of metal roofing. MRA is managed by an executive director who reports to the MRA Executive Board. The Governing Board meets several times a year.

The perception is that the Metal Roofing Alliance is a business unit of the Metal Construction Association (MCA). SMDI is seen as the largest individual investor.

In 2008, SMDI accounted for 35% of MRA’s operating budget. In 2011, that percentage stand at about 15%. Other revenue comes from membership dues (manufacturing companies and contractors/installers).

The Metal Initiative (TMI)

The Metal Initiative (TMI) was formed in 2005 to educate building owners, architects, and contractors about the use and selection of metal roofs and walls in commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings. TMI is managed by a marketing director who reports to The Metal Initiative’s Executive Committee. The governing board meets at least twice a year.

The external perception is that TMI is a business unit of the Metal Construction Association (MCA). AISI/SMDI is the largest single investor.

SMDI provided roughly 35% of the required funding in 2008. That percentage is estimated at roughly 12% in 2011.

Cool Metal Roofing Coalition

The Cool Metal Roofing Coalition was formed in 2002 and since its inception, has served as the collective voice for cool metal roofing through the efforts of its participating member associations.

Its mission is to educate architects, building owners, specifiers, code and standards officials and other stakeholders about the sustainable, energy-related benefits of cool metal roofing. The Cool Metal Roofing Coalition is managed by an executive director who reports to the Coalition Board of Directors. Four sustaining members include the Metal Construction Association (MCA), Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA), National Coil Coaters Association (NCCA), and AISI/SMDI. AISI/SMDI has two seats.

The Cool Metal Roofing Coalition’s Board of Directors is comprised of representatives from each of the four sustaining member organizations. In accordance with the Coalition’s by-laws, the Board provides direction to this unincorporated trade association. The Cool Metal Roofing Coalition has accomplished its original mission and is awaiting the next step to determine its future.

AISI/SMDI serves as the Secretariat for the Cool Metal Roofing Coalition and Greg Crawford is its executive director.

Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance

The Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance (SSSBA) is a group of bridge and culvert industry leaders (including manufacturers, fabricators and representatives of related associations and government organizations) that have joined together to increase awareness of the unique benefits, cost-competitiveness and safety facts related to the use of short span steel bridges in installations up to 140 feet in length. SSSBA was formed in 2007, expanding upon an existing AISI bridge activity.

SSSBA members include AISI, Big R Manufacturing, the Federal Highway Administration, National Corrugated Steel Pipe Association, National Steel Bridge Alliance, Nucor-Yamato Steel, Roscoe Bridge, U.S. Bridge and Wheeler Lumber LLC. Additional organizations such as the Canadian Institute of Steel Construction and High Steel Structures have expressed interest in joining.

The short span bridge market provides a significant opportunity for steel market growth, comprising over two-thirds of North America’s more than 650,000 inventoried bridges. The market is currently dominated by concrete.

The SSSBA was founded by AISI/SMDI. The Construction Market Council funds the SSSBA. Non-affiliated companies provide soft-dollar equity. SSSBA is managed by a program director and directed by an Executive Committee.

Steel Utility Pole Task Group

The Steel Utility Pole Task Group was formed in 1997 and is managed by AISI/SMDI staff who report to the Task Group. The governing board is comprised of representatives of steel producer members and pole fabricators.

AISI/SMDI is the only association that markets and provides technical support for the steel distribution pole industry.

SMDI provides roughly 50% of required funding in 2011. Membership includes the steel pole fabricators (Valmont Industries and Atlas Tube) and the American Zinc Association.