President's Message - Sept '26

One Industry, One Quality Standard: MBCEA and MBMA Champion AC478 & AC472

Quality in metal building construction is a shared responsibility. Manufacturers must deliver systems designed and fabricated to exacting standards, while contractors and erectors must assemble those systems safely, accurately and consistently in the field. The collaboration between the Metal Building Contractors and Erectors Association (MBCEA) and the Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) reflects that complete approach to quality.

MBMA recently strengthened that message by encouraging metal building contractors and erectors to pursue IAS AC478 accreditation. On its accreditation page, MBMA describes AC478 as a benchmark for companies qualified to assemble and erect metal buildings and encourages participation as a demonstration of commitment to quality, safety, organization and professional qualifications.

This support is a natural extension of MBMA’s longstanding commitment to IAS AC472. Every MBMA building manufacturer member is AC472 accredited, providing independent verification of design, engineering, manufacturing and fabrication processes. AC478 carries that same culture of accountability to the jobsite. Together, AC472 and AC478 connect quality from the plant floor to final assembly—helping ensure that a well-engineered and well-manufactured building is also erected by a company with proven management and inspection practices.

Administered by the International Accreditation Service (IAS), AC478 evaluates key elements of a metal building assembler’s operation, including documented management systems, safety and training programs, jobsite-specific assembly plans, internal audits, management reviews and field practices. An onsite jobsite assessment confirms that written procedures are being followed in real-world conditions. For builders, accreditation can improve consistency, strengthen documentation, identify operational gaps and provide a meaningful point of differentiation in an increasingly quality-conscious market.

MBCEA is helping companies turn that goal into action. The association encourages all metal building contractors and erectors to pursue AC478 and provides members with consultative support, educational resources, an accreditation guide and recurring roundtable discussions. MBCEA also urges owners, developers and architects to require AC478 in project specifications and encourages building officials to look for accreditation before issuing permits.

For companies considering AC478, this September is an ideal time to begin. Review MBCEA’s resources, join an introductory session or roundtable, and speak with the association about the path forward. MBMA’s latest statement makes clear that manufacturers and assemblers are aligned: independent accreditation strengthens individual businesses and advances the reputation of the entire metal building industry.

David Leinbach

President, MBCEA

President, Kaiser-Martin Group