Trade News
Sto Breaks Ground in Mexico
Sto Corp. has broken ground on a new manufacturing facility in Muncipio de Dalina, Victoria, Nuevo Leon. Located just minutes outside Monterrey, Mexico, the new facility is scheduled for completion in June 2025.
The facility will initially be dedicated to servicing Mexico and southern Texas, regions that were previously served by Arizona and Atlanta plants. The facility will later expand its operations to accommodate the production of StoCast, a realistic wood and brick façade aesthetic that can be used in a variety of Sto wall systems, ceilings and soffits.
The project will see the recruitment of approximately 25 personnel, spanning managerial and operational roles.
Positioned on a 108,000-square-foot lot with close access to Highway 35, the industrial building will feature Sto finishes and integrate eco-friendly elements, including a rainwater collection system. This system will not only promote sustainability, but also enable the tracking of collected rainwater for metric evaluation. Moreover, for communities reliant on imported water, rainwater harvesting can alleviate pressure on local water sources, thus reducing the need for imported water and helping utilities manage peak demands during summer months.
“Sto’s investment in Mexico marks a significant step forward in our manufacturing ventures,” stated Jose Berlingeri, CEO of Sto Corp. “This new facility not only strengthens Sto’s foothold in the region, but also our commitment to delivering innovative solutions while embracing sustainability practices that benefit both our business and the communities we serve.”
David Weekley Homes Names Simpson Strong-Tie a 2024 National Preferred Partner
Simpson Strong-Tie has earned David Weekley Homes’ prestigious “National Preferred Partner” designation for 2024. The 20th annual award recognizes the builder’s field and manufacturing partners that have consistently operated at world-class levels in quality and customer service.
“We’ve built our reputation on providing our customers with a high-quality home and an exceptional home-buying experience,” said John Schiegg, vice president of supply chain services for David Weekley Homes. “As a National Preferred Partner, Simpson Strong-Tie has played a significant role in helping us achieve and maintain that reputation.”
Nucor’s CENTRIA Earns Awards Special Mention
Nucor’s CENTRIA MetalWrap Earns Architizer A+ Product Awards Special Mention
CENTRIA announced that its MetalWrap insulated backup wall panels have been globally recognized with a Special Mention in the prestigious Architizer 2024 A+ Product Awards. Chosen by a panel of elite judges as one of the design world’s top products in the Building Envelope, Cladding and Roofing category, CENTRIA’s MetalWrap is a cladding solution that serves as a backbone of sustainable design. It is a backup wall system designed to minimize moisture and air penetration and offers superior thermal performance as part of an exterior rainscreen system.
Architizer’s 2024 A+ Product Award winners were selected from hundreds of entries in 39 categories by a prestigious jury of more than 200 practicing architects and designers from across the globe. The judging criteria included aesthetics, performance, innovative use of materials, environmental impact and the potential to incorporate new technologies and design practices.
“The CENTRIA team is excited to earn a Special Mention for CENTRIA MetalWrap from the Architizer A+ Awards’ esteemed jury of architects and designers,” said Jennifer Franz, product manager at NUCOR. “MetalWrap reduces installation time, enhances energy efficiency and works with nearly all non-combustible exterior cladding materials to offer architects an integrated, sustainable backup wall system.”
ACI Foundation Accepting Fellowship/Scholarship Applications
The ACI Foundation is now accepting applications from graduate and undergraduate students for the 2025-2026 academic year. Two new fellowships and one new scholarship have been added, growing the total annual awards available to 48. The new awards are the Kenneth C. Hover Honorary Fellowship, ACI Houston Chapter Fellowship and Honorary Dr. Mohan Malhotra Quebec and Eastern Ontario Scholarship.
ACI Foundation fellowships are offered to both undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a concrete-related degree at an accredited institution in the U.S., Canada or Mexico. Students in eligible countries can apply for the ACI Foundation Middle East & North Africa Fellowship. Students must obtain two endorsements, with one being from an ACI member.
Fellowships provide an educational stipend of $10,000; airfare, hotel, travel stipend and registration to attend two ACI Concrete Conventions (travel contingent upon state and country laws); assignment to a mentor; an internship, if required; and recognition at ACI Concrete Conventions, in Concrete International and on ACI Foundation’s website and social media.
ACI Foundation scholarships are also offered to graduate and undergraduate students pursuing a concrete-related degree or program. International students are eligible to apply for all scholarships that are not region-specific, as defined by the sponsor. Among other requirements, students must obtain two endorsements, with one of the endorsements being from an ACI member. Each ACI Foundation scholarship includes an educational stipend of $5,000 (two of the scholarships are paid in Canadian Dollars) and recognition in Concrete International and on the ACI Foundation’s website and social media.
The purpose of the ACI Foundation’s student fellowship and scholarship program is to identify, attract and develop outstanding professionals for future careers in the concrete industry.
The deadline for this application period is November 1. Additional application details are available at acifoundation.org/scholarships.
Trinseo Releases Annual Sustainability Goals in Report
Trinseo, a specialty material solutions provider, announced in July the release of its 2024 Sustainability & Corporate Social Responsibility Report.
“We remain focused on becoming a specialty material solutions provider that prioritizes sustainability and innovation,” said Frank Bozich, president and chief executive officer of Trinseo. “Chemical manufacturing is an ever-evolving landscape, and I am incredibly proud of the work we accomplished in 2023. I am confident that we are cultivating a sustainable future here at Trinseo.”
Owens Corning Supports Home Centers with “Champion Your Project” Roadshow Tour
Owens Corning announced the “Champion Your Project” Tour, a new mobile training experience designed to support home improvement retailers and their customers with the latest in product innovations and building materials. The tour will be rolling across the country from mid-June through October. It is comprised of a series of events held at retail locations and other localized events in Dallas; Houston; Portland, Oregon; Seattle; Los Angeles; Charlotte, North Carolina; northern New Jersey; and Toledo, Ohio.
The “Champion Your Project” Tour will feature expertise and training from Owens Corning for retail sales teams, pro contractors and DIYers. It will feature the entire portfolio of Owens Corning residential building solutions, plus information on energy and cost savings. The tour will be promoted through local TV, radio and Owens Corning social media.
Spackle by Dave Coverly
People News
Oldcastle Building Envelope Inc. announced the appointment of Mark Adamson as chief executive officer.
Holcim Building Envelope announced the elevation of Lauren Pagano to president of adhesives, spray foam, coatings and sealants.
The Steel Framing Industry Association announced June 25 that its board of directors has appointed Don Allen, P.E., S.E., LEED AP, a longtime steel framing industry veteran, as the association’s new executive director, effective August 1. Allen succeeds Larry Williams, who is retiring as executive director. Look for more coverage on this topic in an upcoming issue.
