U.S. Department of Labor announces $98 Million in Available Funding to Deliver Education, Training, Job Services

Simpson Strong-Tie Employees Donate Time, Products for 2025 Habitat for Humanity Carter Work Project

ATAS Metal Panels Featured in Award-Winning Catherine Commons at Cornell University

Spackle by Dave Coverly

Armstrong Acquires Parallel Architectural Products

The Goley Companies Announces Acquisition of EC Insulation & Exteriors 

Holcim Acquires Alkern to Expand High-value Building Solutions

QXO in Advanced Acquisition Talks After Apollo’s $1.2B Investment

MFM Building Products Celebrates 65th Anniversary

Armstrong Acquires Parallel Architectural Products 

Armstrong World Industries announced it has acquired Parallel Architectural Products (Parallel). Based in Englewood, Co., Parallel is an innovative, growing manufacturer of extruded aluminum products primarily used in exterior architectural applications.  

“We are happy to welcome Parallel to the Armstrong family and further expand our exterior metal portfolio,” said Mark Hershey, COO and Senior Vice President of Armstrong World Industries. “In a short amount of time, the team at Parallel has built an innovative portfolio of easily specified, extruded metal solutions for cladding, soffits, battens, and more. Adding these products and capabilities to our portfolio allows us to offer a more complete range of exterior metal solutions, complementing the design-centric, custom solutions offered by our Zahner and BŌK Modern brands.”   

Under the management of a team with decades of experience in extruded metal for exterior applications, Parallel has developed a leading, diverse portfolio of innovative, versatile aluminum architectural products for both unique, custom structural elements and standard building applications.  

“Joining the Armstrong family of architectural specialties brands provides us a unique opportunity to accelerate our growth with a company offering the industry’s most comprehensive portfolio of innovative standard and custom architectural solutions in North America,” said K’leb Shivvers, co-founder and president of Parallel. 

Architects and designers can choose from a variety of finishes, including more than 30 woodgrain options and 15 sleek solid colors that blend the warmth of real wood visuals with the design flexibility of durable, engineered solutions. A proprietary sophisticated interlocking design from Parallel with minimal components reduces the time and materials required for installation for contractors and installers. With no screws or pins on the end of the planks, the cladding and soffit products are easier and more efficient to install. A 12-inch width material is unique to the Parallel offering, reducing the labor intensity of installation. Made in the USA, Parallel products are compliant with the Build America, Buy America Act. 

With the addition of Parallel, Armstrong has now completed 14 Architectural Specialties acquisitions since 2016. For more information, visit armstrongceilings.com/Parallel. 

The Goley Companies Announces Acquisition of EC Insulation & Exteriors 

The Goley Companies, a St. Louis-based, third-generation, family-owned network of insulation and building performance businesses, has acquired EC Insulation & Exteriors of Eau Claire, Wis. The acquisition supports TGC’s continued growth strategy and expands its service footprint in the upper Midwest. 

EC Insulation & Exteriors will maintain its name and local operations while gaining access to TGC resources, training, and support. Both companies share a commitment to delivering solutions, quality, and customer service. 

Holcim Acquires Alkern to Expand High-value Building Solutions 

Holcim has completed the acquisition of Alkern, a leading French manufacturer of precast concrete elements for sustainable construction, with estimated net sales of approximately EUR 250 million in 2025. In addition to precast concrete, Alkern provides a broad range of building solutions serving infrastructure, industrial, and building applications. 

Founded in 1972, Alkern employs around 1,000 people and operates more than 50 production sites across France and Belgium. Its portfolio of walling, flooring, and water management systems complements Holcim’s existing Building Solutions offering and can be specified across the built environment. The acquisition supports Holcim’s NextGen Growth 2030 strategy, which targets Building Solutions to represent 50% of group net sales by 2030. 

Dragan Maksimovic, Region Head West Europe at Holcim, said: “Alkern’s leading precast concrete offering in France, together with its specifiable walling, flooring, and water management systems, is highly complementary to Holcim’s portfolio. This acquisition expands our high-value Building Solutions business. We are pleased to welcome Alkern’s 1,000 employees to Holcim and look forward to creating additional value together as we advance our NextGen Growth 2030 ambitions.” 

The transaction is expected to deliver run-rate EBITDA synergies of EUR 11 million by year three. It is earnings per share (EPS) and free cash flow accretive in the first year, and return on invested capital (ROIC) accretive by year three. 

QXO in Advanced Acquisition Talks After Apollo’s $1.2B Investment 

QXO is in advanced discussions to complete another major acquisition and is actively engaged with seven additional potential targets, a person familiar with the matter told Walls & Ceilings. The person requested anonymity because the discussions are private. The talks follow the company’s newly announced $1.2 billion investment led by Apollo Global Management affiliates. 

Potential deals span mid-sized companies generating roughly $1 billion to $5 billion in annual revenue, as well as larger, “transformational” targets with $5 billion to $20 billion in revenue, the person said. A softer macroeconomic backdrop is expanding the pool of attractive assets and improving pricing, the person added. 

QXO officials addressed the situation broadly in a brief response to WC.  

“Our target outcome for any acquisition is to approximately double EBITDA within three to five years through integration, technology upgrades and disciplined cost management,” a QXO spokesperson said. 

The Apollo-led investment provides funding for one or more acquisitions through July 2026, with an option to extend the commitment for 12 months if a deal is signed before that deadline. 

“With Beacon already under its belt, QXO now has the capital and credibility to be a serious roll-up player in a fragmented market where scale and being cutting-edge increasingly matters," said Lilli Tillman Smith, an industry analyst at Principia." The opportunity is real, but the next chapter will hinge on disciplined deal selection and clean integration, especially as competition for best-in-class assets continues to intensify.” 

Analysts at William Blair said the structure and timing of the Apollo investment suggest a transaction could be near. Apollo has previously partnered with QXO CEO Brad Jacobs on past deals. 

“We believe there are multiple deals in discussion ranging from small to large, but our sense is a large deal—EBITDA of $500 million-plus—is most likely,” a William Blair research note stated. 

William Blair estimates QXO has $7 billion to $8 billion in capacity for acquisitions, with additional equity raises possible. Merkel said lumberyards appear to be the most likely next target, while also citing specialty distributors such as ADI Global, White Cap and Core & Main as possibilities. Builders FirstSource remains on the list but is viewed as less likely due to its size and operational complexity, he said. 

QXO, the largest publicly traded distributor of roofing, waterproofing and complementary building products in the United States, has set a long-term goal of reaching $50 billion in annual revenue within the next decade. 

MFM Building Products Celebrates 65th Anniversary 

MFM Building Products, a manufacturer of a full envelope of waterproofing and weather barrier products for the building industry, will be celebrating the company’s 65th Anniversary in 2026.  

MFM Building Products was founded in 1961 in Coshocton, Ohio. Initially, the company manufactured products used for wrapping underground pipe to protect from water penetration and pipe contents becoming contaminated. Over the years, MFM expanded this technology to develop sealing and waterproofing products for use within the building envelope. In July 2017, MFM became a 100 percent employee-owned ESOP company that still holds true to its original core values. 

Today, MFM manufactures a wide array of self-adhered weather barrier products that include low-slope roofing membranes, roofing underlayments, window and door flashing tapes, multi-purpose waterproofing membranes, specialized waterproofing tapes, and HVAC duct and pipe wrap. These exterior, waterproofing membranes are self-adhering and self-sealing for ease of installation and complete waterproofing protection.  

MFM products are manufactured in the United States and sold through an extensive distributor network around the globe. The company’s products qualify for the Buy American Act and Build America Buy American Act.  

According to Tony Reis, President, “MFM can offer our customers a complete envelope of waterproofing solutions – everything from the rooftop to the foundation. This single-source option gives our customers several competitive advantages.” 

For more information concerning MFM Building Products, visit its website. 

U.S. Department of Labor announces $98 Million in Available Funding to Deliver Education, Training, Job Services 

The U.S. Department of Labor announced the availability of $98 million in funding to support the development of pre-apprenticeships in high-demand industries including construction, advanced manufacturing, information technology, and healthcare. 

“By investing $98 million through our YouthBuild Program, the Labor Department is opening up pathways to success for young Americans by providing them with opportunities to gain hands-on experience in construction and emerging fields,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer. “The Trump Administration remains committed to building a skilled workforce that will drive our economy into the future.”  

Funded through the department’s YouthBuild Program, the grants will help provide academic support, occupational skills training and employment services to young people, ages 16 to 24, in communities where many youths are not participating in the labor force.  

The funding opportunity aligns with Trump Administration’s America’s Talent Strategy, as well as its goal of reaching and surpassing 1 million apprenticeships nationwide. For the first time, the department has set a goal for the percentage of participants that enter a Registered Apprenticeship within one year of exiting the YouthBuild program. This target will ensure grant-funded pre-apprenticeships have genuine partnerships with Registered Apprenticeship sponsors, helping to accelerate high-quality career pathways.  

Administered by the department’s Employment and Training Administration and supported by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, the YouthBuild program will fund about 57 individual grants ranging from $1 million to $2 million. The program also advances artificial intelligence education for youth by requiring applicants to incorporate AI literacy skills in the education component of the program and encouraging the same in occupational skills training.  

Applications from charter schools and other organizations partnering with educational institutions supporting the Trump administration’s efforts to expand educational freedom and opportunity for families will receive priority from the department. 

Simpson Strong-Tie Employees Donate Time, Products for 2025 Habitat for Humanity Carter Work Project 

As part of its ongoing support for Habitat for Humanity, Simpson Strong-Tie, the leader in engineered structural connectors and building solutions, sponsored and provided volunteers for the annual Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project 2025. This year’s event was held October 26–31 in Austin, Texas. 

Over 40 years and across 14 countries, the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project has brought together volunteers and VIPs to build, renovate or repair nearly 4,500 homes while shining a global spotlight on the importance of affordable housing. Volunteers on this year’s project worked on new homes in Whisper Valley, Austin Habitat for Humanity’s first geothermal community, featuring 48 affordable, energy-efficient single-family houses.  

Through a combination of monetary and product donations, Simpson Strong-Tie was a Roof Raiser sponsor for this year’s event. In addition, six Simpson Strong-Tie employees from the company’s McKinney, Texas, branch volunteered onsite during the week. 

“Finding affordable housing is a critical issue for a significant percentage of Americans, and the work Habitat for Humanity does to bring homeownership within reach of more people is essential,” said Jennifer Lutz, executive vice president, human resources for Simpson Strong-Tie. “Working with the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project is part of our ongoing commitment to support both our industry and our communities. We’re particularly proud of our employees for their dedication, as well, in donating their time and expertise to this important cause.”  

Throughout the week, Simpson Strong-Tie volunteers worked on a range of projects on one of the Whisper Valley homes, including installing cabinets, hanging doors, and caulking, patching and painting the exterior. 

“Working with Habitat for Humanity was an experience that will stay with me forever. Coming together with volunteers from all over—each bringing their own story, energy and heart—was truly inspiring,” said Corynn De La Garza, dealer sales representative for Simpson Strong-Tie. “I’m so grateful to work for a company that gives back and stands firmly behind its principles of compassion, community and service. I can’t wait to be part of it again next year!”  

Senior Territory Sales Manager Matt Lea voiced similar sentiments: “It was an incredible experience that left a lasting impression on me. Throughout the week, I had the chance to learn new skills and step outside my comfort zone—all in the service of a greater cause,” he said. “What stood out most was how a group of strangers, from different backgrounds and geographies, came together with a shared purpose: to help a family move into an affordable home simply because it’s the right thing to do. That unity and selflessness were inspiring.” 

To learn more about Simpson Strong-Tie’s giving and partnership efforts, visit news.strongtie.com/releases/giving-and-partnerships. 

ATAS Metal Panels Featured in Award-Winning Catherine Commons at Cornell University 

Cornell University is a place that fosters the minds of upcoming generations--the next creative, bold, and visionary minds of tomorrow. Catherine Commons stands as a project that actualizes these attributes, using a variety of sustainable and environmentally conscious metal wall and roof panels in bright imaginative colors to shelter students and be a place where they can succeed. The project consists of several multi-story buildings cladded in four ATAS products and in four unique colors, creating an exciting communal atmosphere that brings students together in places where they and their studies will thrive. 

The plan of Catherine Commons wasn’t just to build more housing; it was to reimagine a city block into its own ecosystem that happens to be conveniently located near Cornell. It boasts a community focus, concerned not only with what structures it erected but also the space it deliberately left open to establish outdoor communal spaces. The residential complex’s website lists the modern amenities Catherine Commons offers. These include an exclusive, state-of-the-art fitness center, study lounges that exude comfort to optimize study quality and efficiency, and an on-site café to keep everything residents may need in one place. 

The project’s architectural design and building shapes were carefully curated, cognizant of the existing neighborhood’s shape.  The architects of the project, ikon.5 architects, meticulously considered how to develop Catherine Commons as part of a larger picture saying of one building, Building 4, “Residential in form and scale, it is set back from the street to align with neighboring houses. Its pitched roof, projected front porch, metal shingles, and residentially scaled windows and dormers complement the Collegetown vernacular.”