Staff Message: Positioning Our Industry for What’s Next

Positioning Our Industry for What’s Next

Why the Work We Do Today Shapes Tomorrow’s Jobsites

The start of a new year is always a good time to pause, reflect, and take a clear look at where we are headed. In our industry, that reflection matters, because the decisions we make today shape how efficiently, safely, and successfully we build tomorrow.

As we begin 2026, the framing and structural building components industry is positioned for continued growth and transformation. We are seeing steady momentum in technology adoption, renewed focus on workforce development, and a deeper commitment to safety and quality across every part of the supply chain. These are not isolated trends; they are part of a broader evolution in how we think about building, leadership, and long-term performance.

One of the most important lessons from the past several years is that progress does not happen by accident. It happens when companies are willing to evaluate their processes, invest in their people, and adopt tools that improve consistency and predictability. Whether you operate a manufacturing facility, manage a framing crew, or lead an entire organization, the fundamentals remain the same. Strong results come from strong systems.

Process continues to be a defining factor in successful operations. We often talk about equipment, software, and automation, and for good reason. Those tools are reshaping what is possible on the plant floor and on the jobsite. But the most impactful improvements still come from understanding how work flows through your organization. From estimating and design to production and installation, clarity of process reduces waste, improves communication, and creates better outcomes for customers and crews alike.

A disciplined approach to process builds resilience. Markets shift. Labor conditions change. Project demands evolve. Companies that have invested in repeatable, scalable systems are better equipped to adapt when conditions require new approaches. They are also better positioned to train new employees and bring the next generation of builders into the industry with confidence.

Safety remains another cornerstone of long-term success. Our industry has made tremendous progress in recent years, which is the result of intentional leadership and shared responsibility. Programs like FrameSAFE have helped elevate the conversation around jobsite safety, moving it beyond compliance and toward culture.

A strong safety culture is built on engagement, accountability, and continuous improvement. It is reinforced through training, communication, and examples. When safety is integrated into daily operations rather than treated as a separate initiative, it becomes part of how work gets done. The result is fewer incidents, higher morale, and greater trust across teams.

A commitment to safety sends a clear message to the workforce. It tells employees that their well-being matters and that the company is invested in their future. In an industry in which attracting and retaining skilled labor is more important than ever, that message adds real value.

Workforce development continues to be one of the most pressing priorities for our industry. The demand for skilled framers, technicians, designers, and managers is not slowing down. Meeting that demand requires more than recruiting. It requires training, mentorship, and clear career pathways that show new entrants what is possible.

Across the country, companies are stepping up with apprenticeship programs, internal training academies, and partnerships with schools and trade organizations. These efforts are helping build a stronger pipeline of talent while also creating opportunities for advancement within existing teams.

In addition, investing in people strengthens the entire industry. When knowledge is shared, best practices spread. When leaders collaborate, innovation accelerates. And when companies support one another, the entire market becomes more competitive and resilient.

Community and collaboration remain central to who we are as an industry. Events by SBCA and NFC like Framer Summit at BCMC, regional meetings, Quality Bootcamps, and Open Quarterly Meetings (OQMs) provide more than education. They provide connection. They create space for honest conversations about challenges, opportunities, and the realities of building in a rapidly changing environment.

Those conversations matter. They help us learn from one another, challenge assumptions, and discover new ways of working. They remind us that no company operates in isolation and that our collective success depends on shared progress.

As we look to the year ahead, there is every reason to be optimistic. The tools available to our industry are more powerful than ever. The talent within our workforce continues to grow. And the commitment to building better, safer, and smarter structures remains strong.

The spirit of innovation and collaboration that defines this industry shows no sign of slowing down.

We encourage you to take advantage of the opportunities this year has to offer, engage with your peers, invest in your teams, evaluate your processes, and continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible in framing and structural building components.

2026 is off to a strong start. SBCA and NFC staff look forward to seeing where we go from here.