BuildSteel™ is spotlighting Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA) members who are defining excellence in the cold-formed steel (CFS) framing industry. Here are the latest updates capturing their commitment to disaster relief, student achievement in steel design and decades of leadership in construction innovation.
Simpson Strong-Tie Donates to Myanmar Earthquake Relief Efforts
Simpson Strong-Tie, a leader in engineered structural connectors and building solutions and an SFIA member, has donated $20,000 to the American Red Cross in response to the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar on March 28. The disaster has claimed more than 3,000 lives and caused widespread destruction. The donation will support the Myanmar Red Cross Society’s efforts, including medical care, emergency supplies and family reunification services.
Donate to Red Cross Relief Efforts
“The loss of life and destruction caused by the Myanmar earthquake are unthinkable, and our hearts are with the people there,” said Simpson Strong-Tie president and CEO Mike Olosky. “We’re grateful for the efforts of the American and Myanmar Red Cross organizations to support victims across the region.”
To contribute to the ongoing relief efforts, visit redcross.org.
Read the full article from Simpson Strong-Tie.
CFSEI Honors Steel Engineering Excellence
Hard work, persistence and a drive to keep learning have defined Vince Salvador’s path from Saipan to Marquette University — and now to national recognition. Recently, the civil engineering graduate earned second place in the Cold-Formed Steel Engineers Institute (CFSEI) student design competition, defining excellence in cold-formed steel (CFS) framing.
Salvador made the most of every opportunity at Marquette, working in the university’s structural testing lab, mentoring fellow students in the makerspace and applying what he learned through multiple internships.
Vince Salvador’s path from Saipan to Marquette earned national recognition in the CFSEI student design competition for his structural engineering work.
“I fell in love with the concept of building something from scratch,” Salvador said. “The opportunity to make something happen from nothing — that’s what inspired me to become a civil engineer.”
As he prepares to begin his master’s degree this fall, Salvador continues to define excellence — not just through academic success, but through his dedication to mastering the science of building with steel.
Read the full article from Marquette Today.
ClarkDietrich Recognized for Construction Excellence
Architect Magazine recently recognized SFIA member ClarkDietrich as one of three manufacturers setting new standards in construction. With roots dating back to 1959, ClarkDietrich has earned its reputation as a leader in cold-formed steel (CFS) framing, combining technical expertise with forward-thinking solutions.
The company equips architects, engineers and contractors with the tools like BlazeFrame, RipTRAK, MaxTrak and SubmittalPro. This helps its project teams to design and build more efficiently. With locations across the country, ClarkDietrich offers broad access and dependable support for projects of all sizes.
ClarkDietrich supplied the cold-formed steel (CFS) framing systems for Chicken N Pickle’s newly completed 70,000-square-foot entertainment complex in Webster, Texas, where efficient design, value engineering and sustainable practices were key to the project’s success.
ClarkDietrich’s legacy is more than longevity. Its culture focuses on continuous improvement, innovation and defining excellence in steel framing.
“The longevity of companies is not just a product of their ability to innovate,” Architect Magazine said. “It’s also a reflection of their commitment to quality and integrity.”
Read the full article from Architecture Magazine.
Additional Resources
- ClarkDietrich’s Brian Panuccio Shares Insights on Leadership, Innovation and Market Outlook on “If Walls Could Talk”
- CFSEI Announces Winners of 2025 Student Competition on Cold-Formed Steel Design
- Simpson Strong-Tie Launches Online Platform for Builders to Learn, Connect and Collaborate
- Update #2 | Defining Excellence with T.J Wies Contracting, U.S. Steel and Cleveland-Cliffs
- Update #1 | Defining Excellence with Simpson Strong-Tie, U.S. Steel and Steel Dynamics