T.J. Wies Redefines Hospital Construction with Steel Framing
T.J. Wies Contracting, Inc., a member of the Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA), played a central role in a transformative hospital expansion in St. Louis. The company supported construction of a new 16-story tower at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, part of BJC HealthCare’s long-term Campus Renewal initiative. Facing aggressive schedules and demanding quality requirements, the team relied on prefabricated cold-formed steel (CFS) framing. That approach shifted critical work away from the congested jobsite.
T.J. Wies fabricated 277 modular bathroom pods and 224 headwalls offsite, helping redefine efficiency in healthcare construction. Engineers designed the bathroom pods without traditional floors. Instead, ceiling assemblies carried the structural loads during hoisting. CFS framing provided the rigidity required to lift fully tiled pods. That rigidity protected grout lines and interior finishes from damage.
Offsite production kept work moving efficiently and safely. At times, crews advanced more than forty bathroom pods simultaneously. Teams logged more than 44,000 labor hours during the modular scope. They completed the work with zero reported injuries. Punch list items remained minimal at installation. The project earned T.J. Wies the SFIA 2024 Industry Project Award for its unique use of cold-formed steel.
Steel Framing a Top Growth Material, Say Contractors
Contractors enter 2026 with cautious optimism following a challenging period for residential construction. HIRI’s Q3 2025 Contractor Business Sentiment Tracker shows confidence beginning to stabilize. Despite ongoing labor shortages and cost pressures, more than half of contractors expect revenue growth.
HIRI projects strong steel stud growth through 2029 as remodeling demand rises and contractors seek faster, more predictable framing with limited skilled labor.
HIRI identifies steel studs as a product category with strong growth potential through 2029. That outlook reflects shifting jobsite priorities and material performance needs. Steel studs support faster installation and predictable results when skilled labor remains limited. Remodeling continues to dominate contractor activity, representing nearly half of all projects.
Kitchens, bathrooms and living spaces drive demand, where precision and consistency matter most.
HIRI also reports rising interest in energy-efficient and sustainable building solutions. Steel framing supports durable assemblies and integrates easily with high-performance systems. As market conditions improve, contractors continue choosing materials that reduce risk. Steel studs deliver reliability and confidence in an uncertain construction environment.
U.S. Steel Advances Steelmaking for Construction, Key Markets
United States Steel Corporation, an SFIA member, approved full funding for the $350 million Gary Works blast furnace reline project. The project supports long-term ironmaking capacity and helps Gary Works meet ongoing customer commitments. The team will reline Blast Furnace #14 as essential maintenance. The reline will involve the replacement of the furnace’s inner refractory lining and components to support safe, efficient operations. That work ensures continued production reliability at the Gary Works facility.
“Each milestone represents tangible progress in our mission to invest in American steelmaking,” said David B. Burritt, U.S. Steel president and CEO. “From iron range to finishing lines, these projects define steel made in America.”
These investments build on strong momentum across U. S. Steel. Nippon Steel supports that momentum through advanced technology and an $11 billion investment commitment by 2028.
Additional Resources
- Update #5: U.S. Steel Upgrades, Nucor Mill Targets 2027 Launch, Startup Reinvents Housing
- Update #4: L&W Supply Expands in Oregon, CEMCO Adds ArcelorMittal’s Magnelis® Coating, ClarkDietrich Obtains Connector Certification
- Update #3: Grabber Introduces New Fastener, TSN Expands in Texas, ClarkDietrich Connector Reduces High-Rise Noise
- Update #2: CEMCO Reaches 50, FRAMECAD Unveils New CFS Platform, ClarkDietrich Adds Sustainability Glossary
- Update #1: BlazeFrame® Tape, Bridging Connectors and Steel-Framed Glass Curtain Walls