The AMBA Winter 2026 Newsletter is available now.
Member Spotlight: Metalex Metal Buildings Inc.
Metalex Metal Buildings Inc. is a Stettler-based manufacturer and builder that takes full ownership of its customers’ steel building projects, delivering reliable, well-engineered systems so customers can focus on what matters most.
Metalex designs, manufactures, and erects self-framing steel buildings, rigid-frame steel structures, and polyurethane insulated panel systems for industrial, agricultural, energy, and commercial building applications. Their work is commonly found where durability, speed of installation, and long-term performance matter most — from energy facilities and farm infrastructure to workshops, warehouses, and specialty modular structures.
Customers benefit from Metalex’s long-standing CSA A660 and A277 certifications, along with building systems capable of supporting overhead cranes, HVAC, complex layouts, and integrated electrical systems. This enables customers to address complex requirements through a single team and coordinated build process.
A key differentiator is Metalex’s in-house polyurethane panel manufacturing. These high-performance insulated panel systems are designed for the demanding environments faced by Canada’s energy and industrial customers, and are also used for cold rooms, remote camps, temporary shelters, saunas, potable water systems, and other specialized applications.
Proudly manufacturing in Alberta, Metalex supports local jobs, regional supply chains, and the continued growth of the province’s metal building industry. Their integrated approach combining engineering, manufacturing, and erection helps reduce risk, improve coordination, and keep projects moving. With the mindset of “We’ve got this,” Metalex has built a reputation for taking on complex, demanding builds and delivering dependable results.
AMBA is pleased to welcome Metalex Metal Buildings Inc. as a member. Their ability to make hard builds feel straightforward, combined with a strong commitment to quality, makes them a valuable addition to Alberta’s metal building community.
Learn more: www.mmbi.ca
Join Us for an Unforgettable Golf Tournament at Alberta Springs!
We’re thrilled to announce that our upcoming AMBA Golf Tournament will be held at Alberta Springs Golf Resort, on Wednesday June 10th 2026, one of Central Alberta’s premier golf destinations. Just minutes west of Red Deer, this stunning 18-hole championship course offers a perfect blend of challenge and beauty, with lush fairways, pristine greens, and breathtaking views that make every round memorable.
Alberta Springs is known for its exceptional layout, modern amenities, and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just looking for a fun day on the course, you’ll enjoy GPS-equipped carts, a fully stocked pro shop, and a licensed clubhouse with a patio ideal for relaxing after your game. It’s the perfect setting for networking, friendly competition, and celebrating our industry together.
Mark your calendars and get ready for a day of great golf, camaraderie, and prizes! This is an event you won’t want to miss.
A Heartfelt Thank You to Linda Giesinger
The Alberta Metal Building Association would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Linda Giesinger as she retires from the AMBA Board. Linda’s remarkable career spans over 43 years in the metal building industry, where she has been a trusted leader and passionate advocate for excellence. For more than a decade, Linda has served on the AMBA Board with unwavering commitment, helping shape the direction of our association and championing initiatives that strengthen our industry.
Her dedication to promoting quality, collaboration, and innovation has left an indelible mark on AMBA and the entire metal building community. Linda’s voice has always been one of integrity and vision, ensuring that our industry continues to grow and thrive. As she steps away from her board role, we celebrate her incredible contributions and thank her for the countless hours, insights, and energy she has invested in advancing our mission.
Linda, your legacy will continue to inspire us for years to come. On behalf of the entire AMBA membership, we wish you all the best in this next chapter and thank you for everything you have done for our association and the industry we proudly serve.
With sincere gratitude,
The Alberta Metal Building Association Membership
Announcing the 2026 AMBA Annual General Meeting
We are excited to invite all AMBA members to our 2026 Annual General Meeting, which will be held on April 15, 2026, at NAIT’s construction and building sciences facilities. This meeting is a pivotal moment for our community to come together, network with industry professionals and education partners, share insights, and chart the course for our organization in the year ahead.
Our AGM at NAIT is more than just a meeting—it’s an opportunity to celebrate our accomplishments, discuss emerging trends in pre-engineered metal buildings and steel construction, and collaborate on initiatives that shape the future of our industry. You’ll hear updates on apprenticeship programs, policy developments, and upcoming events that support AMBA’s mission to foster education, excellence, and innovation.
Speakers will include Ryan Hector for NAIT and Mark Parsons, Vice President and Chief Economist from ATB Financial.
Stay tuned for the full agenda, speaker lineup, and registration details. Mark your calendars now and join us for an engaging afternoon of professional growth, connection, and inspiration at NAIT on April 15. We can’t wait to see you there!
Tariffs and Their Impact on Steel Imports for PEMBs
What You Need to Know
Canada has introduced significant tariff measures that directly affect steel imports and the pre-engineered metal building (PEMB) industry. Effective December 26, 2025, a 25% tariff was applied to a range of steel derivative products, including fasteners, structural shapes, and prefabricated building components—items essential to PEMB construction. These changes are part of a broader strategy to protect domestic steel producers and stabilize the Canadian market amid global trade uncertainty. In addition to the new tariffs, Canada tightened tariff rate quotas (TRQs) on raw steel imports from non-FTA countries, reducing allowable volumes and imposing a 50% surcharge on any over-quota shipments. Temporary tariff remissions for U.S. steel imports will expire on January 31, 2026, with limited exemptions extended until June 30, 2026.
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Why This Matters for PEMB Projects
For PEMB projects, these measures will have a direct effect on material costs and project planning. Contractors and suppliers should anticipate higher costs for imported components and potential delays in sourcing, particularly for items traditionally sourced outside Canada or the U.S. These changes are expected to encourage greater reliance on domestic steel mills and fabricators, which may help stabilize pricing and reduce lead times. However, companies must carefully review their supply chains to identify which components are subject to the 25% tariff and plan accordingly to avoid unexpected expenses.
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Strategic Considerations for Contractors and Suppliers
Stakeholders should monitor TRQ limits to prevent costly surcharges, explore Canadian alternatives for PEMB components, and stay informed about remission opportunities for products without domestic equivalents. Proactive planning will be essential to maintain cost efficiency and project timelines as these tariff measures take effect.
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Looking Ahead
With a CUSMA review scheduled for mid-2026, further trade adjustments could reshape the steel landscape. For PEMB stakeholders, strong supplier relationships and early
procurement strategies will be critical to mitigating cost impacts and ensuring smooth project execution.
Message from the Chair: Winter 2026
Metal building systems continue to represent a significant share of non-residential steel work across Alberta. Warehousing, light industrial, agricultural, and energy-support projects continue to rely on PEMB systems for speed to enclosure and structural efficiency.
Consistent Work, Tighter Schedules
PEMB demand in Alberta remains steady, particularly for industrial and logistics facilities in both urban and rural regions. Clear-span frames, increased eave heights, and heavier snow-load designs are common, driving larger lifts and more demanding crane planning.
Most PEMB projects are schedule-driven, with owners pushing for early enclosure. As a result, erection timelines are often compressed, leaving little margin for delivery issues or rework. Installers are expected to mobilize quickly and maintain productivity from first steel through roof completion.
Supply Chain and Delivery Coordination
Material timing remains one of the biggest challenges for erectors. Tariffs on certain imported systems have shifted more work toward domestic fabricators, which can stabilize pricing but also extend lead times. For installers, incomplete or staggered deliveries can disrupt erection sequencing and reduce efficiency.
Labour and Site Readiness
Skilled steel erection labour remains tight across much of Alberta. While PEMBs reduce overall site labour compared to conventional builds, experienced crews are still required to manage alignment, tolerance control, and safe lifting under tight schedules.
Anchor bolt accuracy, foundation elevation control, and reliable as-built information are increasingly important. Many installers report that poor site readiness remains a leading cause of erection delays.
Increasing Complexity in the Field
Modern PEMBs frequently include mezzanines, framed openings, crane runways, and integrated office spaces. These features increase coordination requirements with other trades and leave less room for field adjustment.
Envelope systems have also become less forgiving. Insulated metal panels and high-performance wall assemblies demand tighter framing tolerances, increasing the importance of accuracy during erection.
Weather and Seasonal Impacts
Winter erection remains common in Alberta. Cold temperatures, wind, and snow affect bolt tensioning, crane operations, and productivity. While PEMBs can be erected year-round, realistic scheduling and weather contingencies remain essential for safe and efficient installation.
Outlook for Steel Installers
Looking ahead to 2026, PEMBs are expected to remain a reliable source of work for steel contractors in Alberta. The challenge is not volume, but execution. Faster schedules, tighter tolerances, and greater coordination demands are redefining what successful PEMB erection looks like.
Conclusion
For steel installers, PEMBs are no longer low-risk, straightforward jobs. They are engineered systems that require planning, precision, and experienced crews. Contractors who prioritize early coordination, disciplined erection planning, and field execution will continue to succeed in Alberta’s evolving PEMB market.
Estimator / Detailer - Curber Manufacturing Inc.
Tariff Alert: 25% Retaliatory Tariff on U.S. Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings
Dear AMBA Members,
As many of you already know, Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings (PEMBs) imported from the United States are subject to a 25% retaliatory tariff imposed by the Canadian government. This tariff, part of Canada’s response to U.S. trade actions, has direct implications for procurement, pricing, and project planning within our sector.
These imports fall under the tariff classification code 9406.90.90, which you can find in the full list of affected products on the Government of Canada website:
🔗 Complete list of U.S. products subject to countermeasures
We encourage members to consult this list for further details, particularly when sourcing building components from U.S. suppliers.
Understanding Tariffs
To help demystify these trade measures, the Government of Canada offers a clear primer on how tariffs work and why they are implemented. In essence, tariffs are duties or taxes applied to imported goods, often used as a tool in trade disputes to counterbalance economic impacts or to respond to unfair trade practices.
In the case of Canada-U.S. relations, these retaliatory tariffs are designed to counter the tariffs that were imposed by the United States. You can read more at:
🔗 Canada-U.S. Engagement and Tariff Information
Support for Canadian Businesses and Workers
The Government of Canada has also pledged support for those impacted by these trade measures, including manufacturers and construction firms. Programs are in place to provide financial assistance, encourage innovation, and promote Canadian alternatives to U.S.-sourced components.
Key supports include:
Strategic Innovation Fund: Investing in Canadian manufacturing.
Job support and retraining programs.
Market diversification initiatives to reduce reliance on U.S. imports.
More information is available here:
🔗 Support for Canadian Businesses and Workers
Tax Relief Measures
If your business is affected by these tariffs, tax relief options are available through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). These measures help businesses offset additional costs and maintain operations without sacrificing growth.
Highlights include:
Waivers or reductions of interest and penalties.
Flexible payment arrangements for duties owed.
Access to tax advisors through the CRA to help navigate eligibility.
To learn more, please visit:
🔗 Tax Relief for Businesses Affected by Tariffs
Thank You for Your Continued Support
At AMBA, we understand the challenges these tariffs pose to our industry. We are committed to advocating on behalf of our members and providing timely updates on regulatory and trade issues. We thank each of you for your continued membership and engagement.
Together, we will continue to strengthen Alberta’s metal building sector—resilient, informed, and ready to adapt.
Sources:
Government of Canada: Complete List of Tariffed U.S. Products
Global Affairs Canada: Canada-U.S. Engagement
Department of Finance Canada: Support for Canadian Businesses and Workers
Canada Revenue Agency: Tax Relief for Businesses
Sincerely,
James Purdy
Member Spotlight: Powerhouse Management Group Inc.
Member Spotlight: Powerhouse Management Group Inc.
Specializing in the supply and construction of engineered steel buildings for several building applications, including industrial/heavy industrial, institutional, recreational and agricultural.
Our experienced full-service team has the expertise to construct or upgrade your project on budget, on schedule and with zero incidents. Our track record speaks for itself.
Contact us: https://www.powerhousemgmt.ca/
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