Following an extensive national search, Central States Inc. is excited to announce Kurt Weaver as the incoming chief executive officer for the enterprise business, including Central States Manufacturing, Central States Building Works and Elevate Structures. 

The appointment comes more than two years after current CEO Jim Sliker was elected chairman of the board for Central States Inc. and will enable him to fully transition into his position leading the board of directors. Sliker will work closely with Weaver throughout 2026 to support his onboarding and ensure a smooth transition. Weaver assumes the role on June 1, 2026, at the Tontitown, Arkansas headquarters location, and will begin building relationships with the employee-owners, customers and suppliers upon his arrival.

“Following a comprehensive and rigorous search process, the board is confident that Kurt is the right leader to guide Central States into its next phase of growth,” said Christopher Harrison, lead director on the Central States board. “His track record of scaling businesses, operational depth and alignment with our values make him a strong fit for our employee-owned culture.”

Kurt Weaver

Weaver comes to Central States with more than 30 years of experience in the automotive and flooring sectors, bringing with him a foundation in operational excellence. In his most recent role, president of Mohawk Industries’ Resilient Flooring division, he successfully grew the business to more than $1 billion in annual revenue by focusing on product development, market expansion and operational efficiency.

Weaver has a strong engineering and continuous improvement background, holding a Bachelor of Science degree from Ferris State University and an MBA from Michigan State University. In his previous roles at Toyoda Gosei, a multi-billion-dollar subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corporation, Weaver held leadership positions in sales, engineering and administration, before being named President of Toyoda’s truck business. Under his leadership, the business saw substantial growth in both the top and bottom lines. His tenure in the role was characterized by a focus on quality and innovation, as he fostered a culture of excellence within the organization.

He has also served in sales and engineering roles for both Ruecker Engineering and American Sunroof. 

Weaver is known for his ability to rally his teams around a shared vision and consistently seeking opportunities to fix and enhance processes. He has earned the reputation in business of leading with humility, teamwork and genuine care for people, while fostering a high-energy environment that actively pursues continuous improvement. “I am excited to join the team at Central States – recognizing the alignment of the company culture with my team-based leadership style made the decision to join the company easy,” Weaver said. “That decision was further supported by meeting a very knowledgeable and enthusiastic team. I'm also looking forward to moving to the area and enjoying all the outdoor activities Arkansas has to offer. I would like to thank Jim and the Central States board of directors for making the rigorous recruitment process valuable for everyone.”

Jim Sliker

Sliker has served as Central States CEO since 2013, joining the company after a 20-year career in the automotive industry. Under Sliker’s leadership, Central States entered a period of unprecedented growth, including new manufacturing plant openings in South Dakota, Kentucky, Texas, Pennsylvania, Missouri, South Carolina and Utah. During this period, Central States also expanded its Pre-Engineered Metal Building (PEMB) offering with the opening of a new metal frame plant in Springdale, Arkansas and added construction capabilities and the patented Alpha Framing System™ with the acquisition of longtime customer Storage Structures, later rebranding the company Elevate Structures. 

As chairman of the board for Central States Inc., Sliker will continue to provide leadership for the seven-member board to ensure effective governance, strategic oversight and accountability of executive leadership in collaboration with the third-party trustee to represent the interests of the 1,300 employee owners of the company. Sliker will continue to reside in Northwest Arkansas and serve the community and business as needed. 

“Serving as CEO has been a blessing and the highlight of my career,” Sliker said. “I am proud of what the collective Central States team has built together over the years. As I move more fully into this next chapter, I have full confidence in Kurt as our new CEO. He brings a deep background and a strong alignment with our purpose, values and culture. I look forward to supporting him and the leadership team as we continue to innovate to better serve our customers.”

About Central States

Central States, Inc. is a 100% employee-owned company founded in 1988. With more than 1,300 employee-owners and 13 manufacturing facilities across the United States, Central States serves thousands of commercial, architectural, post-frame and residential customers through three operating business units – Central States Manufacturing, a nationwide manufacturer of metal roofing, siding, walls, doors and other components, Central States Building Works, an all-inclusive solution for material-only metal building packages, including self-storage and PEMB and Elevate Structures, a leader in mid-rise, multi-story construction and the developers of the proprietary Alpha Framing System™

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

Explore the trends, benefits and future of metal construction in the self-storage sector.

The self-storage industry continues to be one of the most resilient and steadily growing sectors in commercial construction. Driven by lifestyle changes, population mobility and evolving business needs, self-storage has become a critical part of how individuals and businesses manage space. Across the country, new facilities are being built while existing properties are being upgraded to meet increasing demand and higher customer expectations. 

At the same time, metal building systems are leading the way as the preferred construction method for self-storage. Manufacturers like Central States Manufacturing are helping drive this shift by providing high-performance metal panels, structural components and door systems designed for durability, efficiency and long-term value. 

The growth of self-storage is being fueled by clear, consistent trends. Homeowners are downsizing or relocating more frequently, creating a need for both short-term and long-term storage. Businesses are using storage units to manage inventory, equipment and records more efficiently. eCommerce and small business expansion continue to increase demand for flexible storage solutions that can scale quickly. These factors are creating strong demand for new facilities in both urban and suburban markets. 

Metal buildings are central to meeting that demand because they offer clear advantages over traditional construction. Speed to market is a major benefit. Pre-engineered metal building systems can be fabricated off site and assembled quickly, allowing developers to open facilities faster and begin generating revenue sooner. In competitive markets, timing directly impacts occupancy and profitability. 

Cost efficiency continues to drive decision making. Metal systems reduce labor costs, minimize material waste and offer predictable pricing. Over the life of the building, they require less maintenance than wood or masonry structures. Metal resists pests, moisture and fire, making it an ideal solution for protecting stored goods while reducing long-term operational expenses. 

Durability and performance are essential in self-storage design. Facilities must withstand constant use, changing weather conditions and long lifecycles. Metal panels and structural systems provide the strength and resilience needed to maintain performance over decades. High-quality metal doors add security, ease of operation and longevity, supporting a better customer experience. 

Flexibility is a defining advantage of metal construction. Facilities can be designed for single-story or multi-story layouts, making it easier to maximize land use in both rural and urban environments. Metal building systems also allow for straightforward expansion, enabling owners to grow as demand increases without major disruption. 

Key trends are shaping the future of self-storage and metal buildings. Multi-story storage is expanding in urban areas as land costs rise and density increases. Modular and prefabricated construction is improving efficiency, reducing timelines and enhancing quality control. Facility upgrades are helping owners modernize older properties with new metal panels, doors and security systems that improve both performance and appearance. Technology integration is transforming operations with smart access, surveillance and automated leasing systems. Sustainability and resilience are becoming priorities as developers look for recyclable materials, energy efficiency and buildings that can withstand extreme weather. 

The combination of self-storage growth and metal building innovation is creating significant opportunities across the construction industry. Developers benefit from faster builds and stronger returns. Contractors gain access to efficient, repeatable systems. Manufacturers continue to advance products that meet evolving market needs. 

Metal buildings have proven to be more than just a construction option for self-storage. They are the foundation of a business model built on efficiency, durability and adaptability. As demand continues to grow, this partnership will remain a driving force in shaping the future of commercial construction. 

To stay informed on the latest trends, innovations and opportunities in metal buildings and self-storage, follow the industry’s growth on MetalCoffeeShop™ and be part of the conversation shaping what comes next. 

By Anna Lockhart.  

Learn the importance of optimizing your business opportunities and offerings by adding metal roofing to your line up!  

Live from The Coffee Shops™ sound stage at the 2026 International Roofing Expo, Karen Edwards sat down with Melissa Dunson from Central States Manufacturing to discuss the latest updates from the brand and what attendees could expect from their booth on the trade show floor.  

As the leading manufacturer of metal building materials, Central States is a trusted source for any metal roofing needs a contractor might have. Melissa mentioned the growing desire across the market for standing seam products, which was the primary focus of their booth display set up. “If you know anything about what’s happening in the metal industry right now, standing seam roofing is predicted to grow the fastest – 14% year-over-year,” she explained. “So, we’ve set up some beautiful displays to highlight how our clip systems work and provide visuals when discussing quality, specs and availability with attendees.” 

IRE is the perfect opportunity for non-metal contractors to learn more about the opportunities metal can offer their business. “Metal is growing, and many people are interested in learning more about the buzz. So, we encourage attendees to stop by our booth to talk about the logistics of installing metal roofs and any educational information,” Melissa added.  

With metal roofing being projected to be one of the fastest forms of roofing to grow for the next decade, now is the perfect time for contractors to consider the benefits of adding metal services to their lineup. Melissa shared, “We get a lot of people who say, ‘I think I want to offer metal, but I need to know how to install and sell the product.’ And that’s what we do. We’re here to help contractors understand how to sell metal to home and building owners, and how to best communicate its value.” 

She emphasized the benefits of metal roofing being a major reason to give metal products a try. With metal materials offering significantly longer lifespans and levels of durability than traditional roofing materials, it’s hard not to see the benefit of utilizing the material. She urged IRE attendees to stop by the Central States booth, where they could get an up-close look at an interactive kiosk, designed to showcase the digital educational tools that contractors can use to expand their understanding and knowledge of the selling, installation and ordering processes for metal roofing.  

With endless opportunities for metal roofing in the next several years, now is the time for contractors to consider their options and the success they might find with companies like Central States Manufacturing on their side.  

Watch the full conversation to learn more about the offerings from Central States Manufacturing and what metal can do for your business!

Central States continues its commitment to providing durable, cost-effective solutions that help customers enhance security, extend product life and reduce long-term maintenance.

Central States Inc., a leader in metal construction materials and services for a wide variety of industries, including self-storage, has launched a new Sentry self-storage combo latch, designed to deliver superior flexibility, durability and security for self-storage applications.

“With the Sentry self-storage combo latch, our goal was to raise the standard,” said Andrew Wilson, chief engineering and innovation officer at Central States. “By offering a stainless-steel option manufactured in the United States, in addition to the typical zinc option, we’re delivering a latch that’s stronger, far more corrosion-resistant and built to last in real-world environments. The added versatility and security features give operators flexibility today and confidence for the future.”

The Sentry latch was engineered with versatility in mind. The design enables operators to use pad locks or cylinder locks on the same apparatus, or transition to a keyed bezel lock without the need to replace the latch, providing flexibility as security needs evolve.

For enhanced durability, the new combo latch is manufactured in not only a yellow zinc option, but also a stainless-steel option for significantly higher mechanical strength and corrosion resistance than traditional zinc latches. Stainless steel construction is tested to last three to five times longer than zinc alloy and is more resistant to corrosion in humid or salt-exposed environments.

Additionally, the latch tongue is compatible with magnetic locking systems and security technologies, while a 90-degree tongue angle adds an extra layer of protection against forced entry.

With the introduction of the Sentry self-storage latch and combo latch, Central States continues its commitment to providing durable, cost-effective solutions that help customers enhance security, extend product life and reduce long-term maintenance. The new latch is available to order now on the full line of Sentry doors, including 6500 roll-up, 7500 roll-up and swing and locker doors. 

To see the new combo latch in person, visit Central States’ booths at the Self Storage Association National Spring Conference March 18-19, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas, and the Inside Self Storage World Expo April 8-9, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada or request more information on the Sentry doors here.

For more information on the entire Sentry line of products and accessories, please visit our website at centralstatesco.com.

About Central States

Central States, Inc. (www.centralstatesco.com) is a 100% employee-owned company founded in 1988. With more than 1,400 employee-owners and 13 manufacturing facilities across the United States, Central States serves over 6,000 commercial, architectural, post-frame and residential customers through three operating business units – Central States Manufacturing, a nationwide manufacturer of metal roofing, siding, walls, doors and other components, Central States Building Works, an allinclusive solution for material-only metal building package solutions, including selfstorage and PEMB and Elevate Structures, a leader in mid-rise, multi-story construction and the developers of the proprietary Alpha Framing System™.

Across the show floor, soundstage interviews and educational sessions, IRE 2026 made it clear that the roofing industry is not standing still. 

While community defines the heart of the International Roofing Expo (IRE), innovation defines its pace. From AI-driven tools and smarter products to immersive booths and hands-on demonstrations, our crew experienced IRE 2026 as a snapshot of where the industry is headed. Here’s a deeper look at how it went, as told through the voices of our crew members who spent the week capturing it. 

Technology everywhere 

One of the most immediate takeaways from IRE 2026 was just how visible technology has become across the show floor. Megan Ellsworth, multimedia director, shared: 

One theme that did stand out for me at IRE was the sheer amount of technology and AI companies at the show and the innovations through technology that big name distributors and manufacturers are implementing. Contractors were a buzz with all the new technology at their fingertips through either their distributor, CRM or manufacturer that is for sure. 

That buzz extended to manufacturers, distributors and long-established brands bringing tangible, jobsite-ready solutions to the floor. Karen Edwards, COO, emphasized, “I was most impressed by the manufacturers that continually innovate and bring new solutions that help contractors work smarter, more efficiently, the products that perform better. It’s incredible.” Startups and established brands showcased tools that have the potential to fundamentally change how contractors work day to day.  

Innovation on display: Booths, launches and customer stories 

For crew members walking the show floor, innovation stood out not only in the products themselves, but in how exhibitors chose to present their stories. Lauren White, editor-in-chief, explained: 

It’s always so fun to see the same people each year, and also to see how some of our customers’ booths have grown over the years. Some companies who started with a single table and a small footprint now have the biggest LED screen that Informa has ever seen, like Roof Scout. Central States Manufacturing had a huge, amazing booth as well and it looked really great and made a statement. 

Everyone puts so much time and energy into making their booths look good and flow, and they’re really proud of them. There’s a lot of intentional planning that goes into that. For us to go onto the show floor and highlight those booths – asking what they want to showcase and positioning ourselves where they feel best – is really special. People are so grateful for the opportunity to talk about their latest products and recent launches and show them off in their booth. 

Drake Porter, industry relations coordinator, echoed this sense of creativity and experimentation they witnessed across the show floor: 

Just seeing what all these folks are doing, whether it's tools or materials or an amazing Trash Rocket or a giant screen at Roof Scout was really cool. My favorite interview of the day was Western States Metal Roofing, where she talked about different shingle sizes, metal and the 3D-printed display she created for the booth. 

Across the span of three days, Lauren and Drake had the chance to dance with the Pink Panther from Owens Corning®, assist the BITEC® magician in passing cards around to the crowd and made custom hats with TRA Snow and Sun, further highlighting the vastness of this year’s exhibitor booths. 

Education contractors can use 

Education once again proved to be one of IRE’s strongest assets, especially as conversations around AI moved from theory to application. Heidi J. Ellsworth, president and CEO, moderated a panel discussion focused on AI in practical business settings: 

We were fortunate enough to be part of the Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3) panel talking about AI in real-life situations. It really talked about not only where the roofing industry is going, but what you need to look at and be aware of. 

The IRE educational courses throughout the week really help contractors build their business, so they can leave IRE with a strong to-do list, which I think is really important. 

What stood out most to Karen was the engagement: “It’s impressive to have 100 people in a room who want to learn about AI at 8:30 in the morning and nobody was scrolling through their phone during that presentation. They were engaged and eager to learn.” 

Telling the industry’s stories 

One of the ways innovation came to life at IRE 2026 was through storytelling itself. James Ellsworth, CFO, exclaimed, “The soundstage did 89 recordings over the course of three days. We had experts from around the industry all wanting to share on the soundstage.” As Karen hosted the majority of these interviews, she reflected, “Being able to bring a little piece of the show to those people who weren’t able to come was heartwarming. They can tune into our videos, and they can see what’s new.” The theme that consistently emerged was adoption. As Lauren noted, “People are really adopting tech and AI, which is great to see in an industry that’s typically slow to adopt. 2026 is the year of growth.” Across tools, technology, education and storytelling, IRE 2026 highlighted real solutions, real learning and real momentum. And the industry is clearly ready for what’s next. 

Check out our YouTube playlist to hear from the experts themselves!

En todo el piso de exhibición, las entrevistas en el escenario y las sesiones educativas, IRE 2026 dejó en claro que la industria del techado no se está quedando quieta. 

Mientras la comunidad define el corazón de la International Roofing Expo (IRE), la innovación define su ritmo. Desde herramientas impulsadas por IA y productos más inteligentes hasta stands inmersivos y demostraciones prácticas, nuestro equipo vivió IRE 2026 como una muestra clara de hacia dónde se dirige la industria. Aquí te presentamos una mirada más profunda a cómo se desarrolló todo, contada a través de las voces de los miembros de nuestro equipo que pasaron la semana capturando cada momento. 

Tecnología en todas partes 

Uno de los principales aprendizajes inmediatos de IRE 2026 fue lo visible que se ha vuelto la tecnología en todo el piso de exhibición. Megan Ellsworth, directora de multimedia, compartió: 

Un tema que realmente destacó para mí en IRE fue la gran cantidad de empresas de tecnología e inteligencia artificial presentes en el evento y las innovaciones tecnológicas que los grandes distribuidores y fabricantes están implementando. Los contratistas estaban muy entusiasmados con toda la nueva tecnología disponible a través de su distribuidor, CRM o fabricante, sin duda. 

Ese entusiasmo se extendió a fabricantes, distribuidores y marcas consolidadas que llevaron al piso soluciones tangibles y listas para el trabajo. Karen Edwards, COO, enfatizó: “Lo que más me impresionó fueron los fabricantes que constantemente innovan y traen nuevas soluciones que ayudan a los contratistas a trabajar de manera más inteligente y eficiente, con productos que ofrecen un mejor rendimiento. Es increíble.” Nuevas empresas y marcas establecidas exhibieron herramientas con el potencial de cambiar fundamentalmente cómo trabajan los contratistas en su día a día. 

Innovación en exhibición: Stands, lanzamientos e historias de clientes 

Para los miembros del equipo que recorrieron el piso de exhibición, la innovación destacó no solo en los productos en sí, sino en la forma en que los expositores eligieron presentar sus historias. Lauren White, editora en jefe, explicó: 

Siempre es muy divertido ver a las mismas personas cada año, y también ver cómo los stands de algunos de nuestros clientes han crecido con el tiempo. Algunas empresas que comenzaron con una sola mesa y un espacio pequeño ahora tienen la pantalla LED más grande que Informa haya visto, como Roof Scout. Central States Manufacturing también tuvo un stand enorme y espectacular; se veía realmente bien y dejaba una gran impresión. Todos dedican mucho tiempo y energía a asegurarse de que sus stands se vean bien y fluyan correctamente, y están realmente orgullosos de ellos. Hay mucha planificación intencional detrás de eso. 

Para nosotros, poder caminar por el piso de exhibición y destacar esos stands —preguntar qué quieren mostrar y colocarnos donde mejor se sientan — es algo muy especial. La gente está muy agradecida por la oportunidad de hablar sobre sus productos más recientes, sus nuevos lanzamientos y mostrarlos en sus stands. 

Drake Porter, coordinador de relaciones industriales, destacó ese mismo sentido de creatividad y experimentación que vio por todo el evento: 

Ver lo que toda esta gente está haciendo, ya sean herramientas, materiales, un increíble Trash Rocket o una enorme pantalla en Roof Scout, fue realmente genial. Mi entrevista favorita del día fue con Western States Metal Roofing, donde ella habló sobre diferentes tamaños de tejas, metal y la exhibición impresa en 3D que creó para su stand. 

A lo largo de tres días, Lauren y Drake tuvieron la oportunidad de bailar con la Pantera Rosa de Owens Corning®, ayudar al mago de BITEC® a pasar cartas entre la multitud y hacer sombreros personalizados con TRA Snow and Sun, resaltando aún más la magnitud de los stands de este año. 

Educación que los contratistas pueden usar 

Una vez más, la educación demostró ser uno de los mayores activos de IRE, especialmente cuando las conversaciones sobre IA pasaron de la teoría a la aplicación práctica. Heidi J. Ellsworth, presidenta y CEO, moderó un panel centrado en el uso de la IA en entornos reales de negocios: 

Tuvimos la fortuna de ser parte del panel del Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3) hablando sobre IA en situaciones reales. La conversación trató no solo sobre hacia dónde se dirige la industria del roofing, sino sobre lo que necesitas observar y tener en cuenta. 

Los cursos educativos de IRE durante la semana realmente ayudan a los contratistas a fortalecer sus negocios, para que puedan salir de IRE con una sólida lista de tareas, lo cual es muy importante. 

Lo que más le llamó la atención a Karen fue el nivel de atención: “Es impresionante tener a 100 personas en una sala que quieren aprender sobre IA a las 8:30 de la mañana y que nadie estuviera revisando su teléfono durante la presentación. Estaban comprometidos y ansiosos por aprender.” 

Contando las historias de la industria 

Una de las formas en que la innovación cobró vida en IRE 2026 fue a través de la narración. James Ellsworth, CFO, exclamó, “El escenario de grabación hizo 89 entrevistas durante tres días. Tuvimos expertos de toda la industria queriendo participar en el escenario.” Mientras Karen condujo la mayoría de esas entrevistas, reflexionó, “Poder llevar un pedacito del evento a quienes no pudieron asistir fue conmovedor. Pueden ver nuestros videos y descubrir qué hay de nuevo.” 

El tema recurrente fue la adopción. Como señaló Lauren, “La gente realmente está adoptando la tecnología y la IA, lo cual es genial de ver en una industria que típicamente adopta los cambios con más lentitud. 2026 es el año del crecimiento.” 

A través de herramientas, tecnología, educación y narración, IRE 2026 destacó soluciones reales, aprendizaje real y un impulso genuino. Y la industria está claramente lista para lo que viene. 

¡Consulta nuestra lista de videos en YouTube para escuchar directamente a los expertos!

By Emma Peterson. 

Discover why metal roofing is leading the market when it comes to cool roofing solutions.  

Finding success in a competitive industry like roofing is all about differentiating yourself and knowing what your customers want. And right now, some of the primary concerns for home and business owners are rising temperatures and energy costs. To learn how you can help solve this issue for your clients, we hosted Melissa Dunson, director of marketing at Central States Manufacturing, and Audrey McGarrell, communications manager for Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC), for an episode of Roofing Road Trips®. 

Cool roofs are the solution 

So, what can you do to address rising energy costs and increasing environmental temperatures? The answer is simple: Cool roofing. At its core, cool roofing is all about reflectance. A cool roof is one that reflects more sunlight, and therefore absorbs less thermal energy than your typical roof.  

The result of higher reflectance? Audrey explained, “By fundamentally keeping the building cooler, you are reducing demand for air conditioning, which can lead to a chain reaction that goes as far as reducing your carbon footprint and your energy bill.” Melissa added to Audrey’s point, sharing, “There are estimates that a cool roof can lead to as much as 20% of savings on the energy bill, which is huge, especially if you live in a part of the country where it is significantly hot during a significant part of the day, like Texas, Arizona, California, Florida.” 

Sourcing cool roofing 

When it comes to finding the right cool roofing products for specific projects, a great place to start is with CRRC’s Rated Roof Products Directory. Audrey shared a bit about it:  

We are a completely independent third party and work with accredited independent testing laboratories to test roofing and exterior wall materials for solar reflectance and thermal emittance. Once we’ve done our testing, we review the data and publish an initial rating. It’s called that because we also send product specimens to three different test farms across the United States where they are mounted and exposed to the natural elements and left untouched for three years. After those three years, we test them again and give them an aged rating. 

This aged rating truly takes the Rated Roof Products Directory to another level. Melissa spoke about why having both the initial and aged is so important, explaining, “The age testing is key because people don't get a roof for just three years. Roofs are an investment and how it performs on year ten is equally as important as its performance on day one.”  

Cool metal roofs are the future 

Based on data from this aged testing, metal roofing has emerged as a great option for a cool roof. Melissa explained:  

One of the things that we found about metal is it performs year after year in very strong way. That’s one of the reasons that metal has such long warranties...It also has innate properties that give it higher reflectance and emittance rates than tile, asphalt or other materials. So, add special cool roofing paints to it and it's even more reflective. So metal is really a natural fit if people are looking for a long-lasting, durable, cool roof. 

Listen to the whole episode to learn more about getting high-performance, cool metal roofs.

By Anna Lockhart.  

Central States Manufacturing is bringing their A-game to IRE 2026 with a thoughtfully designed booth for the trade show floor.  

In preparation for the upcoming roofing event of the year – International Roofing Expo 2026 (IRE) – brands across the industry are gearing up to make a bold presence with their booths on the trade show floor. For Central States Manufacturing, that means preparing ways to optimize their in-person interactions with attendees and amplifying a clear message: we’re here to stand out.  

With a goal of meeting new customers and making industry connections, Melissa Dunson, director of marketing and communications for Central States, shared that their team’s goal is to network with individuals who could potentially become long-time customers. “Our goal is to make sure people know we exist,” she explained. “I want [potential customers] to be impressed enough by our size and capabilities that they walk away thinking, ‘These are the people you want to work with.’” 

To make this goal a reality, the Central States team has spent considerable time crafting the ideal booth layout, highlighting the brand’s metal roofing, siding and building material product offerings. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the wide range of materials and panel profiles on display, organized in such a way that gives contractors a clear look into the brand’s impressive capabilities of production and full-service support services.  

The booth will also feature an interactive kiosk, giving visitors hands-on access to the digital tools Central States provides to help contractors estimate, plan and streamline metal projects. “We’re creating a space where people can experience not just our products, but the tools and support we offer to help them succeed,” Melissa noted. 

Attendees walking the show floor can find Central States Manufacturing at booth #4633. Whether you work in roofing, metal building construction or specialty installation, their team invites you to stop by, explore the displays and get a firsthand look at why Central States is becoming a powerful name in metal!

This marks the fourth Metal of Honor Award in Central States’ history, an achievement underscoring the company’s long-standing commitment to product quality, reliability and customer-first service.

Central States Inc., a leading manufacturer of metal building components and systems, is proud to announce that it has earned a 2026 Metal of Honor Award, a recognition driven entirely by nominations and votes from customers and industry peers. This prestigious honor is awarded by Shield Wall Media, publishers of leading industry publications including Metal Roofing, Rural Builder, Metal Builder, Frame Building and Roofing Elements, celebrating manufacturing excellence and outstanding service in the metal roofing industry.

“Each year, metal roofing professionals vote for the suppliers they trust most — those delivering outstanding product quality, dependable service, on-time delivery and exceptional support,” Gary Reichert, publisher at Shield Wall Media said. “The Metal of Honor allows Metal Roofing Magazine to recognize those exceptional companies selected by our readers."

This marks the fourth Metal of Honor Award in Central States’ history, an achievement underscoring the company’s long-standing commitment to product quality, reliability and customer-first service. The company will also be featured in the April edition of Metal Roofing Magazine as part of the recognition.

“We are deeply honored to receive this recognition from the people who matter most — our customers,” said Jim Sliker, CEO of Central States Manufacturing. Awards like this reflect the dedication of our employee owners to be easy to do business with and provide high quality products and reliable services.”

According to Shield Wall Media’s announcement, the program was created to highlight manufacturers who support the roofing industry with exceptional service and dependable products which are qualities Central States is proud to embody. 

About Central States

Central States, Inc. is 100% employee-owned and was founded in 1988. With more than 1,400 employee-owners and 13 manufacturing facilities across the United States, the company serves more than 6,000 commercial, architectural, post-frame and residential contractors and distributors across three business operating units. Central States Manufacturing is a leading manufacturer of metal building components with 15 metal roofing and wall panel profiles and a full line of trim, accessories and structural purlin. Bolstered by the opening of the Springdale Frame Plant in 2025, Central States Building Works provides material-only building packages for self-storage and pre-engineered metal buildings (PEMB). In 2023, Central States acquired Elevate Structures (formerly Storage Structures, Inc.), a construction leader in midrise multi-story buildings, offering the proprietary Alpha Framing System™.

By Anna Lockhart.   

Finding a platform designed to not only meet needs, but anticipate them, can be a game changer in securing sales success. Here’s how Central States Manufacturing’s Central Link delivers those results.  

In this episode of the MetalCast™ podcast, host Megan Ellsworth sat down with Zach Coats and Delton Rhodes from Central States Manufacturing to discuss the brand’s line of digital tools designed to help contractors boost their metal sales. Using Central Link, Central States offers a suite of quoting tools that enable users with the ability to simply their quoting process and streamline accuracy. Whether you’re looking to streamline business operations or get the most out of your time with the help of technology, Central States’ platform is ready to assist.  

With the latest update to Central Link, users are able to access a wide variety of useful tools, each designed to aid in maximizing the efficiency of business management tasks and data tracking. Zach explained, “Central Link is a customer portal where our various customer types can do pretty much anything. It's a repository for quotes, for orders. They can quote pre-engineered and self-storage metal buildings in Central Link. You can track order statuses, trucks, you can manage pricing to your customers, depending on how many layers removed you are from that end user.” With the program, customers of all types can go in and manage their business fully, with ease.  

They noted the recent growth in the self-storage side of the industry, adding that as more metal professionals find success with self-storage work, finding a reliable manufacturer to partner with is key. Through the Central States Building Works program, users are able to self-service in the Central Link account. Zach shared, “They can actually quote, design and get a price output for both pre-engineered and self-storage buildings so they can manage their business and price appropriately to their customer type that they're in contact with.” 

The benefits don’t end there, either. Delton highlighted the various program tools within Central Link, such as the Building Package Wizard, which allows contractors to customize bolt-up buildings to their preferences and taste. He shared, “With the Building Package Wizard, we offer a variety of Central States bolt-up buildings. They're very easy to assemble. You pick the kind you want, then you can pick different colors and customize how you would want the building. It then spits out a quote, super simple to use.” 

That only scratches the surface of what the platform has to offer. Designed to anticipate the needs of contractors today, Central Link is changing the game for metal professionals.  

Read the transcript, Listen to the conversation or Watch the MetalCast to learn more about how Central States Manufacturing is helping contractors make the most of their tech.