Metal Building Industry Pioneers Inducted into Metal Construction Hall of Fame

CLEVELAND - Nov. 11, 2016 - PRLog -- www.mbma.com: The Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) is pleased to announce that three industry pioneers have been inducted into the 2016 Metal Construction Hall of Fame. As noteworthy contributors to the metal building industry's early development, Wilbur Larkin, Jack Hatcher and Johnie Schulte became inaugural members of the Metal Construction Hall of Fame new "Founders" category.

The new category recognizes individuals who played a significant role in shaping and advancing the early development of the industry. Honorees were recognized last month at a special Metal Construction Hall of Fame event held at Metalcon 2016 in Baltimore, Md.

"It is so important to pay homage to the individuals that came together more than 60 years ago to help start the MBMA. These founders were integral to the early formation of the association and they really set the tone for how the metal building industry would market itself and how it would work together toward common goals. Each of these gentlemen was a successful businessman in his own right, and none were afraid to share what they learned with each other for the betterment of everyone in the industry. MBMA is a great organization today thanks to these leaders. We still follow the path they set out on, and today's leaders continue to put their differences aside to make sure this industry will continue to succeed for future generations. They left a legacy for us all," says Dan Walker, PE, associate general manager of MBMA.

Wilbur Larkin was one of MBMA's founding members and served as MBMA's first chairman from 1956-1957. From the early 1930s to 1967, he held multiple positions at Butler Manufacturing Co., including chief engineer, project manager and vice president and manager of the buildings division. Larkin's efforts helped to shape the metal construction industry by focusing on technical initiatives related to design specifications and building codes, which served to improve the efficiency, performance and acceptance of metal building systems.

Jack Hatcher served as an MBMA chairman in 1968. He began his career as an engineer at Varco Steel, and later helped form Varco Pruden Buildings, where he served as president. His leadership at Varco Pruden Buildings led the company to become one of the nation's largest metal building systems manufacturers. Hatcher advocated for the widespread adoption of rigid frame metal buildings and helped spearhead engineering system advancements and market expansion. He also is recognized for supporting future generations of entrepreneurial engineers.

Johnie Schulte pioneered the hub-and-spoke approach as an effective method to manufacture metal buildings, proving that metal building companies could sell metal building components and multiple brands of products in a single market. He helped create and support thousands of employment opportunities, and championed a company culture that recognized members at all levels within an organization. Some of Schulte's most noteworthy roles include founding Mid-West Steel Building Co., NCI Building Systems (formerly National Components Inc.) and Schulte Building Systems.

Founded in 2012, the Metal Construction Hall of Fame honors individuals who have had a significant impact on the metal construction industry through innovation, leadership and unique contributions. Award judges represent the major metal construction industry associations and assess nominees based on five criteria: longevity in the industry; unique contributions to the industry; body of work throughout a career; legacy; and integrity. Hall of Fame nominees must have been actively involved in the industry for at least 15 years.

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Founded in 1956, MBMA serves manufacturers and suppliers as it works to promote the metal building systems industry. For 60 years, its membership has supplied high-quality buildings for use in commercial, retail, office, industrial, institutional and other end-uses. The association provides a wealth of useful information on its website, www.mbma.com, for anyone who works with or is interested in metal building systems. It includes technical materials and design guides.