Fire resiliency. Sustainability. Innovation. These are some of the important conversations shaping the future of construction. And as I look at the year ahead, I am incredibly optimistic. Because ClarkDietrich was built to lead—not react—and 2025 was evidence of that.
Over the past year, fire resiliency has taken center stage in the building industry. As communities and builders rethink performance under extreme conditions, steel framing has gained ground in residential construction for its strength, stability, and noncombustible properties. We’ve leaned into this, from educating builders and homeowners on cold-formed steel to continuing to pursue fire-rated products, like our ProChannel Ci, which recently met NFPA 285 testing standards.
Sustainability remains equally critical, and our efforts on this front have only accelerated. Our low embodied carbon steel framing was named a Sustainable Product of the Year, we achieved nearly a 70% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions, and we recently launched the industry’s first embodied carbon calculators for steel framing, providing transparent, project-level data for builders and architects.
Innovation also moved forward with the introduction of the ProSTUD® Motion Frame Connector, designed to mitigate unwanted noise associated with the movement of steel framing members in high-rise buildings. It is another example of how we listen closely to the field and develop practical solutions that solve real-world challenges.
Looking back on 2025, I see a year defined by momentum. Greater adoption of steel in residential construction. Deeper integration of sustainability into design and procurement. Higher expectations around fire performance and life safety.
Looking ahead to 2026, I see opportunity. We are actively working on ways to advance education and conversations around the role cold-formed steel plays in safer buildings and homes. Sustainability remains at the forefront of our strategic operations. Our product development teams continue to innovate, and we look forward to bringing new engineered solutions to market that elevate performance standards.
Our core values remain our compass:
Do the Right Thing – Do Things Right.
Creative Solutions from Everyone.
Positive Energy and Teamwork.
A Balanced Life.
These values guide how we show up—for customers, partners, communities, and one another. We will always invest in people and relationships, both within our organization and in the broader industry, because none of our accomplishments happen in isolation.
To our employees: thank you for your relentless commitment to excellence.
To our customers and partners: thank you for trusting us to be part of your most important work. Your success is our success, and we are energized about what we will build together in the year ahead.
Backed by a network of innovative thinkers and doers, propelled by the momentum of last year, I am confident we are built for what’s to come.