Wide spread support for the IAS program has been building since October 2007, when the MBMA approached IAS on behalf of the metal building industry to consider developing a criteria that would serve MBMA members while fulfilling the needs of code officials and other regulatory agencies. During recent public hearing, MBMA representatives W. Lee Shoemaker, P.E., PhD, Director of Research and Engineering and Charles E. Praeger, Assistant General Manager, testified on behalf of the Board of Directors of the MBMA, praising the work of IAS staff that collaborated with the industry over the last six months to develop AC472.

Praeger adds, “IAS AC472 covers three parts and the first Part (A) is modeled after AC172. Part (B) is cold form steel fabrication while Part (C) is engineering. The program focuses on the need for a comprehensive quality management system based on international standards. Quality has been a hallmark of our organization since its inception and we believe that IAS accreditation will further raise the bar.”

AC472 addresses quality management system elements such as personnel requirements, product traceability, process control and various administrative and technical requirements that are essential for code officials to deem IAS-accredited entities as approved fabricators. “The MBMA is to be commended for initiating the development of the program that establishes high standards for the metal building industry,” says Sandi McCracken, Senior Accreditation Officer with IAS.