Iowa Component Manufacturers Association Steps Up

Editor’s Note: In the most recent HBA of Iowa weekly newsletter, from December 19, 2024, SBCA’s Iowa Component Manufacturers Association (ICMA) was highlighted for the scholarships that they have committed. This is a testament to the great work this chapter, amongst other SBCA chapters, is doing and how important it is to continue advocating for the use of components and providing opportunities for education and training in this industry. Thank you ICMA for your continued support of this industry.   

The HBA of Iowa has had a great working relationship with the Iowa Component Manufacturers Association (ICMA) for many years – of course we share star member companies which is huge.  ICMA has committed to adding two $1,000 student scholarships through the HBA of Iowa Educational Corporation.   

We highly encourage our members to purchase your components (metal plate connected wood trusses and wall panels) from ICMA members. The current members listed below in order of Iowa-based manufacturers first, and then alphabetically. 

• Cascade Mfg Co – Cascade, IA and Pleasantville, IA 

• Energy Panel Structures – Graettinger, IA 

• Engineered Building Design – Washington, IA 

• US LBM (Lumber Specialties / Plum Building Systems) – Dyersville, IA, Story City, IA, and Osceola, IA 

• Christensen Lumber Co – Fremont, NE 

• Mead Lumber Co – Grand Island, NE 

• Millard Lumber – Omaha, NE 

There is competition out there and much of it lacks structural engineering – don’t just go for the low bid.  That is a growing problem and added costs for our members when they had to redo builds.  Reasons include: 

• Commitment to quality – their members participate in third party quality control programs, which gives contractors added confidence in the accuracy and structural soundness of the components they produce. 

• Design expertise – ICMA members employ highly skilled truss designers who work in tandem with truss design engineers to make sure trusses are designed in accordance with building codes, including proper snow and wind loads. Improperly / under designed trusses can lead to issues ranging from aesthetic issues to structural failures, injury, and death. 

• Industry commitment – their members have done much over the years to educate general contractors, framers, architects, engineers, and building officials as to the proper handling, installation, and bracing of metal plate connected wood trusses. This benefits homebuilders by leading to less installation problems and a reduction in corrective work to be performed after inspection. 

 ICMA is also planning to donate $500 towards the Vocational Training Council / Future Builders of Iowa / Greater Iowa City HBA.