How pre-engineered metal buildings are changing small business construction

By Jesse Sanchez. 

From barns to office spaces, customizable metal structures offer efficient solutions in today’s expanding market. 

In this episode of MetalCast™, host Karen Edwards sat down with Jennifer Davis and Ahmed Abdelaal of Central States Manufacturing to discuss the growing trend of pre-engineered metal buildings (PEMBs) and their impact on small businesses across America. As the demand for these structures rises, Central States is stepping up to meet diverse needs in construction, agriculture and manufacturing through flexible, pre-designed building kits through their Building Works business unit . 

Jennifer, president of Central States Building Works, detailed the company’s 20-year journey in developing building kits that offer customers more than just raw materials. "Instead of buying individual Lego bricks, you're actually buying a kit,” Jennifer explained, highlighting the ease and efficiency these customizable packages bring to the construction process. Originally focused on storage structures, Central States has expanded to provide low-rise buildings that cater to varied industries, including agriculture, warehousing and small retail spaces. 

Ahmed, vice president of engineering and operations, noted that pre-engineered metal buildings meet the growing demand for “horizontal expansion,” an industry trend that responds to the need for broad, single-story structures rather than skyscrapers.  Ahmed underlined the practical and cost-effective nature of these structures for small businesses and rural developments. "When you think of horizontal expansion, you got to think of what building I would do on a horizontal level," 

The appeal of PEMBs lies in their adaptability and quick turnaround time. Central States has worked to simplify the design and assembly process, allowing small businesses to create custom structures without the lengthy timelines and higher costs of traditional building methods. “Our approach,” Jennifer noted, “is really to enable the installation to go very smoothly,” as each package arrives organized and ready to assemble. 

For businesses looking to expand without the heavy overhead of conventional construction, PEMBs provide an appealing solution. Jennifer and Ahmed see this as more than just a trend — it’s a movement that’s helping small businesses grow and thrive by offering a straightforward and cost-effective way to meet space needs. 

Read the transcript, Listen to the podcast or Watch the webinar to learn more about Central States’ expanding role in the future of metal construction!