ClarkWestern, Dietrich provide code-compliant materials (October 2009)

All of West Chester, Ohio-based ClarkWestern Building Systems’ U.S. manufacturing facilities have received the Steel Stud Manufacturers Association’s code compliance certification. This certification provides independent verification that the quality of structural cold-formed steel framing manufactured by ClarkWestern complies with code requirements. “Participating in the SSMA certification program demonstrates ClarkWestern’s dedication to providing contractors, specifiers, architects and other building professionals with code-compliant materials,” said Bill Courtney, president and CEO of ClarkWestern Building Systems. “Our company and our industry association are providing the transparency of third-party testing to assure that our customers are getting products made to meet or exceed the ASTM standards and the Building Codes. We appreciate the spirit of cooperation the SSMA members have displayed inputting the industry first and bringing compliance to the forefront on a national level.” Dietrich Metal Framing, a Columbus, Ohio-based Worthington Industries company,has obtained the SSMA’s code compliance certification for 12 of their manufacturing facilities that produce structural cold-formed steel framing. “Dietrich has been and remains committed to providing code-compliant materials, along with training and education for contractors,architects and code officials,” said John Roberts, president of Dietrich Metal Framing. “This certification allows us to provide documentation that our products meet or exceed Code requirements.” Dietrich Metal Framing has performed more than 5,000 educational sessions for building industry professionals since 2005. These sessions include training on identifying non-code compliant materials. The Chicago-based SSMA recently launched a third-party code compliance certification program as a means for member manufacturers to certify that the structural cold-formed steel framing they produce complies with IBC 2006 code requirements. The independent verification is conducted by Architectural Testing Inc., York, Pa., and is supported with random facility inspections, as well as testing and sampling of certified products to assure compliance with current IBC 2006 code requirements.