ATLANTA, Ga. (July 27, 2016) -- Oldcastle APG has reaffirmed its commitment to the masonry profession with a pledge of $500,000 to the Masonry Foundation- a committee of masonry professionals dedicated to the growth of masonry through education, research and promotion. An extension of the Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA), the Masonry Foundation plays an active role in positioning masonry as a viable building material in today’s construction environment.
The donation is the latest commitment from Oldcastle Architectural Products to the industry. This past May, a multi-million dollar, stand-alone consolidated masonry brand under the name Echelon Masonry was launched during the American Institute of Architects (AIA) show in Philadelphia.
“Oldcastle APG is bullish on the masonry industry and our deep commitment is evidenced by our investment in MCAA education, research and the promotion of masonry,” said Ken O'Neill, executive vice president of sales, marketing and product development for Oldcastle APG.
O’Neill says a renewed interest in masonry is also fueled by new technologies, such as integrated wall systems, a higher level of aesthetics in manufactured stone veneers and a resurgence in the desire for mixed material looks. Increased demand is further validated by the research group IBISWorld, which projects an annual growth rate for masonry of 5.8 percent by 2020, from $23 billion in 2015. The number of operators is expected to increase at an average annual rate of 3.8 percent to 49,788. And, masonry contracting, using bricks, blocks and concrete, accounts for an estimated 68.4 percent of industry revenue, the highest revenue-generating service in the masonry profession.
“At Oldcastle APG, we are pleased to support the Masonry Foundation goals to elevate masonry in the broader construction industry,” said O’Neill. “We feel that partnerships and investments will help grow and sustain the masonry sector, as we work together to demonstrate the value and innovation that masonry provides in the construction of buildings now and in the future.”
For more information, visit EchelonMasonry.com.
