If you want helpful business insights into what to expect in the year ahead, it’s crucial to turn to a company with a long history in its industry. That background enables the organization to use general economic data from experts to make predictions about its sector.

Corrugated Metals, Inc. is an innovator in manufacturing custom metal roofing and siding products with over a century of experience. We are a trusted provider of high-quality corrugated metal solutions to diverse industries, including construction, transportation, and renewable energy. As we look ahead to 2025, we believe these key industries are poised for transformation, shaped by economic shifts and regulatory changes.

This article explores the emerging opportunities and challenges each sector faces. It also highlights how CMI’s expertise, high-quality products, and dedication to sustainability can empower businesses to thrive in the coming year.

Economic and Regulatory Factors Shaping 2025

The global economic landscape is projected to experience moderate growth in 2025, but with continued uncertainty stemming from geopolitical dynamics, ongoing inflation, and other pressures. Despite this, several pivotal trends are set to drive the demand for corrugated metal products.

Sustainability mandates, encompassing green building codes and ambitious carbon reduction targets, are becoming increasingly stringent worldwide. Governments are actively investing in infrastructure projects to stimulate economic growth and effectively address climate change. These factors collectively create a significant need for CMI’s durable, sustainable, cost-effective metal solutions.

Corrugated Metal in Construction: Commercial and Residential Growth

Experts anticipate modest growth in nonresidential construction spending in 2025. This increase will primarily be fueled by investment in manufacturing plants, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions.

As architects and builders prioritize durable and sustainable building materials, the demand for corrugated metal siding and roofing is expected to surge. CMI’s corrugated metal products offer a compelling array of advantages over traditional materials, including:

    • Superior Durability and Longevity: Corrugated metal roofing and siding are known for their exceptional durability and resistance to weathering, ensuring a longer lifespan than traditional materials like asphalt shingles or wood siding. This translates to reduced maintenance costs and enhanced long-term value for building owners. It also reduces the amount of material being added to landfills.
    • Resistance to Fire, Wind, and Hail Damage: In regions prone to extreme weather events, corrugated metal’s resilience provides crucial protection against fire, strong winds, and hail damage. This inherent strength contributes to the safety and longevity of buildings.
    • Energy Efficiency and Reduced Environmental Impact: Corrugated metal roofing can be coated with reflective pigments, effectively reducing heat absorption and minimizing cooling costs. This contributes to improved energy efficiency and a smaller carbon footprint for buildings.
    • Design Flexibility and Aesthetic Appeal: CMI offers a diverse range of colors, profiles, and finishes for its corrugated metal products, empowering architects and designers to achieve unique and visually appealing aesthetics for their projects.

    The residential construction market is projected to maintain its strength in 2025, with sustained growth in multifamily housing and retrofitting projects.

    Corrugated metal roofing and siding are steadily gaining popularity for new homes and renovations. This is attributed to their aesthetic versatility, long-term cost-effectiveness, and exceptional ability to withstand harsh weather conditions. CMI’s extensive selection of colors and profiles allows homeowners to personalize the appearance of their homes while enjoying the advantages of a durable and sustainable material.

    Corrugated metal can be used in many design aesthetics. For example, in a modern farmhouse design, corrugated metal siding in a dark color can create a striking contrast with white trim, achieving a modern farmhouse aesthetic. A weathered steel finish on corrugated roofing for a mountain cabin evokes rustic charm, blending seamlessly with the structure’s natural surroundings. Designers and builders also use corrugated metal on coastal homes, where siding with a bright finish can withstand salty air and provide a clean, contemporary look.

    Corrugated Metal in Transportation: Trailers and Railcars

    The trailer market is poised for substantial growth in 2025, propelled by the continued expansion of e-commerce and the modernization of supply chains. Corrugated metal is an ideal material for trailer construction due to its impressive strength-to-weight ratio, exceptional durability, and inherent corrosion resistance.

    CMI’s corrugated metal products enable trailer manufacturers to:

      • Reduce Maintenance Costs and Extend Trailer Lifespan: Corrugated metal’s robust nature minimizes wear and tear, leading to reduced maintenance needs and a longer operational life for trailers.
      • Improve Fuel Efficiency and Reduce Carbon Emissions: Corrugated metal is lighter than many other materials, which contributes to improved fuel efficiency, lower operational costs, and reduced carbon emissions for vehicles hauling trailers.
      • Enhance Cargo Protection and Security: Corrugated metal’s inherent strength provides enhanced protection for cargo during transportation, minimizing damage and improving security.

      The rail freight industry is undergoing a period of significant transformation, marked by a growing demand for intermodal transport and the integration of new technologies. Corrugated metal components offer a lightweight yet durable solution for railcar construction, contributing to improved fuel efficiency and reduced operating costs.

      CMI’s specialized expertise in custom metal fabrication enables us to deliver tailored solutions for a wide range of railcar applications, including:

        • Lightweight Intermodal Containers: Corrugated steel is used to construct lightweight intermodal containers that workers can transfer seamlessly between trucks, trains, and ships.
        • Durable Flooring for Boxcars: Corrugated metal flooring provides a strong and long-lasting surface for heavy cargo in boxcars.
        • Protective Panels for Tank Cars: Corrugated metal panels can be used as protective shielding around tank cars transporting hazardous materials.

        Corrugated Metal in Renewable Energy: EV Stations and Solar Panel Infrastructure

        The electric vehicle (EV) market is experiencing incredible growth, driven by government initiatives and increasing consumer adoption. In the year ahead, stakeholders will launch many EV charging infrastructure expansion projects supported by CMI products. Our sturdy metal enclosures and infrastructure solutions are engineered to withstand environmental exposure and provide lasting protection for sensitive EV charging equipment.

        The solar energy industry is on a similar trajectory of continued growth in 2025, fueled by declining costs, increasing demand for sustainable energy sources, and attractive government incentives. Corrugated metal stands out as an ideal material for solar panel infrastructure due to its strength, durability, and corrosion resistance. CMI’s structural components can be integrated into ground-mounted and rooftop solar arrays, offering a reliable and cost-effective solution for solar energy projects.

        Some of the many ways companies use corrugated metal in renewable energy projects include:

          • EV Charging Station Enclosures: CMI’s metal enclosures protect EV charging equipment from vandalism, weather damage, and unauthorized access
          • Solar Panel Mounting Systems: Corrugated metal is used to create durable mounting structures for solar panels on rooftops and in ground-mounted installations.
          • Battery Storage Enclosures: CMI provides metal enclosures for battery storage systems used in conjunction with solar power installations.

          Sustainability as a Key Driver Across Industries

          If there’s a theme for 2025 that will span virtually every industry, it is sustainability. Sustainability has transcended its status as a niche concern and has become a central business imperative. In addition to companies’ internal initiatives, regulatory bodies increasingly mandate sustainable materials and practices across all industries.

          Corrugated metal products are inherently sustainable. They are often manufactured from recycled content and fully recyclable at the end of their lifecycles. CMI’s products seamlessly align with green building certifications and carbon reduction goals, empowering businesses to achieve their sustainability objectives.

          CMI practices environmental stewardship in several ways, including:

            • High Recycled Content: CMI utilizes a significant percentage of recycled steel and aluminum in its manufacturing processes.
            • Recyclable Products: Corrugated metal products are 100% recyclable, minimizing waste and environmental impact.
            • Energy-Efficient Manufacturing: CMI is committed to implementing energy-efficient practices in its manufacturing operations.
            • LEED Certification Support: CMI’s products can contribute to LEED certification for building projects.

            As we navigate the year ahead, CMI is strategically positioned to support businesses across construction, transportation, renewable energy, and other sectors. Our unrivaled expertise in custom metal fabrication, coupled with our unwavering commitment to sustainability, establishes us as an invaluable partner for navigating the challenges and harnessing the opportunities that lie ahead.

            Let’s talk about your business goals for 2025! We’re eager to assist and ready to engage in several ways:

            CMI and Your Business: Partnering for Success in 2025

              • Consult with Our Experts: CMI’s experienced team can provide guidance on material selection, design, and installation to ensure the success of your project.
              • Request a Quote: Obtain a quote for your specific project requirements and discover the value CMI can deliver.
              • Explore Helpful Resources: Browse our website for detailed product information, case studies, and sustainability resources.

              Whatever the year ahead brings, we’re confident that you’ll be thrilled with our premier products and attentive service. CMI’s durable, sustainable, and cost-effective corrugated metal solutions can make all the difference in your next project.

              Please contact us at your convenience to learn more about our company and offerings. You can also check out featured products and familiarize yourself with our extensive product line on our website.

              We’re excited about 2025 and looking forward to helping companies achieve their business goals and enjoy tremendous success!