Canadian Metal Buildings (CMB) is transforming the steel building sector by offering a full suite of services that spans from designing to engineering, manufacturing, and installing pre-engineered metal building systems. Under the leadership of Justin Bruzzese, the company stands as one of the only ones in Canada—and a select few in the United States—to manufacture its own metal building systems and operate an in-house installation division. This approach not only sets them apart from the competition but also allows them to deliver a comprehensive, high-quality service to their clients.
The company’s origins date back to 1964 when Justin’s father, John Bruzzese, founded Armour Steel. Initially, the company was focused on residential steel supply. However, as the demand for commercial and industrial steel structures grew, John expanded the business, branching out into larger projects alongside the builders he worked with. This growth mirrored the broader evolution of the construction industry, and as time passed, the company became well-established in the sector.
Justin Bruzzese joined Armour Steel full-time in 2002, after years of working on and off in the family business. However, in 2015, with a strong desire to strike out on his own, Justin founded Canadian Metal Buildings, starting the company from the ground up with nothing but a trailer and a vision. At first, CMB focused primarily on putting up structural steel and metal building systems, but Justin’s entrepreneurial instincts quickly led him to re-evaluate the business.
Before launching CMB, Justin had worked with other manufacturers in the pre-engineered metal building space. He recalls the challenges of working with systems that, while efficient to manufacture, often proved problematic during installation. The design choices made by other companies, intended to make production cheaper and faster, led to common installation issues.
“We were running into a lot of the same issues all the time where their buildings seemed to be designed in a way that was efficient for manufacturing,” Justin says. “But when we put them up in the field, it added a lot of complexity, time, and frustration.” Despite bringing these issues to the attention of other manufacturers, nothing changed. The constant pushback and lack of response were a tipping point for Justin.
Determined to make a difference, he approached his father, and together they merged the manufacturing and installation divisions, forming what is now Canadian Metal Buildings. This strategic decision was born from the desire to streamline the entire process, from the design stage all the way through to installation. The key was to reduce the overall timeline of the projects, making them more efficient and cost-effective for clients while maintaining high standards of quality.
Justin explains that many companies in the industry often overlook the importance of a smooth and efficient installation process. “The building’s only as good as your installers,” he explains. “We wanted to design and provide a service where we could manufacture efficiently, but also make the entire project lifecycle—from the initial design through to manufacturing and installation—much more efficient.”
“The building’s only as good as your installers.”
Incorporating this holistic approach to project management became a game-changer for CMB. By listening to their clients and addressing the challenges faced by installers, the company was able to provide a better, more seamless experience. “We’re very customer-facing, dealing with them day in and day out,” Justin notes. “We found there were better ways to do things, and the feedback we received made us realize that we could streamline the process and offer a better overall experience.”
One of CMB’s core differentiators is its commitment to innovation. Rather than sticking to industry norms, Justin and his team are focused on pushing boundaries and embracing new technologies. The company has introduced both virtual and augmented reality to enhance the design and planning phases of their projects, allowing clients to visualize the final product before work even begins. This forward-thinking mindset is part of the company’s ongoing effort to challenge the status quo and bring new solutions to an industry that has remained largely unchanged for decades.
But innovation isn’t limited to technology. CMB’s success is also driven by its emphasis on recruiting and retaining the right people—individuals who share the company’s vision and values. Justin explains that CMB’s team is comprised of a “data-driven, young, ambitious and forward-thinking group,” and they all operate with a clear focus on making a meaningful impact in the industry. Unlike many corporate or venture capital-owned competitors, CMB isn’t just focused on financial gain. Instead, the company is motivated by the desire to change the industry for the better.
“We want to make a difference,” Justin says. “It’s not about just growing the company for the sake of growth. We’re focused on growing our people and building a company that doesn’t just do business for the financial return, but for the impact we’re making in the industry.” This dedication to making a positive difference is evident in the company’s culture, which prioritizes values like integrity, transparency, and trust. CMB operates with a clear mission: “Building better buildings, building better lives.”
One of the key factors behind CMB’s success has been its ability to maintain a strong sense of purpose while achieving significant growth. The company has been experiencing an impressive 35% growth annually, hitting its planned milestones year after year. This success is a testament to the company’s ability to stay focused on its vision and maintain the quality of its work while expanding.
“Building better buildings, building better lives,” Justin says, summing up the company’s purpose. “It’s about the impact we’re making in our community, giving back to organizations, and providing opportunities for the people we work with. We’re constantly striving to make a difference in the industry.”
Today, CMB only installs its own building systems, ensuring that there is a direct link between the manufacturer and the installer. This allows them to maintain control over pricing, scheduling, quality, and ultimately their reputation. By cutting out the middleman, CMB is able to offer a level of service and consistency that sets them apart from other companies in the industry.
The company has already been involved in some high-profile projects, including work for a Fortune 500 brand, where they are currently building a four-story property. This is the type of project in which CMB excels, with the company completing many similar buildings in the past. Justin notes that this is “unheard of in the pre-engineered metal building industry,” as many companies would shy away from such a complex project. However, CMB is not one to back down from a challenge. They thrive on pushing the boundaries and taking on projects that require creativity, great engineering, and innovation.
“We’ve done some really cool, unique things that most companies would shy away from,” Justin says. “It doesn’t fit their generic mold, and it requires a lot of thinking and change. But we like to stray outside our comfort zones and push ourselves. That’s where we feel growth happens—nothing great comes from your comfort zone.”
Looking ahead to 2025, the company has a bright future. With a healthy pipeline of work and a clear roadmap for the next several years, CMB is poised for continued growth. “We’re on track to exceed 2024’s goals and enter 2025 strong,” Justin says. “We’re aiming for substantial growth and a greater presence across Canada and the U.S.”
Justin’s excitement for the future of CMB is palpable, and he credits much of the company’s success to the values they’ve instilled in their team and their commitment to innovation. “Our people are fantastic, and the culture we’ve built is one of transparency, trust, and autonomy,” he says. “We’re not just here to grow the company—we’re here to grow our people and make a lasting impact on the industry.”
Canadian Metal Buildings is set to continue its trailblazing path, constantly evolving to meet the needs of the modern construction industry. With a strong vision and a relentless drive for improvement, the company is poised to take on even more complex and exciting projects in the years to come.
