MBMI Metal Buildings Poor Quality Product and Poor Customer Service Delray Beach Florida

MBMI Update-Corrections from Clint

My previous post on this forum, representing my opinion, was overly harsh on MBMI.  After some interaction with Mr. Brian Fabricant, the general manager of MBMI, I need to make some significant corrections to my previous review.  There are some omissions, lack of appropriate detail, some sloppy writing done in haste, a general lack of precision in the first posting, and in a few positions, a need for retraction to make appropriate corrections. None of these mistakes were intentional and the written record needs to be set straight.  The author desires all honest and ethical companies to succeed.  It would not be fair to Mr. Fabricant or MBMI not make this update.  Mr. Fabricant has clearly and eloquently stated his position and given me his full assurances on MBMI’s quality standards as well as those of the companies that act as their suppliers.  After interacting with Mr. Fabricant and talking to some past customers of MBMI, this company does work hard to maintain their BBB A plus rating and their fine reputation  There was a great deal of impatience and frustration on my part during the construction of my building, and many small problems cropped up in what can be a complicated process.  My main frustration revolved around a leaking ridge vent and lead to the first post which will be described in detail later.

First off, MBMI has quality standards, and as was mentioned previously, the staff  was always friendly to me on the telephone before and during the building process.  There were a number of minor difficulties with parts.  As was mentioned in the first post, a bent corner column (a 10 foot long “U” channel piece made of 16 guage steel) had to be replaced and MBMI was good enough to do that at no cost to me.  Mr. Fabricant explained that it was a non-stock item and required fabrication and then standard shipment.  In my original opinion, this 10 day column delay seemed long especially with a work crew in place.  Obviously, MBMI did their best they could during this situation.

Mr. Fabricant has also explained that he had no record on my telephone calls (July 29 through August 1) about the missing base trim.  MBMI’s shop order indicated a total of 75 feet of trim ordered for a building requiring 88 feet.  That was probably on of those “it just fell through the cracks” events or a small humanly error from a complicated job.  This minor problem was saved by my builder who knew of a steel fabrication plant nearby that could duplicate the missing part.  A few missing bolts from the kit, less than a dozen, were also purchased locally.

The main frustration of the project  was in a leaking roof vent from an internal seal.  Mr. Fabricant has identified that problem as a builder error, not a manufacturer error.  MBMI kindly sent additional ridge caps at no charge to fill in the gap from the vent that had to be removed.  I now have a dry barn.

Rust spots on the roof, which have been identified by MBMI as left over metal fillings from the builder.  This explanation is consistent with a Nucor steel guide that I have acquired on the internet just this week.  The builder has probably misplaced the blame for this error on MBMI and I have taken corrective action with him.

MBMI advertising is, in general accurate and not misleading.  The bolts provided by MBMI were head stamped “HHW” which apparently were from h*o Hung Works of Taiwan (see the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Fastener Insignia Register).  This was a disappointment to me in not being “Made in the USA”, but I have been assured they meet MBMI’s standards.  They most likely meet all building specifications, correct tempering and Rockwell hardness.

An finally, the most important omissions of a balanced review.  What were the good points?  The painted panels supplied by MBMI were excellent.  They were delivered with no noticeable scratches or dents from the shipping process. The paint was perfect.  I chose “old town gray” of which I was high highly pleased.  This color is also energy star rated so it should be good at keeping the building cool.  Paint chip samples can be obtained upon request by calling MBMI.  Many panel fasteners were sent in the MBMI kit, and I have been assured by Mr. Fabricant that they are of correct specifications and quality.

Those who desire a metal building should do their own extensive research [ie. BBB, agricultural or building internet forums, etc.] and check with locals who have taken the plunge into building a steel or metal building..  Also, if might be wise to check with your builder and see if he has any experiences with MBMI.  Good rapport  between your builder and your kit supplier is one key element for a good outcome.  A consumer may wish to consider MBMI in their pre-purchasing evaluating process.

Disclaimers:

This and the previous post only represent the perceptions and opinions of the reviewer.  These are influenced by the personal experiences and skills acquired during his lifetime.  No special skills in design, construction, engineering, metallurgy, the metal or steel building industry or related fields are claimed or implied.  No malice is intended or implied to MBMI, any other company nor any individual mentioned in these postings.  These opinions are based upon personal observations and experiences only.  No engineering laboratory testing was performed on any components in this reviewed product.  Any company, individual, organization or forum specifically mentioned in this or the previous post does not represent an endorsement; mentioning of any competitors do not represent and endorsement over MBMI or its interests by the author.  Any example cited were part of a discussion was for the consumer who wishes to conduct pre-purchasing on-line or personal survey research.  The author of these posts is not being paid nor has been made any promise of payment by MBMI nor any of its competitors.