COLLIERVILLE, TN – VersaTube® Building Systems has announced the launch of a new Authorized Installer Program designed to link local contractors with building installation experience to its customers in need of installation services. For many licensed construction contractors and handymen, this program represents an opportunity to add a new revenue stream in an otherwise challenging economic market.

“Our mission [for the program] is quite simple and serves two purposes. First, we want to offer building installation services to our purchasing customers who request it. They may be customers buying direct from us or from our retail partners like Lowe’s, The Home Depot, Menards, Northern Tool, Sutherlands, Tractor Supply, Rural King, and others. And second, we want to build a nationwide network of licensed professionals willing to become a partner with VersaTube in servicing our customers. And, after experiencing how easy it is to work with our building system, if some wish to become VersaTube dealers, then that’s an added benefit,” stated Tim Soder, VersaTube® Building Systems’ President.

Because steel frame components have been pre-engineered, pre-cut, smartly packaged, and are ready to assemble, VersaTube has positioned itself as a unique source for metal building kits. Among customers who purchase a VersaTube metal carport, garage, loafing shed, or metal building, most plan to find an outside source to build it for them. It is estimated that 80-90% of customers in the small to mid-sized building market require installation services. VersaTube’s steel tube frame system features patented “Slip-Fit” frame connections that simplify assembly and reduce construction time for installing contractors.

VersaTube will develop a database of authorized installers available to provide turnkey installation services to its retail customers. Authorized installers will be encouraged to contact local VersaTube retail partner stores (i.e. Lowe’s, Menards, Rural King, etc.) to offer their services to purchasing customers. VersaTube’s strong brand recognition and current national advertising efforts generate a steady stream of sales leads and installation opportunities.

Interested companies and contractors can learn more about the VersaTube Authorized Installer Program and submit an online application from the VersaTube.com website. Each applicant will be contacted by a VersaTube Business Development Manager with additional program details.

VersaTube® Building Systems, with plants at corporate headquarters in Collierville, TN and near Phoenix, AZ, designs, manufactures, distributes and markets pre-engineered metal building components and ready-to-assemble kits for residential, agricultural, commercial, light industrial, public works, and custom metal building applications.

VersaTube’s packaged kits offer the premier do-it-yourself, prefabricated metal building system for storage buildings, carports, RV and boat covers, detached garages, horse barns, animal shelters, buildings for indoor athletic use, and simple structures for start-up and expanding businesses.

Additional company and product information is available from the VersaTube® Building Systems’ website at www.VersaTube.com

In these challenging economic times, cities and municipalities are seeking cost effective shelter and storage options for their various public works needs. For the city of Vancouver, the often harsh Canadian winter season called for a salt containment facility that would provide a dry sheltered environment with immediate scoop-and-load access to the large salt supply reserves used to combat ice and snow.

Featuring the patented VersaTube® Slip-Fit metal frame system, the three-man Easy Build Structures crew installed a three-sided 40-foot wide by 60-foot long by 16-foot high metal shelter on top of a 9-foot high concrete stem wall using standard tools, a 25-foot boom crane for lifting and placing the trusses, and a platform lift for attaching the roofing and siding panels. The resulting 25-foot high metal building was wired for electricity to accommodate halogen bay lights used for 24-hour salt loading when weather conditions dictate.

Response from Vancouver city officials was positive, stating that “the job was completed to our high expectations and we love it!” Easy Build Structures reports that those same city officials are now considering additional metal buildings as shelters for water tanks and other public works uses.

VersaTube® Building Systems, with plants at corporate headquarters in Collierville, Tenn., and in Guadalupe, Ariz., near Tempe, offers complete engineering and design services to construction management companies, general contractors, and architects for 50-foot wide and under clear span structures ranging from simple canopy shelters to enclosed building solutions. Custom configurations and applications are available.

VersaTube® designs, manufactures, distributes and markets pre-engineered steel framing components and systems for residential, agricultural, commercial, and light industrial building and shelter applications. The heart of the VersaTube® Building System is a patented “Slip-Fit” connection that simplifies assembly of structural steel frames, thereby reducing construction time. This also allows for the system to be designed with frame components that are manageable in size for easy handling and compact packaging.

Additional company and product information is available from the VersaTube® Building Systems’ website at www.VersaTube.com. For more information, contact Gregg Rezabek, VersaTube® Building Systems, (800) 900-7222, extension 314 or grezabek@versatube.com.

VersaTube® Building Systems answered the call to get involved in the “Lend A Hand Today” program when The Today Show contacted Lowe’s, a nationally recognized home improvement retailer that sells VersaTube® garages, carports and loafing sheds.

“The Idaho Youth Ranch was in need of a large storage facility to house various items and equipment,” said Tim Soder, President, VersaTube® Building Systems.  “They also needed assistance in erecting and installing the building on site at the ranch.”

The donation, including materials, freight and labor, retailed for $8,000.  J. Rhode Building Systems, an authorized VersaTube® Building Systems dealer based in Caldwell, Idaho, donated the project supervision and labor involved in assembling and installing the steel building.

“The shed will provide many years of good use,” said Dustin Larna, operations manager, Idaho Youth Ranch.  “I am very impressed with VersaTube® as a company and a building system.  Their customer service is second to none.  The building looks great and is much more solid than I expected.  I don’t know why anyone would build with wood instead of using the VersaTube® system.”  Larna continued, “The crew that installed the building was very fast and professional.  I have been and will continue to recommend VersaTube’s® services and products to anyone in the market for a shop or garage.  Thanks for a great building.”

The building was presented and revealed live on The Today Show on the program’s debut day, April 14, 2008, by Soder of VersaTube® Building Systems, and Jesse Rhode of J. Rhode Building Systems.

“The decision to answer the call was easy,” Soder said.  “We have always looked for ways to support not only the community in which we are based, but also the communities that support us nationally.  And when we learned of what the Idaho Youth Ranch provides for children in need, we didn’t even have to think about it.  We immediately began determining how to make it happen.”

The Idaho Youth Ranch (IYR) site near Rupert, Idaho, is a non-profit, non-denominational, residential treatment home with 24-hour supervision for at-risk youth typically affected by neglect or abuse at home, family conflict, mental health issues, substance abuse and/or juvenile crime.  The unique ranch environment allows youth to participate in activities that support and impact emotional and social needs through counseling, education, 4-H, and horsemanship.  The IYR operates five other residential homes in Idaho, and provides family counseling, adoption services, and foster care training.  Revenue from 24 IYR Thrift Stores located throughout the state supports the homes, programs and services.

VersaTube® Building Systems, with plants at corporate headquarters in Collierville, Tenn. and in Guadalupe, Ariz. near Tempe, designs, manufactures, distributes and markets pre-engineered steel framing components and systems for residential, agricultural, commercial, and light industrial building and shelter applications.  The heart of the VersaTube® Building System is a patented “Slip-Fit” connection that simplifies assembly of structural steel frames, thereby reducing construction time.  This also allows for the system to be designed with frame components that are manageable in size for easy handling and compact packaging.

Applications for VersaTube’s® framing systems include DIY storage buildings for the homeowner, structures for RV and boat storage, horse barns and animal shelters, buildings for indoor athletic uses, and structures for start-up and expanding businesses.

Additional company and product information is available from the VersaTube® Building Systems’ website at www.VersaTube.com.  Dealer inquiries welcome.