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

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.

Skyhawk baseball players now have a stand-alone facility with features that allow for year-round practice and use.  The building was customized with multiple door openings for easy accessibility and warm weather ventilation.  Canvas door closures can be attached during the cold weather months.

Available electricity allows for the future addition of fans, blowers, air conditioning or heating units if desired.  Lighting was easily installed along hat channel roof purlins.  Interior netting hangs from eyebolts secured to overhead truss braces and can be configured by activity or need.  The Athletic Department economically completed the structure’s interior with the acquisition of artificial turf reclaimed from college football fields and stadiums.  Additional university and athletic team information is available from The University of Tennessee Martin website at www.utm.edu.

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.

The new framing system features VersaTube’s® patented “Slip-Fit” frame connections that speed frame assembly – reducing construction time and cost.  The new 2-inch x 4-inch system utilizes plate-mounted truss side posts for anchoring directly to a concrete foundation, footer or pier – allowing flexible on-center spacing.  Exterior sidewall heights of 10, 12, 14 and 16-feet are available.  Complete building packages that include painted steel sheet metal panels for the roofing and siding along with appropriate trim and screws may be ordered.

“This 2-inch x 4-inch system is the largest and strongest dimensional product available in our industry and can be designed to meet most wind and snow load requirements,” said company co-owner and president Tim Soder.

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.

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