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East Coast Metal Systems (ECMS) is proud to have contributed to the University of South Carolina Upstate Library renovation and expansion, recently recognized as the 2026 Metal Architecture Design Awards – Metal Composite Materials Category Winner. The award celebrates excellence in the design and application of metal composite materials, recognizing projects that demonstrate innovation, craftsmanship, and outstanding architectural achievement.

Designed by Moseley and installed by Tidewater Building Group, the USC Upstate Library project showcases how collaboration between the design team, contractor, and specialty fabricator can transform a building with a high-performance, visually striking façade.

For the project, ECMS fabricated and supplied 4,400 square feet of its EC-200 Dry Joint MCM System™ using Alucobond® 4mm FR Aluminum Composite Material (ACM). The system included 381 precision-fabricated panels—309 in New Age Dark Bronze and 72 in Oyster—creating a clean, contemporary exterior that complements the library’s modern architecture while delivering exceptional durability and long-term performance.

The EC-200 Dry Joint MCM System™ was selected for its ability to achieve crisp architectural lines, installation efficiency, and lasting weather resistance. Through precision fabrication and close coordination with the project team, ECMS helped bring the architect’s vision to life while supporting the project’s performance and sustainability objectives.

“We’re honored to have contributed to a project that has been recognized for excellence in architectural metal design,” said Kyle Sowinski, Senior Project Manager at East Coast Metal Systems. “This award reflects the strength of collaboration between the architect, contractor, and fabrication team, and we’re proud that our EC-200 system helped achieve the project’s vision.”

This recognition highlights ECMS’s commitment to delivering innovative façade solutions that combine aesthetic excellence with long-term performance. From higher education facilities to healthcare, commercial, and government buildings, ECMS partners with architects and contractors to fabricate architectural metal panel systems that bring ambitious designs to life.

Congratulations to Moseley, Tidewater Building Group, and the entire project team on this outstanding achievement. ECMS is proud to have played a role in delivering an award-winning building envelope that will serve the USC Upstate campus for years to come.

MAY 2019 – East Coast Metal Systems (ECMS) held a specification overview training session for new interns as well as current employees, which was lead by Engineering Manager John Hyde and Pre-Construction Coordinator Tiffany Wildern.

The training consisted of learning the purpose of a spec, why they are important to ECMS, the structure and division of a spec, and an example breakdown of a current job in production spec. Additional trainings will be held on a weekly basis covering all aspects of the business.

From drawings to submittals, the ECMS team will follow the structure of the job from invitation to bid and fabrication. Following this process will allow for current employees, new hires, and interns to gain a better understanding of what we do, how we do it, and why we do it.

“Steve Kerr, John Hyde, and I wanted to implement a training program that would not only train our interns about the process ECMS follows and why, but also to offer continuing education for current employees,” said Tiffany. “Offering these training sessions will allow knowledge to be shared and our business to grow and develop as a leader in the metal industry.”