Agriculture
As you can imagine, agriculture is a significant player in Oklahoma’s economy. After all, the state is home to over 9.5 million acres of farmland! Some of the most significant agricultural commodities produced here include hogs, cattle, wheat, and dairy products. And very few of these farms could function at their current capacity without using metal buildings. These structures protect their valuable equipment, crops, and livestock from elemental dangers and pest infiltration. Additionally, many agricultural products simply wouldn’t make it to the market without specialized metal buildings that have refrigeration capabilities.
Energy
Another enormous contributor to the state economy comes from the energy sector. In fact, it’s so large that it adds over $57 billion to the state’s GDP! This is partly due to Oklahoma being situated in the center of a vast oil and natural gas-rich region that encompasses several states. And whether it’s natural gas, petroleum, or renewable sources, each of these industries relies on steel structures to get the job done. Wooden alternatives are far more expensive, time-consuming, and prone to decay than steel. At the same time, metal buildings offer the quick construction and cost-effective design that commercial enterprises need to function well.
Natural Resources
Natural gas and oil aren’t the only resources Oklahoma brings to the table! Some of the products mined in the Sooner State include coal, stone, petroleum products, and more. These products all require refinement before they reach the market, and you can bet metal buildings are there to provide the infrastructure that keeps them going.
Manufacturing
Oklahoma is also a leading producer of transportation equipment, industrial products, and electronics. Although these business types don’t rake in the large numbers other economic sectors might, they all heavily use steel structures for their factories, plants, and warehouses. This is due to their versatility and the enormous square footage only available by using steel components.
Transportation
Being positioned in the center of the US, Oklahoma has a well-developed array of highways, railroads, and infrastructure. These state-run departments trust metal structures for their warehouses, storage facilities, and rest stops due to the fast construction times and minimal maintenance requirements.