BHMA® members comprise of over 80% of United States builders hardware manufacturers, thus producing a vast majority of the builders hardware used in commercial and institutional buildings. Currently, BHMA® has authored over 40 standards for builders hardware – including two in the residential sector. The association remains a leader for industry guidance and criteria with the sponsorship of ANSI/BHMA® certification programs to help assure the life safety and security for the industry and for homeowners. However, BHMA®’s standards initiatives began over a decade after its founding. BHMA® has an industrial history that shifted over time.  

The 1960s were a time of change for the building industry and for BHMA:  The organization changed its name from the Hardware Manufacturers’ Statistical Association (HMSA) to the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) and changed its mission from focusing on statistical reporting to developing standards for builders hardware. 

The Standards Steering Committee (SSC) was formed to provide policy guidance to technical committees when developing or revising ANSI/BHMA standards, as well as provide recommendations to the BHMA Board of Directors with regard to Standards and the BHMA Certified Product program.