The Center for Cold-Formed Steel Structures (CCFSS) was established at the Missouri University of Science and Technology in May 1990 under an initial grant received from the American Iron and Steel Institute. The Center's sponsors now also include: The Cold-Formed Steel Engineers Institute of the Steel Framing Alliance,Metal Building Manufacturers Association, Metal Construction Association, Rack Manufacturers Institute, Steel Deck Institute, and Steel Stud Manufacturers Association. In 2000, the Center was renamed for its Founding Director, Dr. Wei-Wen Yu.

The mission of the Center is to provide an integrated approach for handling research, teaching, engineering education, technical services, and professional activity. The Center brings together the technical resources of interested parties, i.e., university researchers, steel producers, product manufacturers, consultants, building officials, government agencies, and others with a common goal of continued improvement of cold-formed steel design and construction.