Associated Builders and Contractors Unveils Latest Tech Report

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Associated Builders and Contractors recently released its fifth-annual construction technology report, the ABC Field Tech Report, which highlights the tools and innovations shaping project sites, showcasing the possibilities and opportunities when technology transforms construction in the field. “ABC’s fifth annual construction technology report turns the spotlight to the jobsite, where field technology is driving the next stage of progress,” said Matt Abeles, ABC vice president of construction technology and innovation. “The swift advancement of this particular technology represents a new era for our industry. These leading solutions and companies display a focus on empowering the people who build our infrastructure … Read more

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ABC: Construction Backlog Stable; Contractors Remain Optimistic, Fueled by Data Center Growth

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Associated Builders and Contractors reported that its construction backlog indicator remained unchanged at 8.5 months in September, according to an ABC member survey conducted Sept. 22 to Oct. 6. The reading is down 0.1 months since September 2024. Over the past year, backlog has declined in the commercial and institutional and heavy industrial categories, while it has increased substantially in the infrastructure category. ABC’s Construction Confidence Index reading for sales declined in September, while the readings for profit margins and staffing both increased. The readings for all three components remain above the threshold of 50, indicating expectations for growth over … Read more

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ABC: Construction Materials Prices Up 0.2% in August, Driven By Iron, Steel

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Construction input prices increased 0.2% in August compared to the previous month, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Producer Price Index data released. Nonresidential construction input prices also increased 0.2% for the month. Overall construction input prices are 2.3% higher than a year ago, while nonresidential construction input prices are 2.6% higher. Prices decreased in all three energy categories last month. Crude petroleum and natural gas prices were both down 2.8%, while unprocessed energy materials prices decreased 2.5% in August. “Construction materials prices rose modestly in August, although the increase would … Read more

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ABC: Construction Employment Falls for Third Straight Month in August

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The construction industry lost 7,000 jobs in August, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. On a year-over-year basis, industry employment has grown by 58,000 jobs, an increase of 0.7%. Nonresidential construction employment decreased by 1,200 positions on net, with losses in 2 of the 3 subcategories. Nonresidential building lost 3,300 jobs, while nonresidential specialty trade lost 200 positions. Heavy and civil engineering added 2,300 jobs for the month. The construction unemployment rate dropped to 3.2% in August. Unemployment across all industries increased from 4.2% in July to 4.3% … Read more

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ABC: Construction Quit Rate Plummets to 9-Year Low

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he construction industry had 306,000 job openings on the last day of July, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey. JOLTS defines a job opening as any unfilled position for which an employer is actively recruiting. Industry job openings increased by 64,000 last month and are up by 77,000 from the same time last year. “The construction job opening rate rose to the highest level in over a year during July,” said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu. “Given the ongoing decline in nonresidential construction … Read more

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