Steel Costs Begin to Level out, Supply + Demand Stabilizes 

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In March 2018, when a large tariff increase—25%—on steel imports went into effect, alarm bells went off in the construction industry. A cost increase of this size impacts bottom lines, so everyone in the industry braced for a blow. The tension was high. The U.S. is the largest steel importer throughout the world (Trade.gov) and, when the new tariff began, the construction industry was growing faster than at any time since 2010, when recovery from the Great Recession began. Just when recovery was taking off, this new threat loomed. Questions related to the new cost of steel and its available … Read more

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Builder Launches Dedicated Service Pledge to Sacred Heart Community Service

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Commercial builder Blach Construction is ringing in 2020 with plans to commemorate 50 years in business. Founded in 1970 by Michael S. Blach, the company will be hosting a series of celebrations and has kicked off a year-long giving program at Sacred Heart Community Service in San Jose, California. “When we polled our colleagues on how they would like to celebrate our first 50 years, the results were overwhelmingly in favor of performing community service,” stated Chairman Mike Blach. “This response was very gratifying and would have made my dad, our founder, very happy. He loved working with nonprofits and … Read more

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Phase II of Northland Central Project Exceeds Minority/Women-Owned Business Utilization Goals

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The recently completed Phase II of the Northland Central project, located in Buffalo, New York, creates a new home for Buffalo Manufacturing Works. This second phase of construction provides 50,000 square feet of a facility that is twice the size of the organization’s previous space. Gilbane Building Company served as general contractor on the project. “The completion of Phase II of Northland Central is yet another step forward in the continued economic development of Western New York,” said John Cleary, senior project executive, Gilbane Building Company. “This project, which will help advance Buffalo’s manufacturing capability, is particularly exciting because of … Read more

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How to Deal with Unknown Site Conditions + Underground Utilities

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Planning, training to minimize risk By Dwayne Goddard As a senior superintendent, I have been working in the construction industry for more than 42 years. I have seen the industry evolve, particularly in the way we approach unknowns on a jobsite. Gone are the days of walking on a new site and immediately digging a trench or tearing down walls. Now more than ever, the emphasis is on planning and identifying potential hazards before they occur. Plan the work, work the plan In my career working for multiple general contractors, I have observed a drastic variation in the frequency that … Read more

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Stay Warm All Day with New Milwaukee Winter Gloves

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Milwaukee Tool continues to improve comfort and safety on the jobsite with the addition of two new winter gloves— Winter Demolition Gloves and Winter Performance Gloves. Designed to provide all day warmth and reinforced durability, the new gloves are 100% waterproof and windproof for durability and warmth in cold environments. The Winter Demolition Gloves provide all day warmth with 40g of insulation. Reinforced palms and fingertips provide added durability, while a TPR knuckle guard increases protection. The Winter Performance Gloves keep users warm and comfortable with 60g of insulation. For increased durability, a reinforced layer is incorporated between the thumb … Read more

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