Fun with Foam at TCC Aviation Center

Tulsa Community College Aviation Center, Tulsa, Oklahoma, recently filmed the test of the fire suppression system using foam at its newest location. The facility is being renovated to house TCC’s Aviation Sciences academic programs: Professional Pilot Air Traffic Control Aviation Management Aviation Logistics GH2 Architects is providing the design work and Flintco is serving as the construction manager. There are several unique design elements in converting the existing airplane hangar to a modern TCC campus and aviation program headquarters. The project uses a state-of-the-art fire suppression system that can quickly dispense foam fire suppression, LED lights throughout the facility and […]

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$25K Messer Grant Fuels Renovation Project for Nashville Organization

The Messer Construction Co. Foundation recently presented a $25,000 grant to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee, an organization that strives to provide children facing adversity with enduring and professionally supported relationships that change their lives for the better. BBBS Middle Tennessee plans to use the funding to renovate its current office space into a multiuse meeting room – The Messer Mentoring Center – which will allow for onsite training and activities for children, parents and mentors. The grant was sponsored by Messer Senior Project Executive Chris Steigerwald, who has served as a big brother and is a member […]

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Construction Firms Add 46K Workers in November, Unemployment Drops to 6.2%

Construction firms added 46,000 workers in November for the biggest monthly gain in employment for the sector since January 2014, as the industry’s unemployment rate declined to 6.2 percent, according to a recent analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that the robust job gains come as demand for construction continues to expand and new federal transportation legislation will further boost employment in the sector. “Construction firms appear to be having an easier time finding workers to hire after months of struggling with worker shortages,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Between accelerating construction spending […]

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U.S. Construction Equipment Exports Still in Decline

MILWAUKEE, Wis. — Exports of U.S.-made construction equipment dropped 17.6 percent for the first three quarters of 2015 compared to January-September 2014, for a total $10.8 billion shipped worldwide. All world regions experienced declines, led by Africa and South and Central America, according to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. The AEM equipment manufacturing trade group cited U.S. Department of Commerce data it uses in global market reports for members. Exports by World Region January-September 2015 U.S. construction equipment exports by major world regions compared to January-September 2014: Canada dropped 15 percent, for a total $4.4 billion South America declined 28 percent, […]

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Nonresidential Spending Retains Momentum

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Nonresidential construction spending expanded in October for the third consecutive month (September’s estimate was revised higher than August’s) according to analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data recently released by Associated Builders and Contractors. Nonresidential construction spending totaled $701.8 billion in October on a seasonally adjusted annualized rate, a 1 percent increase on a monthly basis and an 11 percent increase on a yearly basis. Private sector nonresidential construction spending added 0.6 percent for the month, reaching a total of $403.4 billion. Nonresidential spending in the public sector gained 1.4 percent from September, totaling $298.4 billion. “The data tell […]

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