The cost of key construction materials increased in August and year-to-year, resuming a trend that has forced contractors to pay more for materials even as competitive pressures restrain prices for finished projects, according to an analysis of federal figures released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. The producer price index for inputs to construction—covering materials that go into every type of project, plus items consumed by contractors such as diesel fuel—increased 0.9 percent in August and 1.0 percent from a year earlier, Sandherr noted. The price increases resume a longer-term trend that is forcing contractors to pay more … Read more

KENT, Ohio — A public/private partnership will enable the Kent State University Foundation to fund an important new hotel and conference center that will create 472 local jobs and spur regional tourism growth and economic development. Project partners in the $15.6 million Kent State University Hotel & Conference Center in downtown Kent include the Kent State University Foundation, The Pizzuti Companies of Columbus, City of Kent, DFWR, which is controlled by the Development Finance Authority of Summit County and Finance Fund. “The partnership that is now making downtown redevelopment in Kent a reality has been a team effort of many … Read more

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers has extensively updated its Truck-Mounted Forklift Safety Manual to provide machine operators, maintenance personnel and others on the jobsite with up-to-date industry safety and maintenance information. The manual outlines some of the basic safety situations that may be encountered during normal operation and maintenance of the machine and suggests possible ways of dealing with these conditions. The manual is not a substitute for the manufacturer's operating manual(s). The 48-page manual was developed with the help of AEM member manufacturers, including members of the association's Truck-Mounted Forklift Committee. It uses an updated layout with the latest … Read more