Nonresidential Construction Spending Contracts 0.6% in September, Says ABC

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National nonresidential construction spending contracted 0.6% in September, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data published recently by the U.S. Census Bureau. On a seasonally adjusted annualized basis, nonresidential spending totaled $791.2 billion for the month. Spending was down in 11 of the 16 nonresidential subcategories, with spending in amusement and recreation unchanged for the month. Both private and public nonresidential spending declined 0.6% in September. “It is not surprising that nonresidential construction spending declined in September,” said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu. “Nonresidential construction spending has generally been trending lower for several months and the factors … Read more

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Swinerton One of First Contractors with In-House Operators for Layout Automation Robot

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General contractor Swinerton is officially the first construction company with fully trained in-house operators for robot-powered tools for the modern construction workforce. Swinerton’s innovation and self-perform drywall departments partnered with Dusty Robotics during their prototyping phase of development, providing access to projects for testing and valuable functionality feedback. Through its R&D partnership with the robotics company, Swinerton has successfully used one of its layout tools on several building projects. According to Swinerton Vice President and Division Manager of Self-Perform Services Jim Watson, “the company has seen benefits such as schedule acceleration, and foremen saving time and improving quality by taking … Read more

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KAI Build Named MOWIT 2021 Breaking Barriers Contractor of the Year

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KAI Build has been named the 2021 Breaking Barriers Contractor of the Year by the Missouri Women in Trades organization. KAI accepted the award during MOWIT’s Blue Collar Black Tie Awards Gala honoring and celebrating women in the trades on Sept. 17 at the Sheet Metal Workers Local 36 Grand Hall in St. Louis, Missouri. Founded in 2008, MOWIT works to expand opportunities for women to enter and succeed in apprenticeship and careers in the construction and building trades in the greater St. Louis area. MOWIT works with employers, unions, educational organizations and other entities to increase women’s equal employment … Read more

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Building Talent Foundation, Simpson Strong-Tie Form Alliance to Promote Trades

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Building Talent Foundation and Simpson Strong-Tie have formed a strategic alliance to promote the growth of the residential construction industry workforce in the United States. BTF is a non-profit organization focused on connecting young and underserved people to skilled trades training and career opportunities. Simpson Strong-Tie is committed to giving back to its communities by contributing to the quality of construction trades education and the promotion and advancement of the trades. BTF’s mission is to advance the education, training and career progression of young people and people from underrepresented groups, as skilled technical workers and business owners in residential construction. … Read more

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Only 14 States + D.C. Added Construction Jobs Since Pandemic Began as Supply Problems, Lack of Infrastructure Bill Undermine Recovery

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Only 14 states and the District of Columbia have added construction jobs since just before the start of the pandemic in February 2020, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that widespread supply chain disruptions amid and the lack of a much-needed federal infrastructure bill have impeded the sector’s recovery. “Construction employment remains below pre-pandemic levels in more than two-thirds of the states,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Supply problems have slowed down many projects and forced contractors to hold down employment, while the lack … Read more

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