Skender Expands Business beyond Construction

CHICAGO, Ill. – Envisioning a more efficient future for the building industry, Skender is expanding beyond construction, becoming a vertically integrated company including construction, design and building component manufacturing functions. The expansion includes significant investment in the launch of a new Chicago, Illinois-based advanced manufacturing subsidiary and the acquisition of the boutique design firm Ingenious Architecture. Skender has also recruited two industry trailblazers: architect and thought leader Tim Swanson, and construction technology innovator Kevin Bredeson. As part of the transformation, Skender Construction has rebranded as Skender, reflecting the expansion beyond its core construction business. Skender will open a manufacturing facility … Read more

Filed under: NewsTagged with: , , , ,

New Steel, Aluminum Tariffs Cause Concern within Construction Industry

The CEO of the Associated General Contractors of America, Stephen E. Sandherr, released the following statement in reaction to President Trump’s announcement that he will impose new tariffs on imported steel and aluminum products: “These new tariffs will cause significant harm to the nation’s construction industry, put tens of thousands of high-paying construction jobs at risk, undermine the President’s proposed infrastructure initiative and potentially dampen demand for new construction projects for years to come. That is because the newly imposed tariffs will lead to increases in what construction firms are forced to pay for the many steel and aluminum products that … Read more

Filed under: Economic NewsTagged with: , ,

Billings Strong at Firms in West, Midwest Regions

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Institute of Architects is reporting an increase in architecture firm billings for February from its Architecture Billings Index, with several key segments showing an encouraging outlook for 2018. “We remain optimistic about the trends we’re seeing at architecture firms this year with the ABI continuing to show growth in February,” said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, Hon. AIA, Ph.D. “We saw several major bright spots reflected in February’s data, as billings remained particularly strong at firms located in the West and Midwest.” While the pace of growth in design activity slowed a bit in February … Read more

Filed under: Economic NewsTagged with: , , ,

ABC Honors Best at Annual Excellence in Construction Awards

LONG BEACH, Calif. — Associated Builders and Contractors’ officials announced the winners of its annual awards for best construction projects, safety performance, diversity initiatives and the Contractor of the Year. The awards were presented at the 28th annual Excellence in Construction Awards during ABC Convention 2018. Excellence in Construction Awards ACI Mechanical Named Contractor of the Year National Safety Excellence Awards National Diversity Excellence Awards ABC’s convention also features the National Craft Championships, the Construction Management Competition, keynote speakers and education sessions for ABC members and staff from 70 chapters, technology exhibits, networking opportunities and a national board meeting.

Filed under: NewsTagged with: , , ,

Modjeski and Masters to Lead Inspection, Load Capacity Ratings of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge

MECHANICSBURG, Pa. – Modjeski and Masters has been selected for the 2018 Biennial Inspection of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge from the Delaware River Port Authority. This historic structure features a 1,750-foot main suspended span and is over 9,500 feet in total length. As the prime consultant for this contract, Modjeski and Masters will perform a close visual hands-on inspection of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge facility in 2018. The goal is to update the condition of all fracture-critical members and fatigue-sensitive evaluations. Modjeski and Masters will also write a bridge-specific load rating manual for the bridge, as well as perform a … Read more

Filed under: ProjectsTagged with: ,