Construction Input Prices Plummet in November

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WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Construction input prices experienced their most rapid monthly decline since February 2016 in November, falling 0.5 percent according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Despite the month-over-month fall, input prices are up by 0.5 percent on a yearly basis for the second consecutive month. Nonresidential input prices fell 0.7 percent for the month but are up 0.4 percent on the year. Crude petroleum, natural gas and unprocessed energy materials prices have all risen significantly since November 2015. Only three key inputs prices—plumbing fixtures and fittings; nonferrous wire and cable and prepared asphalt, tar roofing and siding … Read more

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McCownGordon’s Ian Wood Receives Safety Trained Supervisor Construction Certification

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Senior Superintendent Ian Wood of McCownGordon Construction has completed all requirements to become a Board of Certified Safety Professional and has received BCSP’s Safety Trained Supervisor Construction certification. To become certified, individuals must meet eligibility criteria and demonstrate experience in the safety, health and environmental discipline. Individuals receiving STSC certification must recertify every five years to maintain certification. According to Brian Schrader, McCownGordon’s safety director, “Ian truly exemplifies our company’s culture of safety. At McCownGordon, safety is more than a procedure, process or plan. It is a daily practice and our moral responsibility.” Safety issues have … Read more

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Brasfield & Gorrie Breaks Ground on New UAB Collat School of Business Building

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Brasfield & Gorrie recently joined the University of Alabama at Birmingham and local Birmingham business leaders to break ground on a new building that will house the Collat School of Business and Bill L. Harbert Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. The four-story, 110,000-square-foot building will feature multidimensional learning spaces, including breakout rooms for team projects, engaging space for entrepreneurial projects, classrooms designed for team-based learning, a high-tech trading and finance lab, labs for behavioral research and sales presentations, a three-story atrium, career services space and study rooms. Construction was scheduled to begin on Dec. 19 and is expected to last … Read more

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New National, State Construction Hiring and Business Forecasts to be Released During Media Call

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At 1 p.m. EST on Wednesday, Dec. 21, the Associated General Contractors of America and Sage will release their national and state* construction hiring and business forecasts for 2017 during a media conference call at 800-874-4559 (Canadian: 800-696-0876) (verbal pass code TURM25524). The forecasts, which are based on a comprehensive survey of construction firms nationwide, will include predictions of the scope of construction hiring, layoffs and labor market conditions. During the call, the association’s CEO Stephen Sandherr and Chief Economist Kenneth Simonson will release the forecasts and explain their significance for broader economic and employment growth for this year. Sage … Read more

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Burns & McDonnell Inc. Acquires AZCO INC.

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. – After collaborating on projects for several decades, Burns & McDonnell is acquiring AZCO INC. The acquisition creates one of the most comprehensive environmental, engineering, procurement and direct-hire construction and fabrication companies and enhances the suite of services available to clients. “Acquisitions are common in our industry, but extremely rare at Burns & McDonnell,” says Ray Kowalik, CEO-elect, Burns & McDonnell Inc. “AZCO is a natural partner for us. Their industry-leading construction and pipe fabrication capabilities are a perfect fit into our multibillion dollar construction arm.” Kowalik says AZCO not only aligns with the firm’s construction expertise, … Read more

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