U.S. exports of construction equipment continued to grow in 2011 and ended the first half of the year up 48 percent compared to January-June of 2010. Total construction machinery exports at midyear were $11 billion, according to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. The off-road equipment manufacturing trade group consolidates U.S. Commerce Dept. data with other sources into member global trend reports. “Exports remain a bright spot for the U.S. construction machinery manufacturing industry with continued weakness in the domestic marketplace. Pro-American export policies such as free trade agreements are proven to spur economic growth, which means manufacturers can provide more … Read more

CHICAGO, Ill. — Turner Construction Company’s Chicago office recently held a graduation ceremony for 59 graduates of the firm’s 23rd Turner School of Construction Management Program for minority and women-owned business enterprises. Sponsors of the program this year included Exelon Corporation, Federation of Women Contractors, Roosevelt University’s Marshall Bennett Institute of Real Estate, Construction Materials and Supply Resources, and endorsements from The City of Chicago’s Department of Procurement, Chicago Minority Business Development Council, Westwood College, the Women’s Business Development Center and the U.S. Green Building Council. “Another successful year of making a significant impact to the minority and women owned … Read more

Industry Continues Focus on Workplace Safety The number of construction fatalities declined by nearly 10 percent between 2009 and 2010 and by almost 40 percent during the past five years, according to an analysis of new federal data prepared by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials pointed to an industry-wide commitment to improving workplace safety as a key reason for the safety improvements. “This industry has made safety a top priority in good times and bad, and the new data shows those efforts are helping save lives,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association's chief executive officer. “But even … Read more

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. — To celebrate tradesmen’s skill and contributions, IRWIN Tools has several initiatives planned across the country to salute and honor ‘The Hands that Build America and Keep it Running Strong’ as the inaugural National Tradesmen Day draws near. IRWIN will invite 250 professional tradesmen to give the command for drivers to start engines as they serve as “Grand Marshals” during pre-race ceremonies at the IRWIN Tools Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway on Saturday, Aug. 27. IRWIN will also give away 1,000 grandstand tickets to tradesmen to experience The World’s Fastest Half-Mile and show the company’s appreciation for … Read more