Architecture Billings Index Shows Nominal Increase

Commercial/Industrial Sector Strongest Performing Building Category WASHINGTON, D.C. — During the first two months of 2011 the Architecture Billings Index is not exhibiting the strength of business conditions that were seen in the final quarter of 2010. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate nine- to 12-month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) reported the February ABI score was 50.6, up slightly from a reading of 50.0 the previous month. This score reflects a modest increase in demand for design services (any score above 50 indicates … Read more

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Topcon Announces 3D-MC2 System for Motor Graders

System developed for dozers allows graders to operate at speed with extreme accuracy LIVERMORE, Calif. — Technological advances from Topcon Positioning Systems (TPS) changed the reality at what speeds dozers could operate, effectively and efficiently, with its introduction of 3D-MC2 technology in 2008. Now, TPS announces the world’s first 3D-MC2 technology is available for motor graders. The patented technology allows a grader to operate at speeds well above those achieved on any other 3D machine, with tighter tolerance. The 3D-MC2 for graders and dozers is on display March 22-26 in Las Vegas at ConExpo 2011, the largest U.S. construction trade … Read more

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AGC Voices Industry Concern on Expansion of Federal Lead Paint Rules

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has selected AGC of America to advise a panel of government officials on how to minimize the small business impact of imminent federal rules covering Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (LRRP) work in public and commercial buildings. Over the last several months, AGC has worked with a coalition of more than a dozen construction and real estate development groups to submit multiple letters to EPA raising concerns about economic, technical and other legal impediments that could result from an expanded federal LRRP program.   In broader outreach, AGC and coalition partners recently wrote to … Read more

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Reid Supply to Exhibit at ConExpo in Las Vegas

MUSKEGON, Mich. —Reid Supply Company, one of the country’s leading suppliers of industrial products, will be exhibiting at ConExpo beginning March 22nd through March 26th in Las Vegas. Reid Supply will be showcasing their most popular safety and industrial products geared toward the Manufacturing and Transportation Construction industries. “We are very excited to be a part of this huge event,” says Greg Palmer, Director of Marketing for Reid Supply. ”We think that ConExpo is a great opportunity to exhibit the wide selection of safety and industrial products that Reid Supply offers.” ConExpo-Con/Agg is an international conference for the construction industries. … Read more

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Rising Commodity, Materials Prices Drive Turner Building Cost Index to Slightly Increase for First Quarter 2011

Strong Market Competition, Flat Labor Costs Reduce Overall Increase in Construction Costs NEW YORK — Turner Construction Company announced that the First Quarter 2011 Turner Building Cost Index has slightly increased over the Fourth Quarter of 2010. The Turner Building Cost Index measures costs in the nonresidential building construction market in the United States. The Turner Building Cost Index of 806 reflects a 0.62 percent increase from the Fourth Quarter 2010 and 0.88 percent increase from the First Quarter 2010. Karl F. Almstead, the Turner vice president responsible for the Turner Building Cost Index said, “The First Quarter forecast reflects … Read more

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