Monthly Construction Input Prices Unchanged in November, Says ABC

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Construction input prices were unchanged in November compared to the previous month, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Producer Price Index data. Nonresidential construction input prices increased .1% for the month. Overall construction input prices are .5% higher than a year ago, while nonresidential construction input prices are .3% higher. Prices decreased in two of the three energy subcategories last month. Crude petroleum prices were down 3.3%, while unprocessed energy materials prices were down 2%. Natural gas prices were up 2.6% in November. “Construction input prices are up just .2% through the … Read more

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ABC’s Construction Backlog Indicator Holds Steady in November, Contractor Confidence Surges

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Associated Builders and Contractors reported its Construction Backlog Indicator remained unchanged at 8.4 months in November, according to an ABC member survey conducted Nov. 20-Dec. 3. The reading is down .1 months from November 2023. Backlog in the infrastructure category contracted in November, though it is still the only category with higher backlog on a year-over-year basis. ABC’s Construction Confidence Index readings for sales, profit margins and staffing levels improved in November. The readings for all three components remain above the threshold of 50, indicating expectations for growth over the next six months. “Contractor confidence surged in November even though … Read more

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ABC: Construction Adds Just 10,000 Jobs in November

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The construction industry added 10,000 jobs on net in November, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. On a year-over-year basis, industry employment has risen by 211,000 jobs, an increase of 2.6%. Nonresidential construction employment increased by 6,800 positions on net, with growth in 2 of the 3 subcategories. Nonresidential specialty trade added the most jobs on net, with employment in the category increasing by 7,000 positions. Heavy and civil engineering added 1,500 jobs, while nonresidential building lost 1,700 jobs last month. The construction unemployment rate rose to … Read more

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ABC Releases AI Construction Technology Report

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Associated Builders and Contractors released its latest construction technology report, which focuses on the impacts of artificial intelligence in the construction industry. The report includes a case study and thought leadership from ABC’s Tech Alliance to showcase how ABC is strengthening members’ understanding of AI. “ABC contractor members and the overall contracting community want more information on AI and how it can help them improve safety, quality and profitability — and win more work.” said Matt Abeles, ABC vice president of construction technology and innovation. The ABC AI Tech Report, Abeles continued, highlights examples and insights from industry leaders invested … Read more

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Veteran Association Executive John Mielke Joins ABC as Senior Director of Apprenticeship

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Associated Builders and Contractors has named John Mielke as senior director of apprenticeship. The former ABC Wisconsin chapter president will provide strategic direction, transformational leadership and innovative education solutions to ABC’s 67 chapters and 23,000 members and their apprenticeship trusts nationwide. In this key role, Mielke will lead education programs that develop construction’s next generation of craft professionals, including government-registered apprenticeship programs with Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 compliance requirements and flexible, competency-based and market-driven education methodologies. He will also defend the principles of merit shop construction before regulatory and legislative bodies and represent ABC before the media, … Read more

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