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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Energy Prices Drive Construction Materials Costs Higher in October

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Construction input prices increased .3% in October 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 also increased .3% for the month. Prices increased in all three energy subcategories last month. Natural gas prices increased by 29.3%, unprocessed energy materials prices rose 9.9% and crude petroleum prices advanced by 7.3%. Overall construction input prices are .2% lower than a year ago, while nonresidential construction input prices are 0.5% lower. “Higher energy prices drove the increase in construction input prices observed in October,” … Read more

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Construction Backlog Indicator Slips in October, Contractor Confidence Remains Elevated

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Associated Builders and Contractors’ Construction Backlog Indicator fell to 8.4 months in October, according to an ABC member survey conducted Oct. 21-Nov. 4. The reading is unchanged from October 2023. Backlog fell in every region except for the Northeast in October, reversing the previous month’s trend in which every region except for the Northeast saw an increase in backlog. Only the Middle States have longer backlog than one year ago. ABC’s Construction Confidence Index readings for sales and staffing levels improved in October, while the reading for profit margins inched slightly lower. The readings for all three components are above … Read more

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Construction Backlog Indicator Rebounds in September, Contractor Confidence Improves

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Associated Builders and Contractors reported that its Construction Backlog Indicator increased to 8.6 months in September, according to an ABC member survey conducted Sept. 20-Oct. 4. The reading is down .4 months from September 2023. Backlog increased in every region except for the Northeast in September. On a year-over-year basis, however, only the Middle States have longer backlog than one year ago. ABC’s Construction Confidence Index readings for sales, profit margins and staffing levels improved in September. The readings for all three components are above the threshold of 50, indicating expectations for growth over the next six months. Visit abc.org/economics for the … Read more

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