How the Pandemic Highlights Growth Opportunities, Efficiencies in the Field

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By Phil Bouthillette Speed is one of the great differentiators in our industry. Before COVID-19 hit, construction firms of all sizes were building and fine-tuning a better mousetrap for scheduling and logistics management that would allow them to gain a competitive edge, and win new business. But the pandemic has upended traditional jobsite workflows and functions, with many well laid-out plans having to be shelved and the ability to improvise and rapidly pivot now a more valuable commodity than ever. Before tackling how to adapt and evolve, construction superintendents must have a clear view of the playing field they now … Read more

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Construction Employment in December Trails Pre-Pandemic Levels in 34 States

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Construction employment in December remained below pre-pandemic levels in two-thirds of the states even though 37 states and the District of Columbia added construction jobs from November to December, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government employment data. Association officials said the new data highlights how broadly the industry has been impacted by the pandemic and underscores the need for additional coronavirus recovery measures.   “While most states recorded construction employment gains in December, the pickup is likely to be temporary for many,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Participants in our association’s … Read more

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5 Ways 2020 Changed the Way We Build

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By Rachael Farr At the onset of 2020, construction firms felt optimistic for the year ahead. Demand for construction was high, and industry challenges seemed predictable. Construction leaders were confident, until COVID-19 spread across the nation. While “pandemic” may have been Miriam-Webster’s 2020 Word of the Year, it was “flexibility” for construction teams. In many ways, the pandemic changed building by accelerating innovation, requiring a greater reliance on technology and adding a new dimension to workplace safety. General contracting and construction management firm Robins & Morton was among the many companies that had to quickly develop procedures and protocols in … Read more

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AEM Snapshot of Top Manufacturing Trends to Watch in 2021

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Both the immediate and long-term future of the manufacturing industry will be defined by the development of a number of ever-evolving and prominent trends. These trends are poised to have a significant impact in 2021 (and, in many cases, beyond), so it’s crucial for manufacturers to develop a keen understanding of what they are, how they will grow over time and how they will impact the industry and the customers it serves. With that in mind, let’s look at five manufacturing trends to watch in 2021: COVID-19 + Employee Safety It almost goes without saying that workplace safety and compliance … Read more

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New Industry Outlook Reports on Industry Struggles with Declining Demand, Growing Project Delays + Cancelations

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Most contractors expect demand for many types of construction to shrink in 2021 even as the pandemic is prompting many owners to delay or cancel already-planned projects, meaning few firms will hire new workers, according to survey results released by the Associated General Contractors of America and Sage Construction and Real Estate. The findings are detailed in The Pandemic’s Growing Impacts on the Construction Industry: The 2021 Construction Hiring and Business Outlook Report.   “This is clearly going to be a difficult year for the construction industry,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s CEO. “Demand looks likely to continue shrinking, … Read more

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