Lean Construction Approach Powers More Unified, Efficient Project Team

  • Posted on

By Ken Osmun Construction projects are rarely completed without a hitch, but the unanticipated issues don’t have to cause delays and cost overruns. With the Lean construction approach, a project team can more successfully and easily navigate around obstacles — and even prevent many of them from arising in the first place. Delays spring from countless variables and logistics. One company may have trouble obtaining a needed element such as a lighting fixture because of a hold-up with the supplier. Another company may anticipate being temporarily short-staffed in an upcoming week. Enter Lean construction. The method is a series of … Read more

Filed under: eNews, Means & MethodsTagged with: , , ,

Adapt or Be Left Behind: The Role of Today’s Construction Superintendent

  • Posted on

By Keyan Zandy Change isn’t fun, but it is inevitable. Resenting or resisting what you can’t avoid is a waste of time and energy that could be better used working to create a mindset that embraces transformation. This is especially important in our industry, where new technologies and delivery methods, coupled with an accelerated pace of work, present an unpleasant choice: adapt or be left behind. Superintendents, no matter their leadership style, are expected to get a project completed on time and within budget. This hasn’t changed—however, the way these projects are built and delivered certainly has changed. Field leaders … Read more

Filed under: eNews, Means & MethodsTagged with: , , , , ,

Hiring Our Heroes: Military Vets Could Be Answer to Construction Staffing Challenges

  • Posted on

As construction companies struggle with finding skilled labor, military veterans are a segment of the labor force that deserves attention. Vets make up about 7% of the construction workforce and each year approximately 200,000 vets transition out of the military. Those construction firms that have been successful in recruiting and retaining veterans say their hard and soft skills, as well as attitudinal characteristics make them great new hires. In addition, several programs are in place that make it advantageous and cost-effective to train and hire vets. CONEXPO-CON/AGG is sharing the key benefits vets offer, how to recruit and how to … Read more

Filed under: eNews, NewsTagged with: , , ,

Coronavirus Causes Project Delays + Cancellations, Demand for Skilled Labor High, Says AGC

  • Posted on

The coronavirus has harmed the construction industry, prompting project delays and cancellations, layoffs and furloughs. However, it remains difficult for a majority of firms to find craftworkers to hire, according to the results of a workforce survey conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America and Autodesk. The survey paints a picture of an industry in need of immediate recovery measures and longer-term workforce development support, association officials added. “Few firms have survived unscathed from the pandemic amid widespread project delays and cancellations,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Ironically, even as the pandemic undermines demand for construction services, … Read more

Filed under: Economic News, eNewsTagged with: , , , , , ,

TDIndustries Earns Excellence in Construction Award for Healthcare Project

  • Posted on

The Associated Builders and Contractors’ South Texas Region awarded TDIndustries an Excellence in Construction award for work on HCA/Methodist Healthcare’s Stone Oak Hospital, located in San Antonio. The accolade came in the $2-$10 million category. TD renovated and expanded 27,000 square feet dedicated to operating, prep/recovery, decontamination and anesthesia care. The general contractor performed mechanical, plumbing, medical gas and ductwork installations and change-outs. In addition, TD installed two new air handling units (renovating a third), a water-cooled chiller package, roof drains and nozzles and more than 50 plumbing fixtures. Through collaboration, pull-planning and Lean construction processes, the team completed the … Read more

Filed under: NewsTagged with: , , ,