Construction Industry News

AIA 2018 President Carl Elefante, FAIA, says drastic changes to the built environment are needed to support climate action goals. Find details on his presentation here. 

The Monthly Confidence Index for the Equipment Finance Industry is designed to collect leadership data, the index reports a qualitative assessment of both the prevailing business conditions and expectations for the future as reported by key executives from the $1 trillion equipment finance sector. Overall, confidence in the equipment finance market is 54.7, a decrease from the August index of 58.9. Details here. 

Simpson Gumpertz & Heger’s all-day technical event convenes architecture, engineering and construction thought leaders to discuss resilient and better-performing buildings, infrastructure, and communities. Details here. 

Microsol Resources will host a half day program of architectural, engineering and construction (AEC) industry thought leaders. Details on the conference here. 

The Marcum Commercial Construction Index for the second quarter of 2019 reports construction spending slowing as the economy signals confusion and indecisiveness. Report details here.

StonePoint Materials LLC (StonePoint) has announced the acquisition of Standard Gravel Company LLC (Standard). Standard is a leading regional producer of sand and gravel serving eastern Louisiana and southern Mississippi from four active mine sites. Acquisition details here. 

Universal Forest Products Inc. (UFP) has announced that one of its affiliates acquired Hartford, Wisconsin-based Pallet USA LLC. The acquisition expands UFP’s industrial product capacity and services in the Midwest. Details here.

The American Wood Council (AWC) released an updated version of its free Connection Calculator based on the provisions the National Design Specification (NDS) for Wood Construction as referenced in the 2015 International Building Code.The updated calculator includes cross-laminated timber (CLT) connection provisions and post-frame ring shank nails.

Ware Malcomb, an international design firm, announced it has once again been recognized on the “2019 Inc. 5000,” Inc. Magazine’s annual list of the fastest-growing private companies in America.  Details here. 

One of the categories of the competition is focused on rewarding the “Major Project of the Year” (over €500M). Amongst the eight projects submitted for this category, the panel of judges identified four finalists that seem to pursue one common goal: managing urban expansion. Global growth impacts large-scale urban regions, in particular their attractiveness. Project details here. 

Energy efficiency is the fastest-growing segment of U.S. energy-sector employment, now employing more than 2.3 million Americans, according to a new analysis from E4TheFuture and the national, nonpartisan business group E2 (Environmental Entrepreneurs). Energy efficiency workers now account for 28% of all U.S. energy jobs. Details here.

Sports arenas bring in big bucks and crazy energy for the minor and major teams in cities across the nation. Here’s a look at three projects bringing in new builds and new momentum:

In the wake of firing Great Hall Partners (GHP)—the public-private partnership completing work on the project—Denver International Airport’s Chief Executive Officer Kim Day announced a new, larger budget and a new project schedule.

The problematic project now has a budget of $770 million, $120 million more than its original budget.

Last week, Texas Central (the company developing the rail line) announced it had entered an agreement with Houston and Dallas to complete the design and build of a $20 billion high-speed rail line.

A new report from FMI Corporation, “Megaprojects: Changing the Conversation,” estimates that annual construction put in place for megaprojects in the U.S. will increase 600%—from $50 billion to $350 billion.

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is outlining an initial path forward for the organization and profession this morning in a new declaration, “Where We Stand: Climate Action.” Details here. 

Total construction and real estate industry merger and acquisition (M&A) deals in Q2 2019 (worth $3.69 billion) were announced in the United States, according to GlobalData, a data and analytics company. Details of the M&As here. 

FMI Corporation has announced the release of its latest report, “Megaprojects: Changing the Conversation.” In this article, FMI presents their latest market forecast on megaprojects, shares insights from industry leaders on five key ingredients that drive successful megaprojects, and offers questions and recommendations around how to change the name of the game. Details here. 

John Deereis extending the 8-year, 20,000-hour power electronic components warrantyon the 944K Hybrid Wheel Loader. Details here.