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We recently wrote about the 144 projects that are changing the London skyline, but let’s not forget that the largest city in America, New York, is also undergoing a construction boom both above and below ground.Of course we have heard about the Hudson Yards and World Trade Center rebuild, but a recent article in amny.com and noted by the AGC Smart Brief, lists 12 “supertalls” that are changing the NYC skyline as we know it. Whether on the fringes of Central Park or around the World Trade Center, the towers, both commercial and residential, will offer vistas and sky views to those who have the means to either “buy in” or lease in the city.
Reshaping the Construction Industry
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Adaptive Construction Solutions Inc., located in Houston, Texas, recruits, trains and integrates veterans into the ironworking industry.Adaptive Construction Solutions, which opened its doors in April, completed its first three training classes, providing more than 70 veterans with introductory ironworking training and careers with notable Houston steel erection companies like Empire Steel, Steelco and Postel International.We have fostered quick success, growth and expansion by creating a culture of camaraderie and “can-do” attitude that attracts veterans and employers alike. In a few short months, Adaptive Construction Solutions and its partners have already expanded their ironworking projects from Southeast Texas to Central Texas. Veterans from all over the country are responding to ACS’ aggressive social media marketing campaign, attracted by the strong opportunities in Texas construction.
August 29, 2016
The industrial construction industry is an ever changing and ever growing industry, especially in the Gulf Coast region of the United States. The Houston area, which takes on the brunt of the majority of this work, is always looking for the next idea of how to maintain a skilled workforce. Labor shortage in general is not a problem, a skilled labor force, however, is where most companies may agree on a commonality of shortages.Melisa Wynne with Ref-Chem says, “Entry level helpers and laborers are plentiful in the Gulf Coast region. Our (Human Resources – Craft Recruiting) problem is manning a project where we need 100 skilled and certified pipefitters, boilermakers and/or welders. There are simply not enough skilled craftsmen to staff all of the projects in our region.”
August 26, 2016
Why would anyone want to build a twisted design in the first place? Developments in design and technology can reduce wind loads on the buildings and take advantage of solar angles.
August 25, 2016
39 states add construction jobs in latest 12 months; reports on July starts divergeEditor’s note: Construction Citizen is proud to partner with AGC America to bring you AGC Chief Economist Ken Simonson's Data DIGest. Check back each week to get Ken's expert analysis of what's happening in our industry.Seasonally adjusted construction employment rose in 39 states from July 2015 to July 2016, declined in 11 states and was unchanged in the District of Columbia, an AGC analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data released on Friday showed. The highest percentage gains occurred in Iowa (17%, 12,800 jobs), followed by Hawaii (13%, 4,500), Idaho (13%, 4,800), Colorado (11%, 16,100), Arizona (8.6%, 10,900) and Massachusetts (8.4%, 11,600). Iowa and Massachusetts set new records. California again added the most jobs (29,100 jobs, 4.0%), followed by Florida (16,400, 6.1%), Colorado, Iowa and Massachusetts. North Dakota again lost the highest percentage of construction jobs (-8.5%, -2,900), followed by Wyoming (-7.5%, -1,700) and Kansas (-7.3%, -4,400). Kansas lost the largest number of construction jobs, followed by North Dakota, Alabama (-2,400, -3.0%) and Kentucky (-2,300, -3.0%). From June to July, seasonally adjusted construction employment increased in 23 states and D.C., shrank in 26 states, and was unchanged in Alaska.
August 24, 2016
One of the most expensive high school football stadiums in America is getting even more costly thanks to the rising cost of concrete and additional roadwork being done around the facility.The McKinney Independent School District's stadium was already projected to cost right around $62.8 million.Now the school board has been given an update pushing that number up $7.1 million – a much higher price tag than what voters in the area approved earlier this year. The new estimate will make this the most expensive high school stadium ever built, according to the Associated Press.
August 23, 2016
Compared to other industries, construction productivity has declined significantly. Hear directly from owners on how to improve productivity.The CLMA (Construction Labor Market Analyzer) white paper, Construction Productivity in an Imbalanced Labor Market highlights the construction labor productivity challenge as a major issue due to declining skill levels and labor shortages. One reason identified for poor productivity includes the fact that construction methods have not changed in decades and the industry has shown a marked reluctance to embrace new approaches such as lean manufacturing techniques.The Need to Buck Current Productivity TrendsThe chart on page 13 of the report (also shown above) shows regional changes in labor productivity as reported by owners and contractors. Overall, 49% felt that productivity was declining, with the worst areas including the Gulf Coast, the Southeast and the Atlantic Midwest while areas such as the Northwest appear to be bucking these trends.
August 22, 2016
In the four years since voters in Southeast Texas approved a $2 billion bond for construction in the Houston Independent School District, there's been progress on many of the campuses that were slated to be opened. In fact, six new schools are opening as the school year gets underway.ABC 13 Investigative Reporter Ted Oberg uncovered documents, though, that show many campuses have been delayed for one reason or another.From Oberg's report:"...there is a cloudy future to the sunny announcements coming from HISD brass: There are delays in at least ten of the 40 schools that HISD pledged to renovate or rebuild in 2012, HISD documents suggest.
August 19, 2016
I recently wrote about a Workforce Development Graduation honoring 21 Helpers, 19 Mechanics, and 9 Foremen who had recently completed those in-house training programs at Marek. The keynote speaker for the evening was Peter Beard, Senior Vice President for Regional Workforce Development at the Greater Houston Partnership. Mike Holland, Chief Operating Officer at Marek, presented Beard with a certificate of appreciation for his work in the Houston community. It stated:“The young men and women we are recognizing tonight will relate to their coaches, peers, supervisors, and workforce development staff as advocates for their future. Behind the scenes, other advocates are working tirelessly to create a better path forward for all craft professionals.
August 18, 2016
My initial interest in Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry was sparked years ago, when vendors occasionally spoke of Bill Marek’s role as president of the AWCI back in the 1980s. I asked Stan Marek if I could attend a meeting or two to see what it was all about. It was just supposed to be a fact finding trip to gather pertinent information to share with my teammates. It never crossed my mind that I would get accepted to the Board of Directors, participate in the executive seats, and eventually serve as our industry’s association president. On my very first trip, the construction TECHNOLOGY committees lured me in and sold me on continuing to attend future meetings. It was one place where I could sit in one room surrounded by other contractors, vendors and manufacturers and learn about the latest activities affecting our trade.
August 17, 2016
