Following historic drops in the manufacturing sector brought on by the global recession, firms are looking for signs that the worst is over. Around the globe, capacity utilization in manufacturing plummeted, with the U.S. hitting 65.1% in June—the lowest since the Federal Reserve began tracking it in 1967. Since June, the rate has crept up slightly—reaching 67.6% in October—but remains well below the historic average of 79.6%. Photo: AP/Wideworld As the auto market slumps in the U.S., firms are looking overseas, particularly in China, now the world’s largest auto market, for new projects. Related Links: View more industry sectors from
In light of Canada’s cooling construction market, materials costs have stabilized after years of price spikes, but they are stabilizing at high levels. Source: Statistic Canada. 2002=100 Material Cost Indices - Canada Related Links: Forecast: Inflation Stalls As Recession Undercuts Nonresidential Building Markets Markets: Major Firms Are Pessimistic About A Fast Industry Recovery International: Global Recession Pushes Down Inflation China: The New Driver Of International Costs Has Troubles Of Its Own Thailand: Construction Costs Bounce Up As The Recession Bottoms Out Complete 4th Quarterly Cost Report with Data and Analysis Costs generally are remaining at historically high levels, says Scott
A down economy could provide a positive boost to opponents of looming targets for construction- equipment emissions in California. A new study suggests formulas that were used by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to establish future emissions-reduction targets overestimated the levels of nitrogen oxide and particulate matter from off-road diesel equipment in the state. AGC says looming equipment emissions rules are based on projections now reduced by compliance and the recession. The findings are based on new data released from an inventory of construction equipment currently in use in the state conducted this year by the Sacramento-based board. The
American Infrastructure of Worcester, Pa., was the first firm to win a stimulus project in the state, but Mark Compton, director of government affairs at American Infrastructure, says there are “deep concerns” about the program going forward. Prior to the stimulus, the state announced the deferral of $1.1 billion in projects in MDOT’s six-year program and subsequent cuts have been made throughout the year. The joint venture of Bradley Enterprises and Nason Construction was awarded a $22-million, design-build contract on the Non-Medical Chemical Biological Facility at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md. In addition, the federal highway bill hasn’t been reauthorized, which
New York City-based Structure Tone is banking on a boost to its institutional and base-building capabilities in acquiring L.F. Driscoll Co., a major construction-management-at-risk firm in metropolitan Philadelphia. The deal, announced Nov. 16, allows Structure Tone to leverage Driscoll's experience in healthcare, higher education and high-rise base building. Photo: L.F. Driscoll Co. Philadelphia contractor built city's landmark Comcast Center Financial details of the deal, which combines two major construction contractors and two of the nation’s largest privately-held CM-at-risk firms, were not disclosed. Structure Tone ranks 6th on ENR’s list of the Top 50 CM-at-risk firms; Driscoll ranks 37th. Structure Tone
New York City-based Structure Tone is banking on a boost to its institutional and base-building capabilities in acquiring L.F. Driscoll Co., a major construction-management-at-risk firm in metropolitan Philadelphia. The deal, announced Nov. 16, allows Structure Tone to leverage Driscoll�s experience in healthcare, higher education and high-rise base building. Photo: L.F. Driscoll Co. Philadelphia contractor built city�s landmark Comcast Center Financial details of the deal, which combines two major construction contractors and two of the nation’s largest privately-held CM-at-risk firms, were not disclosed. Structure Tone ranks 6th on ENR’s list of the Top 50 CM-at-risk firms; Driscoll ranks 37th. Structure Tone
Between nearly $50 billion in federal stimulus money and massive bond programs moving ahead in several states, funding for the transportation sector has been flying high this year. But the realities of the recession, coupled with heated debate over future funding streams, could bring the market back to earth in the coming years. Photo: Sanbag Stimulus funding is helping support an $800-million Interstate widening project through downton San Bernardino. Photo: WSDOT The $595-million Snoqualmie Pass East, which broke ground in August, is part of Washington state’s $5.8-billion 2009-2011 plan. Related Links: The Top Owners Sourcebook Complete Report Story Overview: The
After nearly a century of promoting a multidisciplinary approach to educating future designers, the architectural engineering department at State College-based Pennsylvania State University, the country’s oldest such program and the longest to be continuously accredited, believes today’s industry trends have come full circle with tradition. Photo: Pennsylvania State University Architectural Engineering Dept. Related Links: Academia Takes On Tougher Times New Certification Course for Professionals Uses Holistic Approach Studying Failure Is Crucial As the industry pushes toward more integrated project-delivery methods and high-performance buildings, students need both a breadth and depth of knowledge to succeed in project teams, says Chimay Anumba,
Following three years of precipitous decline, the construction market may have finally hit bottom and be in the early phase of a rebound with housing leading the way. McGraw-Hill Construction is forecasting that total construction starts will climb 11% to $466.2 billion in 2010, following an estimated 25% decline in 2009. The forecast was announced at the 2010 Construction Outlook conference in Washington, D.C. Photo: Bruce Buckley Robert Murray delivered the McGraw-Hill Construction forecast. Related Links: See How Last Year’s Forecast Measured Up After a 39% drop in construction between 2006 and 2009, an improving residential market and signs of
Plans to build the $3.4-billion headquarters campus for the Dept. of Homeland Security in Washington, D.C., got a jump start thanks to ARRA funding. The U.S. General Services Administration implemented the plan in August when it awarded a $435-million design-build contract to provide a new headquarters building for the U.S. Coast Guard on the site of the former St. Elizabeths Hospital. In additional to federal appropriations, the project secured $162 million of combined ARRA funds from GSA and DHS, which GSA spokesman Michael McGill says accelerated portions of phase one. Washington, D.C. Photo: USCG Coast Guard headquarters in Washington, D.C.,