Industry leaders, partnering and new construction developments
The past year has been challenging, yet industry leaders are optimistic about 2021 and the construction industry’s future. Today there’s a stronger sense of confidence within the industry as companies take steps to build stronger relationships with project teams and reliable industry resources while developing healthier environments and profitable bottom-lines.
We investigated online media sources looking for industry feedback and responses from construction companies and industry suppliers, re-setting the groundwork for recovery growth during 2021. Throughout our search, we found U.S. companies assessing internal conditions through frequent interactive communications among all team levels. The outcomes identified priorities focused on safety precautions for the workforce, working strategies to keep the project sites active, and insight of construction opportunities in this changing marketplace.
Considering the nation’s struggles, construction workers are confident and eager about getting back to work. To speed up the process, company managers have developed work-shift schedules balancing workloads to meet deadlines, prevent burnout and construction errors while maintaining a safe work environment. Project managers are working diligently with the Trades to coordinate construction schedules and avoid project delays.
The efforts pay off as the construction industry continues to hold its position as a positive economic indicator for the future. The majority of industry companies foresee a steady path through 2021, some expect to see a rise in revenues as we reach the third quarter, and very few expect a decline to the current project opportunities.
Looking at the segment forecasts for the construction activity in 2021, shifts in project activity affecting revenues between industry companies may be due to development locations, industry trends, and project pricing structures as the industry’s competition gains strength.
IN THE NEWS
Here’s a preview of what the construction industry can expect — private, public, and specialty service companies shared their experiences, resolve and expectations of moving forward after the pandemic. Although uncertainty remains, these leaders are focused on safeguarding the workforce and securing the company’s industry position for building a better tomorrow.
Navigating Business through Pandemic Disorder — Suffolk Construction, West Coast Region
Business Observer, March 19, 2021 — Mark Gordon, managing editor, talked with Jose Christensen, general manager, west coast region for Suffolk. Like most companies, safety was a prime concern to keep job site activities operating. Company solutions included social distances, adjusted work shifts, and temperature verifications for all workers. Christensen commented on the “sense of community, and everyone looking out for each other — to keep people healthy and that they wanted to work.” Excellent news for the company, projects continued with only one slowing down.
Company’s Response to Recovery — LGE Design Build, Phoenix, Arizona
AZ Business Magazine, November 5, 2020 — Covering Business News, Michael Gossie writes about David E. Sellers, president, and CEO of LGE Design Build and his experience with COVID-19. Sellers talked about the importance of developing a contingency plan that responds to the ongoing business changes to minimize the internal disruption, so the business can continue. The first issue of concern was the workforce’s health and well-being. LGE has taken all the precautions to maintain a clean and safe environment. LGE is a private company located in Phoenix, Arizona. Sellers’ outlook for LGE and the construction industry is positive, with expectations of growth in 2021.
Construction Business and Markets Impacts — Gaylor Electric, Indianapolis, Indiana
Construction Dive, May 28, 2020 — Jenn Goodman reported on the effect of COVID-19 within the construction industry, interviewing Chuck Goodrich, president and CEP of Gaylor Electric. Based in Indianapolis, the company has construction projects in 27 states. Goodman says,” they’ve been lucky to maintain backlog projects valued at over $200 million.” He added, “30 percent of the laid-off workforce are now back at work.”
Construction Supply Chains Deliver On Time — Gilbane Building Company, East Coast
For Construction Pros, May 6, 2020 — Becky Schultz, editor, shared comments from Joseph Piro, vice president, corporate director, and supply chain management of Gilbane Building Company, confirming shipment delays for essential construction materials continue to be minimal for now. He says, supply chain management has taken the time to develop inventory strategies to respond to the construction industry challenges. One solution within the business arena is a diversified supply base. If one supplier runs short, there’s a second in place to meet the demand.
We want to thank each source for the informative and motivational content originally published and have included a direct link to who is solely responsible for its content. We chose each content to provide a real-life industry awareness of company challenges and how they addressed the COVID-19 impacts to reach recovery milestones. Readers can see the interview dialogues with a simple click to the originating source.