Latest news
The Lowe's Foundation announced a partnership with several U.S. companies to establish the Building Futures Skilled Trades Alliance, aiming to add one million skilled trades workers by 2035 through training, changing perceptions, and establishing evaluation systems. This initiative echoes the investment plans of Meta and Google this summer, jointly addressing the industry's labor shortage.
Ahead of Labor Day 2026, Swinerton's national retirement plan manager Lana Smith writes about her 28 years of experience with employee ownership, noting that there are fewer than 6,500 ESOPs nationwide, with the construction industry accounting for nearly one-fifth. She believes employee ownership enhances company quality and employee well-being, and calls for expanding ESOP coverage.
The latest report from Kelly Services Inc. shows that the data center industry is facing a severe shortage of skilled workers, especially in the construction, utilities, and telecommunications sectors. It is projected that by 2026, data center jobs will reach 650,000, a 30% increase from 2023, but 25% of employees are being poached by competitors. The report recommends that employers adopt skills-based hiring strategies and strengthen rapid upskilling programs.
This week's construction industry updates: JE Dunn expands its advanced technology team, Turner completes delivery of Greenwich Central Middle School, New York City Department of Buildings conducts drug overdose prevention outreach, ABC appoints a new vice president of workforce and safety policy, and McCarthy and Caddell announce executive changes.
Amtrak announced on August 28 the start of a $1 billion maintenance facility construction project at Sunnyside Yard in Long Island City, New York. The project is funded by a federal grant from the Federal Railroad Administration through Congress and is expected to be completed by 2030. It will build a dual-track maintenance and inspection facility along with supporting service tracks to accommodate the new Airo train sets.
Chobani plans to acquire the Allentown plant from Keurig Dr Pepper for $125 million and invest a total of $1.2 billion in expansion to produce high-protein, low-sugar milk and innovative products. The plant will create over 900 jobs and become a key part of Chobani's manufacturing network expansion in the United States.
United Contractors (UCON) has selected Michael Crawford, CEO and chairman of Sukut Construction, for the 2027 DIG Award, a lifetime achievement honor presented annually since 1988. Crawford, who joined Sukut in 1980 and led its growth into a major heavy civil contractor, was unanimously chosen by the selection committee. The award ceremony is set for January 30, 2027, at The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel.
JRM Construction Management announces the completion of MJH Life Sciences®' new corporate headquarters in Monroe Township, N.J., consolidating three offices into a 107,000 SF facility designed by Mancini Duffy, featuring an 8,000 SF production studio and supporting over 500 employees.
American Global, a leading privately held insurance and surety brokerage, has appointed Lisa Manzer as Vice President, Claims, based in Atlanta. With more than 25 years of experience in claims leadership and complex casualty management, Manzer will advise clients on high-exposure losses and enhance the firm's strategic claims advocacy.