Equipment World Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/946503
EquipmentWorld.com | February 2018 11 A majority of construction firms plan to expand their payrolls in 2018. But their optimism is tem- pered by concern over a growing shortage of skilled workers. That's according to a sur- vey by the Associated Gen- eral Contractors of America and Sage Construction and Real Estate, which queried more than 1,000 firms na- tionwide. "Construction firms appear to be very optimistic about 2018, as they expect demand for all types of construc- tion services to continue to expand," says Stephen E. Sandherr, the association's CEO. Three quarters of construc- tion firms surveyed said they plan to expand payrolls in 2018 because they believe economic conditions will re- main strong as tax rates and regulatory burdens drop. "This optimism applies to both private and public-sector construction demand, perhaps reflecting current economic conditions and an increas- ingly more business-friendly regulatory environment, and expectations that the Trump Administration will finally de- liver on its promise to boost infrastructure investments," Sandherr says. But as contractors plan to increase their head counts, they also expect hurdles. "Despite the overall opti- mistic outlook, the construc- tion industry faces a number of significant challenges this year," Sandherr points out. "Top among those challeng- es are the growing work- force challenges that have made it difficult for the vast majority of firms to find and hire qualified workers." Most firms surveyed – 82 percent – said they ex- pect recruiting and hiring qualified workers in 2018 to remain difficult or become even harder. That's up from 76 percent last year. The survey reports that 78 percent of firms are having Contractors expect growth in 2018 – along with worsening labor shortage Briefs Four years after its purchase of Terex Trucks, Volvo has decided to launch a four-model lineup of rigid haulers in the second quarter of 2018 under its own brand for the first time. Currently, these models are limited to lesser regulated markets. Caterpillar has extended its standard full- machine warranty on select new compact equip- ment to 24 months or 2,000 hours. New skid-steer loaders, compact track loaders, multi-terrain loaders and compact excavators purchased after Janu- ary 1 are covered by the extended warranty. Cat's previous warranty for these machines was one-year, unlimited hours. H&E Equipment Services has completed its acquisition of Contractors Equipment Center (CEC) in the greater Denver, Colorado, area. The purchase is part of H&E's ongoing strategy of ac- quiring rental companies to complement its existing business, the company says. Fueled in large part by hurricane recoveries, Sun- belt Rental's total revenue grew by 17 percent to $2.08 billion – including an 18-percent rise in rental-only revenue – in the first half of its fiscal year ending October 31. The company estimates that hurricane response resulted in incremental rental revenue of about $45 million. Charles Carter has been named vice president of Construction Equip- ment Sales for Volvo Financial Services USA. Carter joined Volvo Financial Services in 2000 and has served since 2013 as vice president of credit and origination. Mark Hanson has been named regional vice president and CEO of Manitou North America. He joins Manitou after serving eight years as vice president of sales at Generac Mo- bile Products, where he led the North American sales and national account teams. (continued on page 12) reporter | staff report