Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/213702
80 • DECEMBER 2013 • WORLD FENCE NEWS "All about Fencing" show spotlights New Zealand ag fencing New Zealand's pastoral farming systems and varied terrain have led to the development of a range of fencing products that allows New Zealand manufacturers to be widely considered as among world leaders in fencing systems, equipment, tools and machinery. There are a number of agricultural shows in New Zealand which showcase this range of products. The latest event is the Grasslandz demonstraton event which is being held January 30–31, 2014 in Eureka, Hamilton in the Waikato Region of the upper North Island of the country. Within Grasslandz is a standalone fencing demonstration event area "All about Fencing" (AAF). All about Fencing has been successful in showcasing the best of New Zealand products and fencing installation techniques, according to the show sponsors. For additional information, contact debbie@allaboutfencing.co.nz or visit www.allaboutfencing.co.nz. S E C U R I T Y F E N C IN G INFORMATION RESOURCE WORLDFENCENEWS.COM Dodge Construction Outlook predicts rise in construction starts for housing, commercial and manufacturing sectors in 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. — McGraw Hill Construction, part of McGraw Hill Financial, has released its 2014 Dodge Construction Outlook, a mainstay in construction industry forecasting and business planning. The report predicts that total U.S. construction starts for 2014 will rise 9% to $555.3 billion, higher than the 5% increase to $508 billion estimated for 2013. "We see 2014 as another year of measured expansion for the construction industry," said Robert Murray, McGraw Hill Construction's vicepresident of Economic Affairs. "Against the backdrop of elevated uncertainty and federal spending cutbacks, the construction industry should still benefit from several positive factors going into 2014. Job growth, while sluggish, is still taking place. Interest rates remain very low by historical standards, and in the near term the Federal Reserve is likely to take the necessary steps to keep them low. The bank lending environment is showing improvement in terms of both lending standards and the volume of loans. And, the improving fiscal posture of states and localities will help to offset some of the negative impact from decreased federal funding," said Murray. Based on research of specific construction market sectors, McGraw Hill Construction's 2014 Dodge Construction Outlook details the forecast as follows. – Single family housing will grow 26% in dollars, corresponding to a 24% increase in units to 785,000 (Mc- Crystal Ball forecast again you all realize that PROFIT IS NOT A DIRTY WORD!™ World Fence News contributing editor Jim Lucci is president of Management Motivational Associates of Freeport, N.Y., and for many years has written a monthly column on business management and issues which affect fence company owners and managers. He is a major contributor to the Fencer's Field Report which appears monthly in World Fence News. See the ad for Management Motivational Associates in this month's issue of World Fence News. continued from page 30 therefore once again affect your businesses. We have all come through some hard times, and it may be necessary to prepare for that eventuality once again. I wish all of you good luck for 2014 and ask that you be ever more vigilant to issues and events that can affect you and your company, and be ready to make changes on the fly when necessary. By doing so, it is hoped that once BOOTH NO. 651! Graw Hill Construction basis). The positives for single family housing are numerous – the pace of foreclosures has eased, home prices are rising, and mortgage rates remain near recent lows. However, the demand for housing will continue to be restrained by careful bank lending practices towards issuing mortgages. – Multifamily housing will rise 11% in dollars and 9% in units. While growth continues, the percentage gains will be smaller than the previous four years, reflecting a maturing multifamily market. This structure type is still a favored investment target by the real estate finance community, which in the near term should lead to more highrise residential buildings in cities. – Commercial building will increase 17%, a slightly faster pace than the 15% gain estimated for 2013. Both warehouses and hotels will continue to lead the way, while stores and office buildings pick up the pace. The positives for commercial building are improving market fundamentals and more bank lending for commercial development. Next year's activity in dollar terms will still be 28% below the 2007 peak. – Institutional building will edge up 2%, turning the corner after five years of decline. For the educational building category, colleges are revisiting capital expansion plans, and passage of recent construction bond measures in several states should help K-12 construction projects. Healthcare construction is expected to remain flat, given continued emphasis on cost containment. – Public works construction will drop 5%, pulling back after a 3% gain in 2013 that was lifted by the start of several large highway and bridge projects. More focus on deficit reduction will limit federal support for environmental public works, although the improved fiscal position of state and local governments will help to cushion the extent of the public works decline. – Electric utility construction will retreat 33%, continuing the 55% correction estimated for 2013 that followed the current dollar high reached in 2012. Capacity utilization is down sharply, limiting the near term need for new generating capacity. The need for transmission line work remains strong. "The 2014 picture bears some similarity to what's taking place during 2013, with single family housing providing much of the upward push; continued on page 82