THE DISPATCH

Hitachi Releases New Midsize ZW120-7 and ZW140-7 Wheel Loaders

Steel Cooling: Steel Costs Steadily Decline After Pandemic Price Shock

Steel prices have steadily declined over the past year following pandemic-era spikes, though minor tariff-related fluctuations persist. The cooling market should provide relief for construction projects dependent on steel materials and pricing predictability.

Construction Employment Rebounds by 26,000 in March

Construction hiring picked up momentum in March with 26,000 new jobs added to the industry after a slower February. The rebound suggests renewed activity in the construction sector following the previous month's weak hiring numbers.

Researchers turn sawdust into fire-resistant building panels

Researchers have developed a method to transform sawdust and water treatment waste into fire-resistant building panels that could be used in construction. If brought to market, this technology would create a sustainable building material from industrial waste products.

Punch List: Turner files $7M lien, NYC skyscrapers are world’s most expensive

Turner Construction filed a $7M lien against a North Carolina condo project, highlighting payment disputes in the industry. NYC continues to rank as the world's most expensive market for high-rise construction.

Autodesk acquires Rhumbix in construction data push

Autodesk acquired Rhumbix, a startup that gives construction companies better visibility into job site data and operations. The platform is already used by major builders including Turner Construction, Suffolk Construction, and DPR Construction.

Neuron Factory Secures Strategic Investment to Transform Pre-construction

Neuron Factory has secured strategic investment to advance preconstruction processes using AI and a knowledge graph framework. The technology aims to streamline planning and decision-making before construction begins.

Power, People, Parts: Supply and Demand on Data Center Jobsites

Data center construction projects depend on three critical resources: reliable electrical power supply, consistent workforce availability, and adequate materials and equipment on-site. Managing supply and demand for these elements effectively is essential to keep data center jobsites running smoothly and on schedule.

Respect: A Construction Safety Week Technical Bulletin

A Construction Safety Week technical bulletin emphasizes the importance of building a culture that prioritizes safety respect across construction projects. The bulletin addresses how fostering respect for safety practices can improve workplace culture and reduce incidents on job sites.

Decentralized AI: A Faster Path to Construction Productivity Gains

Construction companies are adopting decentralized AI strategies rather than waiting for enterprise-wide rollouts, enabling faster productivity improvements across projects. This approach allows teams to implement AI tools tailored to specific needs without lengthy organizational delays.

JLG Reveals 860SJ+ Telescopic Boom Lift with Increased Capacity for Construction

JLG introduced the 860SJ+, an 86-foot telescopic boom lift with increased load capacity compared to the standard 860SJ model. The upgrade delivers greater lifting power while incorporating advanced operational features for construction crews.

Fatalities Edge Down: New Data Reveals a Promising Decline

U.S. construction fatalities dropped slightly in 2024 according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The decline suggests progress in jobsite safety efforts across the industry.

Contractor with Long History of Trench Violations Faces $4.7M Fine After Fatality

Sage Oil Vac Debuts Open Lube Truck That Requires No CDL

Sage Oil Vac introduced a new open lube truck designed for servicing heavy equipment that doesn't require a Commercial Driver's License to operate. The truck features increased fluid capacity, a PTO-driven compressor, and other custom features to speed up service calls.

Wacker Neuson Debuts New ET40 Mini Excavator with Updated Cab, Improved Visibility

Wacker Neuson released an updated ET40 mini excavator with a redesigned cab featuring improved visibility, a four-position door, and keyless start functionality. The 4-metric-ton compact excavator incorporates these enhancements to improve operator comfort and jobsite usability.

Sociable: Meta outlines AI benefits for US construction industry

Meta is promoting AI tools designed to improve cement and concrete production, helping manufacturers reduce costs and strengthen their supply chains. The technology aims to give US construction material producers a competitive advantage in their industry.

One Industry, One Goal: Construction Safety Week 2026

Steven Carter from Gilbane discusses efforts to unite the construction industry around safety priorities, focusing on risk management, respect, and creating safer job sites during Construction Safety Week 2026. The initiative emphasizes a unified industry approach to reducing workplace hazards and improving safety culture across construction projects.

Construction hiring data indicates a cooling labor market

Construction hiring slowed significantly in February, resulting in the lowest labor turnover rate in over two decades. Fewer workers are both getting hired and leaving jobs, signaling a cooling demand for construction labor.

Five Lessons From Launching a New Construction Office Location Across State Lines

Opening a new construction office location across state lines requires attention to fundamental business practices and operational considerations. The article outlines key lessons for construction firms expanding their footprint, whether launching independently or branching from an existing headquarters.