INDUSTRY NEWS
INDUSTRY NEWS
Construction Industry Faces Need for 439,000 New Workers in 2025
The construction industry must attract an estimated 439,000 new workers in 2025 to meet rising demand for construction services, according to data released by Associated Builders and Contractors( ABC).
The shortage is expected to grow to 499,000 new workers in 2026 as spending increases in response to anticipated lower interest rates.
“ While the construction workforce has become younger and more plentiful in recent years, the industry still must attract 439,000 new workers in 2025 to balance demand and supply,” ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu said.
“ If it fails to do so, industrywide labor cost escalation will accelerate, exacerbating already high construction costs and reducing the volume of work that is financially feasible. Average hourly earnings throughout the industry are up 4.4 % over the past
12 months, significantly outpacing earnings growth across all industries.”
ABC’ s model links inflation-adjusted construction spending growth with employment demand. Factors like elevated interest rates in 2025, a younger workforce and slowing retirements will ease some pressure, but labor shortages are expected to remain a challenge, particularly for manufacturing and data center megaprojects.
OTR Launches LIFTBOSS A / T Tire for Construction, Material Handling
OTR Engineered Solutions has introduced the LIFTBOSS A / T, an all-terrain, non-directional tire designed for telehandlers. The tire provides traction across multiple surfaces, including asphalt, concrete and gravel, making it ideal for construction and material handling applications.
The LIFTBOSS A / T’ s non-directional design fits all four-wheel positions on a machine, simplifying ordering. Key features include a step-down tread, selfcleaning mud breakers and integrated sipes that enhance safety on freshly poured slabs. The tire’ s unique center lug design improves wear life and offroad stability, while its low profile ensures better lateral stability, sidewall protection and reduced fuel consumption.
“ Not only does the LIFTBOSS A / T offer exceptional off-road performance on construction and material handling jobs, but it’ s also widely in stock for quick delivery to help minimize downtime,” said Bob Gilkenson, vice president of business development at OTR.“ These advantages make it an ideal tire solution for a wide variety of fleets, rental companies and end user customers.”
www. contractorshotline. com March 7, 2025 35