Prospects looking up for Minnesota construction workers

Posted by IronPlanet on Apr 12, 2012 9:53:00 AM

Across the country, construction workers are slowly beginning to find work again after the economic downturn caused funding for many projects to dry up. In Minnesota, workers in the construction industry are excited about their future job prospects, according to Minnesota Public Radio.

Roger Ehrhorn, a carpenter from Bemidji, had an experience similar to others in the industry. There was plenty of work before the recession hit - new homes to be built and major projects to work on, but now he can only find the occasional odd job, like remodeling a local pizza place. Although Ehrhorn was forced to go on unemployment during the economic downturn, he now says that his prospects are looking up.

"It's construction," Ehrhorn told the news source. "I mean, there are down times, there are good times, you know? Right now things are starting to pick up again."

Things were worse in areas like Bemidji, as the town is mainly looked to as a vacation getaway. That meant plenty of mansions and vacation homes to build when times were good, but little work to be found when people began struggling.

Howie Zetah, a contractor in the area, built many of those homes himself with his 25-person midsize construction company. Since the recession, he's had to lay off half his workforce, but with the increase in projects he now plans to begin hiring again..

"The economy is coming around. I think people are cautious, but they're moving forward with things," Zetah told the news source. "I think I'm seeing, both in residential and commercial, a definite upswing... I think builders in the whole area are seeing that same swing."

Contractors that are going back to work again should be sure that they have the right equipment to get the job done. The online auction site IronPlanet offers a wide array of cranes, backhoes and other construction equipment, often at more affordable prices than buying new. This equipment is backed by the site's IronClad Assurance, which allows buyers to view full inspection reports before they bid so they know exactly what they're getting.

Topics: Construction, Industry Headlines