Thanks for stopping by for another weekly News Roundup! With exciting opportunities for undocumented workers unveiled in Canada, new standards for high-rise construction being discussed in the U.K. and large digitization programs launching in Singapore, the construction industry is making bold moves worldwide this week that you need to know about. Read on to stay informed!
Infrastructure & Surface Transportation Update
The National Law Review
Deep political divides in the U.S. Congress have delayed compromise on a long-touted comprehensive infrastructure spending bill. Experts point to the expected success of smaller-scale infrastructure-related measures in coming months.
Construction Industry Searching for Alternatives
The Weekly Journal
Puerto Rico turns to local cooperatives and training convicts near release as a way to increase the supply of construction labor.
New Report Shows That the Modular Construction Business is Booming
The Architect’s Newspaper
Increased Productivity and lower costs are driving a new boom in the modular construction business, which has doubled in size over the last five years to become a $8 billion industry.
Construction Industry Calls for Post-Grenfell Competence Standards
Inside Housing
In an interim report, industry leaders in the U.K. are proposing new building recommendations, competence standards and new accreditation programs to prevent future disasters like Grenfell Tower. The final report will be released on October 18th.
Feds Unveil Out-of-Status Worker Plan
Daily Commercial News
The Canadian government is seeking to extend permanent residence to up to 500 construction laborers who have fallen out of legal status. Proponents hope the move will help bring skilled laborers from out of the shadows.
Volvo Group Brings Electrification & Autonomy to Industry
Clean Technica
Volvo is strongly pushing fully electric and autonomous vehicles in their future initiatives. The company is currently investing in 5G technology that will help lay the technical foundation to guide a new, autonomous, electric-powered fleet.
Singapore’s Construction Industry Takes a Huge Step Towards Digitization
Techwire Asia
Singapore’s Building Construction and Timber Industries Employees Union recently signed a contract with an infrastructure consultancy company in order to train over 600 employees on digital construction techniques. This initiative follows the Singapore government’s Construction Industry Transformation Map, which aims to equip construction employees with advanced industry-specific technologies.
For another take on the state of electric vehicles in the industry, take a look at our recent blog post on electric heavy equipment, or head over to IronPlanet.com to bid, buy or make an offer on an electric scissor lift, forklift or golf cart for sale
