Most years, the Labor Day weekend brings the realization that the building year is starting to wind down and there follows a flurry of activity. This year that realization either came early or else just the flurry. From amongst the RFP’s for CM services that have been bouncing around, Pitt selected PJ Dick to build its $26.5 million life sciences building at UP-Greensburg campus. PJ was also successful on the $16 million Vincentian Sisters’ independent living facility in McCandless. In Erie, AHN awarded a contract to Massaro Corp. for a fast-track renovation to its 40,000 square foot birthing suites.
This morning, the Census Bureau released two of its monthly economic indicators, both of which showed the economy to be helathy and steady. Construction spending in July hit $1.2 trillion, an increase of 1.8 percent over July 2016. Government data on employment growth was announced this morning also. Non-farm payrolls grew by 156,000 jobs in August. That was below the expected 170,000 jobs forecasted by economists but still a healthy increase given the tight labor supply. Since January 2017, job creation has averaged 177,000 monthly. That’s a sign of employer health and optimism, especially in light of how late in the business cycle the U.S. economy is.
One significant project that has made news in the plastics industry is Ensinger Plastics’ expansion. After South Strabane Township officials hamstrung Chapman Properties’s development of Southport, where Ensinger was to locate, the manufacturer shifted plans and will add 214,000 square feet at its existing North Strabane location. The construction cost should still be in the $20 million-plus range. Ensinger is taking bids from Franjo, Bear Construction and Fairchance Construction in mid-July.
