Chicago Construction News staff writer
With skilled labor in short supply across the Chicagoland area, construction firms are increasingly turning to off-site assembly and pre-finished products to keep projects on schedule. The FMI Building Products Market Outlook second edition reveals that manufacturers are fielding more requests for “lighter units with fewer components and clear, simple instructions” to accommodate a less experienced workforce.
The report also tracks significant consolidation within the regional supply chain. A notable example is Bosch’s $8 billion acquisition of Johnson Controls’ HVAC unit, a move that is expected to intensify competition among industry leaders like Carrier and Trane across North America.
In the non-residential sector, Chicago area projects in health care and education continue to drive steady demand for floor-to-ceiling glass and aluminum frames, reflecting a trend toward modern, open aesthetics.
