In Motion: How the industry reflected and readjusted in 2020

As 2020 comes to a close, take a respite to breathe – something we haven’t had the chance to do in months, it feels.

In a year complicated by a pandemic and economic uncertainty, be sure to also take some time to appreciate how the construction industry trudged on through perhaps the most exhausting and challenging year in recent memory.

The staff at Portable Plants recognizes the difficulties construction contractors, producers and equipment manufacturers faced throughout the year – both in their personal lives and in their businesses. Each day of 2020 seemed to pose a unique challenge of its own, and we want to do our part to accurately inform you of where the industry is situated and where it might be headed.

Portable Plants’ December issue features our annual State of the Industry report, which provides a wealth of knowledge and information from industry stakeholders to help position your business for continued success.

In short, we wanted to leave no stone unturned in our coverage of a year that left the industry with so many questions and, often, so few answers. We hope this issue provides some, if not all, of the information you and your company are searching for as we wade into another year riddled with pandemic- and economic-related uncertainty.

State of the Industry

In this issue, you’ll hear from Ken Simonson, chief economist at the Associated General Contractors of America, on construction markets while Alison Black, senior vice president and chief economist at the American Road & Transportation Builders Association, offers her perspective on the state of infrastructure funding.

Contractors, producers, recyclers and equipment suppliers also share their insights throughout our State of the Industry report, offering unique perspectives from all corners of the industry.

In addition, you’ll find technology and equipment to help improve your operation, as well as what to expect from the Occupational Safety & Health Administration and the Mine Safety & Health Administration under a new presidential administration.

No matter what the new year brings, optimism remains throughout an industry known for its resiliency and its “get-it-done” attitude. As Chris Godek, president of the National Demolition Association and owner of New England Yankee Construction, puts it: “Hey, we made it through 2020.”