We would describe our performance in 2023 as challenged but successful.
We were able to invest in our business to continue to provide high quality and shorter lead times. We feel our business largely mirrored the overall construction stone, sand and gravel market. We expect to finish 2023 with a strong footing for 2024.
We anticipate 2024 to be challenging. However, we do anticipate growth in our core bulk handling business.
Potential headwinds in the market are the presidential election and the uncertainty around it, the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act funding slowing or running out, and general global conflict affecting material costs. Potential tailwinds are continued reduction in inflation and interest rates creating opportunity for further investments in infrastructure.
We are focused on making sure we’re in front of our customer as often as possible, educating about our product and our capabilities. We’re also focused on managing our supply chain and inventory effectively to maintain proper lead times and to invest in projects that create efficiencies to help manage costs effectively.
Certainly, the reduction in interest rates and inflation should help our entire industry invest in projects that may have been placed on hold or may have been left out of the IIJA. We’re monitoring the national and global situations, but we are optimistic that increased staff and capabilities will help us to grow with our customers.
Brian Vrablic is president of Rulmeca Corp.
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