For Construction Pros

Novara has introduced Form Agent, a new AI capability within its Flex platform that converts paper forms, PDFs and scanned documents into digital environment, health and safety (EHS) workflows. The tool is designed to reduce the time required to digitize safety inspections, compliance checklists and corrective action forms, helping contractors and organizations create standardized workflows more quickly across multiple jobsites.

Construction labor shortages continue dominating industry conversations. Associated Builders and Contractors estimated the industry needed to attract roughly 454,000 additional workers in 2025 on top of normal hiring just to keep pace with demand. However, many of the workforce issues delaying projects today are happening behind the scenes.

Milwaukee Tool has expanded its workwear lineup with new cold-weather headwear and additional color options across several existing apparel collections. The new offerings include a Sherpa-Lined Hat and Sherpa-Lined Beanie, both designed for cold jobsite conditions. The products feature sherpa-lined interiors, wind- and water-resistant outer shells and coverage for the ears and neck to help workers stay comfortable in harsh weather.

Trunk Tools is launching an AI platform designed to help contractors analyze construction drawings and connect information across project documents. The platform, Cortex, is designed to interpret drawing data alongside specifications, RFIs, submittals, schedules and change orders, allowing teams to identify project impacts and access related documentation from a single interface.

Walk the floor at CONEXPO and the story tells itself. Hundreds of thousands of professionals — contractors, engineers, project owners, technology vendors — converging to do what this industry has always done: find better ways to build. The energy is real. The investment is real. And the numbers behind it are staggering. Trillions of dollars flow through the sector annually — a number that grows every year as urbanization, infrastructure renewal and the energy transition keep driving demand.

Adaptive launched AI-powered Project Accounting Agents designed to automate accounting workflows, improve field-to-office communication and provide real-time project financial visibility. Adaptive has introduced Project Accounting Agents, a suite of AI-powered tools designed to automate construction accounting workflows and improve communication between jobsites and finance teams.

Wolverine has introduced the USA-Built Loader II DuraShocks Wedge, a new work boot designed for construction, manufacturing and other skilled trades. The launch is part of a broader campaign recognizing skilled trades workers ahead of the nation's 250th anniversary. Built in Texas using a combination of domestic and globally sourced materials, the boot features Wolverine's DuraShocks comfort system, a wedge outsole and Goodyear welt construction.

In an industry where margin pressure is relentless and skilled labor is scarce, construction firms need to pull every employee retention lever available. One of the most effective and often overlooked ones is already within reach: helping people easily set aside money for future emergencies or a more secure retirement. Every seasoned construction company owner knows the costs of a lost worker don’t end with the final paycheck.

Mike Ballweber will retire in late July. Bobcat Company announced that Mike Ballweber, president of Doosan Bobcat North America, will retire effective July 31 after nearly 30 years with the company. Following Ballweber's retirement, Scott Park, CEO and vice chairman of Doosan Bobcat Inc., will serve as interim president of the North America region until a successor is named. Ballweber joined Bobcat in 1998 and was appointed president in 2019.

Total construction starts went up 9% in April to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $1.33 trillion, according to Dodge Construction Network. The growth was driven by nonresidential and nonbuilding activity, while residential construction remained relatively flat. Nonresidential building starts rose 18.6% during the month, nonbuilding starts increased 7%, and residential starts declined 0.7%.