Good News: ABI Back In Positive Territory

March 23, 2017

The Architecture Billings Index (ABI) returned to positive territory in February, posting a score of 50.7 and showing a significant advance from January’s score of 49.5.

The ABI, compiled each month by the American Institute of Architects, reflects the approximate 9 to 12 month lead time between architecture billings and construction spending. It is considered a leading indicator of economic activity. Any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings.

Even better news was to be found in the new projects inquiry index, which came in at 61.5, up from 60.0 in January.

“The sluggish start to the year in architecture firm billings should give way to stronger design activity as the year progresses,” said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, Hon. AIA, PhD. “New project inquiries have been very strong through the first two months of the year, and in February new design contracts at architecture firms posted their largest monthly gain in over two years.”

Graham Windows Play Pivotal Role in Wisconsin Renovation Project

March 22, 2017

The Mirro Aluminum Company was once the world’s largest manufacturer of aluminum cookware, and for years Mirro Plant #3, built in 1929, was a center of Mirro manufacturing in Manitowoc, Wisconsin.
Production ceased in the building in the early 60s, …

Graham Curtain Wall Solutions Announces Promotion, New Hire

March 9, 2017

Graham Curtain Wall Solutions is pleased to announce the promotion of Ken Schmidtchen to operations manager and the hiring of Steve Jorgensen as project manager.
Ken, who began his employment with Graham as engineering manager in May, 2015, will continue …

Dodge Momentum Index Advances Again

March 8, 2017

The Dodge Momentum Index rose 1.6 percent in February, marking its fifth consecutive monthly advance.
The Momentum Index is a monthly measure of the first (or initial) report for nonresidential building projects in planning, which have been shown to lead …