There is evidence, he says, that the job creation process has already begun and the labor market’s performance has outperformed previous PCA projections. “If sustained, this may suggest a quicker than expected healing in the underlying fundamentals surround construction.”

These slightly stronger than previously projected PCA labor market activities could:

Reduce state deficits in 2010 leading to smaller drags on public construction activity.

Reduce the level of vacancy rates, soften the declines in leasing rates and reduce the declines in expected ROIs for commercial properties – leading to the potential of a quicker recovery in non residential construction.

Improve the outlook for single family construction activity in 2010 and 2011

Shorten the period for an easing in lending standards.

Mike Anderson’s American Iron

What’s Next Down The Road?

Editor-in-Chief John Latta and I, as two folks just returned from an equipment trade show are apt to do, were thinking out loud about what Company A or Company B might do next. Who is going to buy what? Who might sell off this? Who’s in bed with whom? And so it goes for those of us who enjoy nothing more than learning what’s the next move for the makers, sellers, buyers and users of the gear that makes, breaks and shakes our highways.

As the conversation so often leads, “What about Volvo?” John tossed my way, that coy gleam in his eye, knowing all too well I’d take a big, wild swing for the fences on that pitch.

And, sure enough, I was off … recounting the former Michigan wheel loaders, the former Samsung excavators, the former Champion Road Machinery motor graders, the former Ingersoll Rand pavers, etc., etc. Heck, at one point, my eyes glazed over, I even muttered something about the old SuperPac rollers and Scat Trak skid steers, I think.

What about a dozer? Yes, indeed, what about a dozer? Volvo Construction Equipment’s leaders vowed a number of years ago to evolve the company into a full-line player and have pretty much accomplished just that, but when and how will it add the cornerstone tractor line? We’ll see.

And, moving forward, we’ll certainly enjoy tossing around topics just like that.

Arriving at Better Roads to work alongside two equally passionate journalists, John Latta and Tina Grady Barbaccia, I welcome the opportunity to join in a true industry conversation. Agree or disagree with me, please don’t hesitate to let me know what’s on your mind. Please drop me a line at

mike.anderson@rrpub.com.

Over the past 15 years, I’ve enjoyed a couple of wonderful stops along the road while covering construction equipment and related industries throughout North America. This new home is in a vibrant, invigorating neighborhood, and I encourage all of my neighbors – you – to let me know what’s up.

And what’s up with Volvo? Well, returning to my desk from John’s office, there sat the news from said company that VT LeeBoy will begin supplying commercial pavers and road wideners to Volvo dealers under the historic Blaw-Knox brand, acquired by Volvo in the 2007 purchase of the Ingersoll Rand road machinery business.

Production of the upgraded and redesigned Blaw-Knox PF150 and PF161 wheeled asphalt pavers and the RW100 and RW195D road wideners will begin this year at LeeBoy’s Lincolnton, N.C. facilities. LeeBoy will take full responsibility for product support, including for units already in the field. New units will be marketed under the Blaw-Knox brand, as part of a five-year licensing agreement, and will be distributed through Volvo dealers.