Manufacturers

U.S. Equipment Manufacturers Predict Rising Demand in 2022

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By KERRY SMITH, EDITOR, ST. LOUIS CONSTRUCTION NEWS AND REVIEW MAGAZINE

More than 80 percent of Association of Equipment Manufacturers members predict rising demand for construction and agriculture equipment during 2022.

According to AEM Director of Market Intelligence Benjamin Duyck, a recent membership survey’s findings indicate that 44 percent of those asked believe construction equipment demand in 2022 will prove above normal, while 65 percent of those surveyed believe the demand for ag-related equipment will be above normal.

Although demand continues to be unusually strong, Duyck says manufacturers’ prolonged struggles in filling positions – combined with raw materials price increased spurred by inflation – are hampering strategies to meet overall equipment demand. Supply chain kinks continue to impact satisfying the increased industry demand.

“The American Jobs Plan will give a big boost to spending on infrastructure,” Duyck said. “The biggest impacts will be in 2022 and 2023.”

Demand for every equipment category remains green, according to Duyck.

On a global level, Brazil saw the most growth in terms of mining and construction activity in 2021, followed by China, Japan, the United Kingdom, India and the U.S.

Duyck added that 7.7 percent growth in U.S.-based mining and construction is projected for 2022, followed by 5.4 percent in 2023. Globally in 2022, India is expected to realize a 12.4 percent increase in mining and construction activity, followed by a projected 9.3 percent for the United Kingdom.

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Manufacturing Day Celebrations Include High School and Middle School Visits to Ranken and Area Manufacturers

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More than 200 Missouri and Illinois high school and middle school students toured Ranken Technical College in St. Louis, Wentzville and Perryville, as part of a 2018 Manufacturing Day celebration. The event gave the students an opportunity to learn about and explore a variety of in-demand manufacturing career paths such as machining, HVAC, automotive and electrical systems.

The visiting students spent time in Ranken’s state-of-the-art facilities, and talked to Ranken instructors about programs and career opportunities. They also became acquainted with the school’s microenterprise program and registered apprenticeship programs. Some of the students participated in hands-on activities at the school, and others traveled to area manufacturers to gain additional insights.

“Manufacturers around the country are experiencing a shortage of new employees to replace retiring skilled employees,” said Ranken President Stan Shoun. “We are helping our region to meet this skills gap, while we provide our students with well-paying, long-term careers. These students are realizing additional benefits as many of them are able to earn money as apprentices for these companies while in school.”

After visiting the Ranken Wentzville location, students from Fort Zumwalt West toured AVMATS Engine Support, a full-service aircraft engine maintenance, repair and overall facility in O’Fallon, MO.

“We are looking for employees who possess technical knowledge and abilities,” said Bob Meyer, Director of Maintenance for the company. “Machinists, for example, are especially vital to our industry, as they program, setup, and operate machines to produce quality parts, as well as troubleshoot problems and make repairs that are needed.”

Ranken has partnerships with many private companies and regional groups such as the Missouri Enterprise and Missouri Association of Manufacturers to expose students to a wide variety of career opportunities.

National Manufacturing Day is observed annually on the first Friday in October. On this day, more than 1,600 American manufacturers open their doors and take up the important work of inspiring young people to pursue careers in manufacturing and engineering. Today’s science, technology, engineering, and math graduates will power the next chapter of American production and innovation, and harnessing their potential is an economic imperative.

Ranken Technical College is a private, non-profit, degree-granting institution of higher learning whose primary mission is to provide the comprehensive education and training necessary to prepare students for employment and advancement in a variety of technical fields. For more information, visit https://ranken.edu/ 

Photo Above: Fort Zumwalt students visit AVMATS Engine Support in O’Fallon, MO

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