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Knoxville

865-982-6452

Tri-Cities

423-975-9111

Operating Hours

Parts & Service

M-F 7am - 5pm

Sales & Rentals

M-F 8am - 5pm

Contact Us

865-982-6452

Sales: Blake Wilson

Parts/Service: Terry Nichols

Construction Industry Trends
April 1, 2025

The 2025 Construction Industry: A Golden Opportunity to Build a Career

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Emily Bieger

Can you name a US industry that pays extremely well and is looking to hire nearly half a MILLION new employees? In 2025, the U.S. construction industry is poised for an unprecedented boom, creating a wealth of opportunities for those seeking a rewarding career path. With a projected need for 439,000 new workers, the industry is ripe for potential job seekers looking to build a stable and lucrative future career or advance from the ground up.

What We Found:

  • With increased growth, the construction industry is in immediate need for workers, and the benefits are many
  • Construction wages are outpacing many other job sectors
  • Those aspiring to leadership roles are finding their career paths expedited
  • A rewarding and impactful construction career could be easier to achieve than you think

Why Choose Construction in 2025?

High Demand Equals Job Security – The construction sector’s urgent need for workers translates to excellent job security. With an aging workforce and a shortage of skilled labor, your expertise will be highly valued, ensuring long-term employment prospects and excellent compensation.

Competitive Wages and Benefits – As the industry grapples with the labor shortage, wages are on the rise. Average hourly earnings in construction have increased by 4.4% over the past year, outpacing many other sectors. This trend is likely to continue, making construction a financially attractive career choice.

Diverse Career Paths – The construction industry offers a wide array of career options. From traditional trades like carpentry and plumbing to emerging roles in green construction and technology integration, there’s a path for every interest and skill set, from backhoe operators to data analysists.

Opportunity for Rapid Advancement – With many experienced workers nearing retirement, there’s ample room for quick career progression in the construction industry. Young professionals entering the field now could find themselves in leadership positions much faster than in other industries. With great responsibility comes great compensation, as well as the opportunity to mentor under some of the finest minds in the industry.

The Green Revolution in Construction – One of the most exciting developments in construction is the surge in green and renewable energy projects. This shift has created a new category of high-paying jobs that combines traditional construction skills with cutting-edge environmental technology. Even CMI-Case construction equipment is benefitting from advances in technology to be more durable, efficient and environmentally conscious than ever before, whether EV or ICE, and mechanics and engineers are always needed to maintain their ever advancing features under heavy usage. A clean running machine is an efficient machine.

Top Green Construction Jobs for 2025:

For those interested in Green Construction jobs, these are four industry trades that are projected to see increased need and growth in the next 8 years:

  1. Solar PV Installers: Projected 48% growth with 12,000 new jobs by 2033
  2. Electricians: 11% growth with 84,300 new jobs by 2033
  3. Construction Laborers: 7% growth with 119,400 new jobs by 2033
  4. Plumbers: 6% growth with 26,300 new jobs by 2033

Embracing Technology and Innovation – The construction industry is rapidly adopting new technologies, from drones and robotics to Building Information Modeling (BIM). This tech revolution is creating exciting opportunities for those with digital skills, making the field broader and appealing to tech-savvy individuals.

Industry Efforts to Welcome New Talent – Recognizing the need for fresh talent, the construction industry is actively engaged to make careers more appealing and accessible:

  • Increased focus on reaching a broader pool of candidates
  • Partnerships with trade schools and community colleges
  • Development of apprenticeship programs
  • Improved working conditions and safety measures
  • Investment in upskilling and continuous learning opportunities

The construction industry in 2025 presents a unique opportunity for career growth, financial stability and personal development. With high demand, competitive wages, and a diverse range of career paths, now is the perfect time to consider a future in construction. And it doesn’t have to start after getting a 4-year college degree. Whether you’re a recent graduate, looking for a career change, or simply seeking a field with ample opportunities, the construction industry of 2025 welcomes you to not just build structures, but a rewarding and impactful career and life.

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CASE Historial Excavator
Construction Industry Trends
March 1, 2025

Do You Know the Historic Evolutions of CASE Construction Equipment?

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Emily Bieger

CASE Construction Equipment’s history dates to before the American Civil War, with a legacy of innovation and excellence.

A brand synonymous with innovation and excellence in the construction industry, CASE has a rich history spanning over 175 years. Founded by Jerome Increase Case in 1842 as the Racine Threshing Machine Works in Racine, Wisconsin, the company has evolved from producing threshing machines to becoming a global leader in heavy construction equipment.

Key Highlights:

  • Founding and Early Innovations: CASE Construction Equipment’s early innovations included the production of threshing machines and, in 1869, the first portable steam engine, which played a crucial role in early road construction.
  • Expansion into Construction Equipment: By the mid-20th century, CASE expanded significantly into construction equipment.
  • Strategic Acquisitions and Mergers: Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, CASE made strategic acquisitions, and merged with New Holland to form CNH Global, which later became CNH Industrial in 2013.
  • Recent Innovations and Future Outlook: CASE has continued to innovate with the launch of electric equipment and is focused on meeting industry demands through investments in technology.

Early Years: Threshing Machines and Steam Engines

In its early years, CASE focused on manufacturing threshing machines, which revolutionized wheat harvesting by increasing efficiency tenfold compared to manual methods. The company’s foray into steam engines began in 1869 with the production of its first portable steam engine, a milestone that marked the beginning of its involvement in road construction. This steam engine, now housed at the Smithsonian Institution, symbolizes CASE’s pioneering spirit in mechanical innovation.

Expansion into Construction Equipment

The dawn of the 20th century saw CASE expand its product line into construction equipment. A pivotal moment came in 1957 with the introduction of the CASE Model 320, the first factory-integrated tractor loader backhoe. This innovation cemented CASE’s position in the construction machinery sector. Over the years, the company continued to diversify its offerings, entering the excavator market in 1967 and skid steer loader production in 1969.

Strategic Acquisitions and Mergers

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, CASE made strategic acquisitions to bolster its portfolio. Notable acquisitions include Poclain excavators in 1977 and Drott Manufacturing Company in 1968, which expanded its presence in the wheeled excavator market. In 1999, CASE merged with New Holland to form CNH Global, which later became CNH Industrial in 2013.

Recent Innovations

Construction Industry's first electric backhoe loader.

In recent years, CASE has continued to innovate and expand its product line offerings. The company has made significant strides in electric equipment, launching the 580EV, the industry’s first electric backhoe loader, which has garnered significant interest and enthusiasm from the industry. Additionally, CASE has introduced new models like the TL 100 mini track loader and several small articulated loader models, further diversifying its product lineup.

Current And Future Outlook

Today, CASE Construction Equipment is part of CNH Industrial and operates as a leading manufacturer of construction machinery, including excavators, motor graders, wheel loaders, and skid steers. The company is focused on meeting industry demands through investments in manufacturing and technology. Trends shaping CASE’s strategy include the adoption of machine control technology, digital connectivity, and alternative power sources like electric equipment.

In 2025, CASE is poised to continue its legacy of innovation, with a focus on electric and digitally connected solutions. The company’s commitment to exceeding customer expectations and needs and to furthering technological advancements position it well for future growth and leadership in the construction equipment sector. You can count on Contractor’s Machinery to bring you all the latest equipment and insights from our partners at CASE.

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The growing need for compact equipment in urban construction
Construction Industry Trends
February 1, 2025

The Growing Need for Compact Equipment in Urban Construction

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Emily Bieger

As the need for residential and commercial space continues to grow, urban construction has become much more common. The unique confines of an urban landscape present construction challenges for the size and type of equipment that can be used to build in the urban environment. As new compact construction technology continues to develop and mature, it’s important for contractors to understand why they need to consider acquiring quality compact machinery. Below is a list of reasons why compact equipment better fits growing city and startup project construction sites.

Compliance with Urban Regulations

Regulations regarding the types of equipment contractors are allowed to use in certain areas have grown. With laws limiting noise, emissions and even weights of construction equipment in crowded areas, a growing need has presented itself for smaller equipment that can handle the same workload as their larger counterparts. Machinery like Case Compact Track Loaders and Compact Dozer Loaders help exceed site needs while meeting these more stringent regulations. Simultaneously, they set the bar as top-of-the-line compact equipment that performs above its weight class.

Navigating Tight Spaces

Urban construction’s most difficult challenges include navigating narrow streets, crowded neighborhoods and working with limited staging areas. Compact equipment excels in these environments. Mini excavators and other compact equipment can efficiently dig and grade in areas where larger machines struggle to fit or get turned around. The Case TR340B Compact Track Loader offers a smaller overall footprint, allowing operators to maneuver through tight spaces without sacrificing performance.

Versatility of Compact Machinery

Compact equipment often offers a useability and versatility that larger, clunkier equipment can’t match. With compact machinery’s ability to easily interchange attachments such as grapples, buckets and augers, the need to bring in specific pieces of large machinery can be, to some extent, limited, if needed at all. Adding versatile compact machinery to your fleet of construction equipment can help streamline urban construction jobs while saving time and money from deploying your big gun/high dollar machinery.

Improved Transport and Storage

The convenience of compact machinery in urban construction becomes quite evident when it’s time to transport your equipment. Deploying heavy equipment in urban areas through urban traffic can be challenging and time-consuming. And time is money. Compact machines are easier to load, transport and properly store, making them more practical and economical for city projects. 

Cost Effectiveness

Smaller machinery usually comes with smaller upfront purchasing costs, reduced maintenance and lower fuel costs compared to large machinery. For contractors working on startup projects with limited budgets and for those developing smaller urban infrastructure, compact machinery is ideal. There is no need to take up space and spend extra cash on large machinery that can only be used for specific jobs if smaller equipment can get the job done. Do be aware however, that costs can escalate pretty quickly when you start adding on all the attachments you may need for certain jobs. Keep this in mind when building your small equipment fleet.

In conclusion, the following is still true: Size matters. If you are finding cost issues and inconveniences in deploying your large equipment in the ever-growing and developing urban landscape, it may be time to consider some smaller-sized equipment options that are still tough enough to get the heavy jobs done but be easier to operate on the job site. Consult with your CMI Case representative to find the right sized equipment options and attachments for your construction fleet.

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Construction Industry Trends
February 1, 2024

CASE Brings Some Exciting Innovations Into 2024

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Contractors Machinery

When Terry Dolan speaks, the industry listens! Dolan, who serves as the vice present of CASE Construction Equipment, recently addressed the innovations and challenges of the equipment industry in 2024 and highlighted some ways CASE is not only overcoming, but thriving as it leads the construction business into the future.

According to Dolan some of the biggest challenges from 2023 will unfortunately continue. Labor shortages have improved since last year at this time, but the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey revealed that October’s end still reported 423,000 job openings.

Not only are inherited labor shortages a concern, Dolan explains that 2024 will bring some additional workforce challenges. Government programs are initiating massive investment in the nation’s infrastructure (an estimated $1.2 trillion) and the demand will continue to soar. Despite these shortages and apparent doom and gloom forecasts, Dolan’s prediction for the year is optimistic, stating:

“Whether it’s incorporating more intuitive electrohydraulic controls in dozers to minimize the operator’s learning curve, or now offering new, subcompact machine markets to give small contractors construction-grade options for getting more done with fewer people, we’re innovating to meet customers where they are today so they can overcome those labor challenges.”

2023 brought extraordinary levels of growth to the heavy equipment industry. Over 30 new machines were introduced in the past year. Dolan refers to innovations like machine guidance and satellite positioning technology that drastically increase machine accuracy and control.

Although this new year isn’t expected to match this, it is expected to be market-driven, incorporating new technology to get the jobs done faster and with fewer people. This is going to be critical to the survival of this industry, since infrastructure is expected to develop at a time in our nation’s history when an unprecedented number of workers will be retiring.

Along with other experts, Dolan states that the push to decrease emissions will also continue throughout this year. In an industry that depends on diesel as its primary power source, this serves as a challenge and top priority as the construction equipment industry forges ahead in 2024. Exploration of alternative fuels and hydrogen continues to show great promise, and there has been huge progress in the electrification of vehicles.

In fact, in 2024 CASE will be launching the industry’s first fully electric backhoe! This model, along with other EVs being designed, is now able to perform with the same power and performance that was once available only by diesel. These vehicles will also offer multiple charging options, so that traditional challenges EVs bring to the contractor’s business will be averted.

Although no one can predict with complete accuracy what our economic forecast will be, Terry Dolan looks forward to a promising year of addressing the problems of labor shortage and fuel emissions. Machine guidance, satellite positioning technology, and huge progress in electrification mean this year will be an outstanding one for CASE and for Contractor’s Machinery, as it perpetuates an innovative trajectory in the construction business.

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The pros and cons of electric equipment.
Construction Industry Trends Technology
June 1, 2023

Electric or Diesel?

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Contractors Machinery

CMI Helps you Explore the Pros and Cons in Heavy Construction Equipment

Electric Vehicles were all the rage at this March’s ConExpo! More than 2,000 exhibitors revealed new advances in heavy equipment and development of battery-power everything!

The jobsite is a fascinating study of energy efficiency. Research from manufacturers is revealing that most heavy equipment is used only 3-4 hours a day when on a jobsite. Traditional diesel engines consume energy even in those idle hours. On the other hand, electric vehicles only use battery power when they are running.  The construction site is an obvious place to explore the use of electric machines! Here’s a quick look at some of the pros and cons in the transition to electric heavy equipment:

PROs for EVs:

Less Noise and Vibration. No more engine and far fewer mechanical components means a much quieter work environment, reducing not only air but noise pollution. This is a significant asset, especially when accomplishing the impossible…using enormous equipment in peaceful neighborhoods.

Cheaper to operate. Electricity is cheaper than gas…period. Add this to decreased energy used and higher efficiency, and there is no question operation is more efficient with electric than diesel. Fewer mechanical components simplify the job and severely decreases repair costs as well.

More accurate precision. Newly developed electric equipment offers more immediate power and torque than traditional engines, resulting in more accurate precision and faster construction.

CONs for EVs: 

Expense. Although electric equipment typically shows a 50% increase in productivity and cost is typically recouped within one to five years, electric equipment is more expensive than diesel. Your business’s budget will take a hard it with the initial investment, but the long-term gains in bottom line could be tremendous.

Infrastructure. Electricity brings the same challenge to heavy equipment production as it does to vehicles in general. Logistics for charging stations mean infrastructure must be reconfigured. In order to have optimal charging, these machines need the same charging systems as electric cars (240-volt, Level 2 A/C setup).

Speed of development. Simply due to the size of the engines, the heavy equipment industry has been slower to produce electric options than the automotive industry. Battery-powered options are available now, but many more are in the process of production and are projected to be released by 2026.

Check out the Case 580 fully electric backhoe loader. This mighty machine can save fleets an estimated 90% in vehicle maintenance and service costs! As manufacturers continue to develop new production strategies, EV is not the wave of the future…it is the wave of today!

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How to attract young workers to the construction industry.
Construction Industry Trends
May 1, 2023

Need Young Workers?

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Contractors Machinery

Simply put, the construction business “just ain’t what it used to be!” If the industry is going to appeal to young workers, OEM owners and managers need to successfully recruit workers and appeal to this generation of laborers. (They need to think, “that’s some sexy machinery!”) In addition to the sex appeal factor, managers must also highlight the technological advances and training that are defining the construction industry as the white color profession it is.

This day in construction history is unique to say the least. Record numbers of workers are retiring just at the same time qualified workers are hard to find. The construction business is no longer about whether or not you’re strong enough to carry trusses or swing a sledgehammer. Advances in the industry mean qualified workers are more essential than ever. Job recruiters need to highlight some of these changes to attract the high-tech employees they need.  Let’s take a look at the 2023 world of construction:

Machines are smarter than ever. Every one of the machines available today through Contractor’s Machinery is technologically state-of-the-art. With computer-generated ability that equips the user with precision like never before, Sitewatch telematics keep the operator informed about literally every aspect of the performance of each machine. Applied science has transformed construction and the requirements to be successful in the field of construction.

Although the advances of 3D printing are relatively new to the construction industry, it has the potential to revolutionize construction. Creating 3-dimensional, computer-generated prototypes, contractors are just beginning to explore the enormous benefits of utilizing 3D printing in the industry. 3D printing is allowing companies to cut back on time and resources spent on projects, in addition to creating much more environmentally savvy structures. Some companies, like New Story are even fighting the problem of homelessness by building the world’s first community of 3D homes.

In “selling” the industry to young workers, perhaps the most important characteristic of construction is what has not changed: There is great reward in looking back at something significant and beautiful and being able to say, “I did that.” The most successful employees are those who encompass three qualities:  naturally creative intuition, technical training and formal education, and a solid work ethic that commits to making a difference in the world.

Considering the resources that this current employable generation holds, it has the potential to be one of the most productive generations in history. Presenting the industry’s technological advancements and worldwide impact are keys to making the job look sexy. And sexy is everything in 2023, including heavy equipment!

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Construction Industry Trends
October 28, 2022

Construction Trends 2023

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Contractors Machinery

Reports are still surfacing on the long-term effects of the pandemic and of the 2020 recession, and the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Consensus forecasts a great year for non-residential building construction in 2023!

This report analyzed several different categories of building and concluded overall that the construction industry did not stagnate during the crisis. The healthcare sector, for example, never declined during the pandemic, and gains are expected to increase 5-6 percent through 2023.

School building construction and renovations went on hold during the pandemic, since students across the country were learning remotely and there was no need to renovate or build. However, in-person attendance is expected to produce a construction industry gain of 2-percent this year and 5-percent from there in 2023.

The pandemic increased the desire for new and improved entertainment and recreation facilities. Of course, this is great news for the construction industry. The forecast predicts 7 – 9 percent increases this year in that arena as well.

Although this all sounds like great news for construction businesses, there are certainly some economic hurdles to overcome. Economists are not optimistic and predict that an economy-wide recession remains imminent. Rising interest rates and inflation, consistent stock market declines, and consumer fears (sparked primarily by rising gasoline prices) remain at hand, and only time will tell how quickly this may affect all industry.

Housing construction remains a significant predictor of the state of the building industry. Seeing a 7-percent increase in 2020 and 16 percent increase in 2021, homeowners are now being hit with increased house prices and mortgage rates. This concerns some enough to believe the industry is not yet out of the woods entirely. But overall, the AIA concluded non-residential building has a solid foundation for continued growth through 2023.

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Construction trends for 2022
Construction Industry Trends Construction Safety
April 29, 2022

Efficiency and Safety Remain the Top Construction Trends in 2022!

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Contractors Machinery

As our nation is taking its first breaths after Covid-19 pandemic restrictions, the construction industry reflects on how these strange two years have drastically affected current construction trends. Stricter safety regulations, rising supply costs (up 17% in 2021!), and continued shortage of workers has made 2022 a uniquely competitive market.

Increased health and safety regulations are here to stay, as contractors have implemented new methods to meet cleanliness and safety standards, ultimately increasing union presence. This year the companies that have invested in quality protective gear and technology are the ones who are getting the bids. Robotic transport equipment has solved the problem of both safety and labor shortages. Everything from protective headsets to Wi-Fi safety alerts has been implemented so that OSHA is happy and the customer gets his job done on time.

Face-to-face contact has been replaced by “smart” contracts, which allow both the customer and the contractor to review and track progress of jobs more efficiently and safely. Regulations are followed closely and deadlines are met on time, all by tracking building supply and labor progress online. Drones, AR (Augmented Reality), and online modeling have met the challenges of labor shortage as well.

Another construction trend for 2022 that’s on the upswing are prefab and modular buildings, with many international builders hoping to spend just 25% of their energy on on-site construction by 2025.  The prefab trend increased dramatically with social distancing regulations, but it is continuing as an economical and comfortable option for builders.

As the construction industry adjusts to a post-pandemic generation, it is thinking “green” and efficient from every angle. Building designs must be energy smart and multi-functional. (Think gardens on rooftops and self-sustaining environmental resources.)

“Smart” employees are being redefined as well in 2022! A college education was commonly thought to be a “plus” in most industries, but construction companies are increasingly hiring hands-on experience and skill, despite lack of a college education. These days of labor shortages have opened opportunities for skilled laborers and forced businesses to focus on training like never before.

Unfortunately, increases of cost have had to be passed on to the consumer as a result of many of the necessary changes in the construction industry. But the result has forced some trends for this business that are here to stay through 2022 and far beyond.

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