|
|
Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Member
Joined: 1/6/2007
Posts: 1,306
Location: Morenci, AZ
|
It's an ugly outlook everywhere - we're in better shape than most here in the Copper state. Even though the US economy is faltering, China and India are buying our commodities at a rapid rate.
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Member
Joined: 1/20/2003
Posts: 1,922
Location: saginaw michigan
|
D10N wrote:It's an ugly outlook everywhere - we're in better shape than most here in the Copper state. Even though the US economy is faltering, China and India are buying our commodities at a rapid rate. Just wait until after the olympics are done. The comodity markets are going to take a swing for the basement. China has said all along that once the olympics are done they are going to slow their economy. They keep going the way they are, and the government of China is going to have a hard time controling their population. They are already having trouble now.
Charter Member, QBall Fan Club http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=42336642940&ref=ts
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Member
Joined: 12/22/2007
Posts: 146
|
all i know is the accumulated wealth of the top 1% (ie those with billions in stocks at the head of the country) of the US population is equal to that of the bottom 90% of the rest of the population
imagine how much better things would be if corporations paid as much percentage of what they make as regular people did. but if we try to tax them, they'll just move their buisness to mexico
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Member
Joined: 8/12/2007
Posts: 2,099
Location: Raleigh, NC
|
Don't want to be a outcast but around here things are jumping for us. We've been getting aleast 2 or 3 people calling us a week looking for a job. I don't get it. As of today we're booked solid for the next 6 weeks if not more and the phone is still ringing. Maybe it's because we not scared to do to all the little jobs big contractors don't want do or that the average joe is afraid too. The people that are calling us for jobs are the ones that only did land clearing for housing developments, so once things slowed down they were laid off. My boss is on the road atleast 2 days a week and that's for 12 hrs a day just looking and giving bids on jobs. being flexible on what you do seems to be very important around here. Just some examples are we have a few house/ basement drains to complete, one big pond to dredge out, and possibly some more land clearing and demo jobs.
Chris To see our equipment in action: http://ca.youtube.com/user/letsdig18
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Member
Joined: 1/30/2004
Posts: 501
Location: Whitmore Lake, Mi.
|
Hey Josh, I just hung up the phone, I am shipping equipment starting in June. I knew this going to happen, but this long to start. When are you leaving ? You guys are talking about low ballers, I lost 3 jobs to one guy doing helical piers, He is buying his piers from Alberta Canada, me from Ohio so I have lower shipping costs And my dollar is a dollar, the canadian money is worth more than ours. Every job he has bid less than my material costs, his over head is more than mine, he has a big office and yard, my office is in my home & don't pay rent on my yard. I went to my supplier about this, they told me to hold on he will be done soon. The first job he underbid me on he spent 9 extra days on with a crew of 4 men, that had to hurt, the next job he is going to, material cost was $21,500, we bid this in Janurary, he got the job for $ 21,000 for a weeks worth of work for a mini exc & 4 men. He did another job for half the cost of my bid, he ended up screwing the home owner in extra's. Does any body have a mayor that has been charged with 7 felonys and still in office, we do Kammie Kilpatrick. danhoe
The only job where you start at the top is digging a hole.
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Member
Joined: 4/21/2003
Posts: 756
Location: Athens, Alabama
|
For the most part, Alabama is doing quite well. I don't know for sure, but the unemployment rate is around 3 or 4 percent.
Montgomery is growing, there is a lot of growth around Mobile from what I read on Skyscraperpage.com. Birmingham is doing OK. They have a lot of road work going on. In my area (Huntsville / Decatur ), there is some roadwork, Nucor is building a new steelmill addition in Decatur, Huntsville is getting new stores and restaurants at the new Bridge Street Center, as well as several new hotels, and Athens is getting new restaurants, a Hampton Inn, a new grocery store that is building in several areas on N. Alabama, and the housing market has been going like gang busters over the last two years because of BRAC. This area is supposed to be getting around 10,000 more people due to job transfers and support companies related to the Base Realignment and Closure Committee (BRAC for short). Most of them are coming from Virginia (DC area), and the locat builders have been building like crazy. Where I live, cotton fields were the norm around me. Now, new subdivisions pop up overnight. Some that were started three years ago are now full of new homes. In fact, the Limestone County Commission approved 37 new subdivisions in 2006 and another 41 last year. So far, only one has been approved this year. Surrounding counties have been doing the same thing, too. Fortunately (I guess), the builders have realized that the BRAC people aren't coming as fast as they had hoped, and have slowed down their projects. One subdivision has over $30 million in unsold homes, but I figure that will change for the better.
In case anyone here is not familiar with the Huntsville area, it is called "The Rocket City", due to the Marshall Spaceflight Center, which developed the space program as we know it. Werner VonBraun designed the Saturn V after moving here from Texas, the Space Shuttle was designed here for the most part, as well as the International Space Station. MSC is currently working on the next space craft that will be used when the Space Shuttle is retired.
The Huntsville Space and Rocket Center is located on I-565 at Exit 14 and can be seen on Google Earth. They recently moved the prototype Saturn V into a new building to protect it from the elements, and there is a full scale model of the Saturn V standing up near that building. Future plans are for building of the launch tower next to the model. MSC also developed the engines for the Saturn V. The test stand still exists, and during tests, surrounding home for miles around had their windows blown out because of the noise. That has been a long time ago, so we don't have to worry about that anymore, but engine tests still go on from time to time, usually casing a flood of phone calls and e-mails to the local TV stations about what caused the noise. Recently, MSC did an engine cook-off, where the engine literally explodes, so that they can see where changes need to be made. I did hear that.
Also, Redstone Arsenal is in Huntsville, so there is a rather large military presence here. The Huntsville International Airport has the second longest runway in the southeast, which is good for all of the air cargo coming in, and last, but not least, Huntsville has the second largest research park in the country (behind the one in N. Carolina), so high tech is the place to be here.
Anyway, sorry for the hi-jack of sorts,
Regards, Colin
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Member
Joined: 8/7/2006
Posts: 807
Location: Independence Township, Michigan
|
Eric,
Yes, we are doing the I-475 job in asphalt. Actually Dan's Excavating is a sub-contractor to us. Ajax Paving Industries, Inc. is the prime contractor for the job. The headaches and the arguments with the consultating engineers have already started on this one. We are scheduled to start some asphalt work on this job in about a week. Then production paving will begin on May 15th (depending on weather).
Diggin Danhoe,
I knew you couldn't resist!! No way that my daughter looks like Mike Z!! I got more hair on my head than Mike Z does!! I agree with you on the UAW/Union thing. If asphalt prices keep going up, we won't have to worry about bidding any work. There won't be any work to do!! I am so pissed off at our entire industry right now. Everybody's got a cut each other's throat to get a job. The only one that wins this fight are the owners and they know it. There should be an industry set rate for bidding jobs across the board. I am seeing to many good contractors fall by the wayside because somebody got stupid and put a bid on job that they shouldn't even be looking at!!
By the way, another Auction on May 29, 2008 at Best Asphalt's yard in Romulus, MI. A & R Sealcoating's trucking division is closing its doors. About 15 - 20 tandems and tri-axles up for auction and Best Asphalt is throwing in some excess trucks and equipment also. Should be interesting!! Believe me, by fall, there will be more auctions and bigger contractors closing their doors this year because of the lack of work in Michigan!!
Ajax will survive. We had a meeting last week and our owner said not to worry, our balance sheet is very, very strong financially and we can take a few bumps in the road. I guess we can. We bought over $7 million dollars in new equipment this past winter (New Asphalt plant, a new loader, a couple of dozers, a new asphalt paver, a couple of concrete pavers, numerous dirt and asphalt rollers, pick-ups, stake trucks and some agitators.) We also acquired a wet batch concrete trucking company that was on the verge of going under. New company is called PCC Trucking, LLC. 2008 is going to be an interesting year!!
"THE KILPATRICK ENTERPRISE IS GOING TO JAIL, MIKE DUGGAN IS MAYOR, SYNDER IS GOVERNOR AND IS FIXING MICHIGAN"
AJAX MATERIALS CORPORATION...AJAX PAVING INDUSTRIES....BLACK OR WHITE, WE PAVE MICHIGAN
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Member
, Moderator
Joined: 8/24/2002
Posts: 4,218
Location: usa
|
Lots of work going on all around the country. Housing is bad, financials are bad, but that is just the way it always works. Ups and downs. Mining is booming all over, heavy construction is doing well, equipment mfgs are doing very well. Gas prices are high and for a very good reason. Big demand, limited supply. When the liberals and environuts get out voted and not elected we might be able to do something in this country. The economy will work out just fine with time. This same thing has gone on since this nation was formed and it does the same thing all around the world. Nothing new...and this is from a guy who lives in NY state! the arm pit of the country as far as I am concerned... and its still is not that bad realy.
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Member
Joined: 12/25/2007
Posts: 1,358
Location: Kodiak Ak.
|
diggindanhoe wrote: Josh do you know that the Business agents of local 324 make $ 1600.00 per week plus heath care. Is that to much? What do you think they should be making? Turbo, Do you have a job lined up out in the Pacific Northwest?
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Member
Joined: 1/20/2003
Posts: 1,922
Location: saginaw michigan
|
Lashlander wrote:diggindanhoe wrote: Josh do you know that the Business agents of local 324 make $ 1600.00 per week plus heath care. Is that to much? What do you think they should be making? Turbo, Do you have a job lined up out in the Pacific Northwest? If I recall correctly, the BA scale is regular crane operator scale, with 60hours a week. I hate to say it, but in my book that is way too much. Most contractors dont even let their guys work, more than 48 hours a week here. The Business agents not only make that wage a week, they have a new vehicle every 3 years, i understand that. They have a travel expense account. I can understand that too. Even though most of our regions for BAs are small. They also have a general expense account. I know two years ago one BA spent over 30k in a year in his general account. All this happens while the union takes away the little things from us. We used to have all sorts of cool decals, and hats. Try and find one now. They tell us its too expensive. Yet they can use their expense accounts for what ever they want. Yes I do have a job lined up. Going to be working with Eric P at Northwest Demolition. Apparently us demo guys travel in groups. I also have family in the Ketchikan Ak area. They own a few ready mix plants in the southern island chains, have a few crushers, and have a few road building crews. Most of the time they work in the forestry, but with the logging industry like it is they may be out on public projects this year.
Charter Member, QBall Fan Club http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=42336642940&ref=ts
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Member
Joined: 12/25/2007
Posts: 1,358
Location: Kodiak Ak.
|
Turbo, thanks for the reply. After I asked the question I got to wondering if you were going to work for Northwest. Welcome to the Westside. Although I'm not so sure about Oregon. I got sent down to a job in Portland once. I swore when I crossed the bridge into Vancouver Wa. I'd never set foot in Oregon again.
I've lived here for over 20 years now so I guess I'm used to the wages in this area. The pay for the BA doesn't seem to be out of line. I don't know what regular operators make though. When we are out of town we work seven twelves. That has a tendency to skew your outlook on a pay rates.
Most of the old time logging outfits are gone now. The Cruise ship passengers don't like seeing clear cuts from their staterooms when their comming up the inside passage.
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Member
Joined: 1/20/2003
Posts: 1,922
Location: saginaw michigan
|
Lash, whats the reason for not wanting to go back to OR? Scale out there is more than here, i know that much. Sounds to me the Union is a little weak. The owner of Northwest told me they are a strong union. The next thing he tells me, they have a yard rate with the union that doesnt pay bennis, and pays 17 an hour. That way if they get slow they can keep their employees busy. As for BA pay. It may be in line, but I think its too much with a vehicle expense account, and another expense account. I can kind of understand their pay. Then again, it seems real high when guys on dirt and road scale are getting around 25 an hour.
Charter Member, QBall Fan Club http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=42336642940&ref=ts
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Member
Joined: 1/20/2003
Posts: 1,922
Location: saginaw michigan
|
Well guys, it says a lot about your state when a historic Detroit landmark gets slotted for the wrecking ball. I knew this was in the works early last year. It was announced today. Tiger Stadium is slotted for demolition. The way it looks, it will be at least 75% of the stadium. A group trying to save the stadium has until June 1 to come up with 369,000 dollars to keep the corner of the stadium, from dugout to dugout. The contract has been awarded to MCM Management of Bloomfield Hills Mi. No suprise to those of us that have worked with MCM, or to anyone in the demo business. MCM is doing it free of charge. The kicker, MCM has offered the City of Detroit $300,000, if the city will approve complete demolition of Tiger Stadium by June 1. A shrewd business man, David Mardigan is making an end run around politics with cash. Also, he may be working on making himself the most hated man in Detroit.
Charter Member, QBall Fan Club http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=42336642940&ref=ts
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Member
Joined: 8/7/2006
Posts: 807
Location: Independence Township, Michigan
|
Turbo,
Really, I didn't MCM was getting the Tiger Stadium Contract. Maybe him and Soave paid for Kwame's lavish trips to the Ritz Carleton and all those high priced weekly trips to the resort spas, but then again, his favorite "buddy" Ferguson Enterprises, Inc. in downtown Detroit does Demolition also. I am surprised that a Detroit based Demolition Contractor did not get the work, like Adamo Demolition. They are good outfit. I am not surprised that Dave Mardigan offered $300,000 to knock it down when he will make triple that when he sells off the scrap and recycles the materials. Shrewd businessman indeed....curious stupid question, why is he the most hated man in Detroit?
"THE KILPATRICK ENTERPRISE IS GOING TO JAIL, MIKE DUGGAN IS MAYOR, SYNDER IS GOVERNOR AND IS FIXING MICHIGAN"
AJAX MATERIALS CORPORATION...AJAX PAVING INDUSTRIES....BLACK OR WHITE, WE PAVE MICHIGAN
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Member
Joined: 1/20/2003
Posts: 1,922
Location: saginaw michigan
|
Brian, no doubt it was a very good business move. MCM has done joint venture work with Ferguson before. As for the mayor of Detroit, he should be sent to the landfill with a load of debris from Tiger Stadium. The unfortunate thing is, there are 3 more guys just like him waiting to fill his shoes. What I said about being hated. It doesnt matter who is doing the project. Or even what kind of demolition project. Everyone seems to hate the people that are doing the demolition. There is a good amount of people that want to see the stadium saved. The only reason why David Mardigan wants to do the stadium project is all the publicity. Any is better than none I guess. We were not really well received in Lansing. In fact, the sign shop in the plants left us some nice surprises. I saw a few signs that said No MCM Trespassing. Violators will be shot. Just like the employees of the plant have a job to do. So do us demo guys. Its not that i wanted to take any ones lively hood. I just wanted to make one for myself. You didn't really tell anyone in town what you did, or where you worked, as most were not very impressed with your career choice.
Charter Member, QBall Fan Club http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=42336642940&ref=ts
|
|
|
Guest |
