No Slowdown in Glass Construction So Far in 2019

Spending in glass- and glazing-related nonresidential construction remains higher than a year ago, according to Key Media & Research (KMR) analysis of Census Bureau data. A new report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows employment in the industry is also greater now than it was during the same time last year.

KMR estimates the value of nonresidential glass and glazing work in the U.S. increased 1.3% in March 2019 from March 2018 on a seasonally adjusted annualized rate. This is despite a slight 0.7% decrease from the previous month (February 2019).

Strong year-over-year gains were felt in glass-heavy sectors such as office (8.6%) and lodging (7.7%), though the remaining commercial category declined by 7.1%.

Spending in residential construction, including both single-family and multifamily housing, saw a year-over-year decline of more than 8% in March and a monthly dip of just under 2%.

The elevated levels of construction spending during the first quarter has translated into employment increases in the industry. According to the latest BLS data, the nonresidential specialty trade contractors sector, which includes glaziers and ironworkers, increased employment by 4.4% in April from a year ago.

On the manufacturing side, employment in the nonmetallic mineral products and fabricated metal products categories, which includes glass and glazing products, was virtually unchanged.