Commercial Market Update

After a great run, the commercial construction market, like most other markets, is feeling the effect of the general slowdown in the economy. Major pieces of the market, mainly private development in the Retail and Office construction market, have all but stopped. Urban residential development is also suffering with high vacancy rates coupled with falling property values. The one bright spot is the public sector. Schools, hospitals, and the military continue to provide opportunities for the masonry industry. Washington, in particular, is benefiting from the construction of new and remodeled schools and work on the military bases.

While business is down, Mutual Materials continues to offer support to the design and construction community with full time architectural and sales representatives. While others in the construction business have found it necessary to cut back in these areas, Mutual has made the decision to stay the course. As the Northwest’s leading producer of brick and block we feel an obligation to those that design and build with our products. With this commitment we hope to help position our industry to emerge from this downturn even stronger and more popular than ever.

One of the ways we hope to influence the design community is through the many Continuing Education presentations that we provide. With the slowdown, architects have the time to listen and learn about the many ways masonry can resolve design issues while providing unique and sustainable buildings. So far, in 2009, we have provided over 50 AIA/CES lunchbox presentations to regional design firms. This activity provides a great forum to provide essential design information, while meeting new clients, and teaching the young apprentices, who will someday be designing the buildings we inhabit.

Besides pure promotion and education, our architectural reps fill the role of consultants on many masonry projects. In fact, color selection takes up only a fraction of the time our reps spend in an office when working on a new masonry project. In many cases, our reps spend many hours helping to guide the designers through important details, specifications, and product layout. This activity is critical to ensure that architects feel comfortable and confident when designing with masonry products.

If you are a designer and would like further information on available educational opportunities, please check our website for instructions on how to contact us. If you are a contractor and would like more information about our support and services, please contact your local Mutual Materials representative.

Sincerely,

Gary Zagelow
Commercial Sales Manager