SAN FRANCISCO (Dec. 16, 2021) — Autodesk, Inc. has announced that it is acquiring ProEst, a cloud-based estimating solution that enables construction teams to create estimates, perform digital takeoffs, generate detailed reports and proposals and manage bid-day processes. Autodesk plans to integrate ProEst with Autodesk Construction Cloud, a comprehensive construction management platform connecting teams, data and workflows across the entire building lifecycle.

SEOUL, South Korea (Nov. 16, 2021) — Hyundai Construction Equipment Co. plans to acquire the whole stake in two overseas units of its affiliate Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering Co. to focus on the construction machinery business.

SCHAAN, Fla. (Nov. 16, 2021) — The Hilti Group has entered into an agreement to acquire Fieldwire, a San Francisco-based construction technology company, for an approximate $300 million. The strategic acquisition will bring together Fieldwire’s best-in-class product and Hilti’s global brand and market reach to help drive productivity on construction sites.

MOLINE, Ill. (Dec. 16, 2021) — Deere & Company has signed a definitive agreement to acquire majority ownership in Kreisel Electric, Inc., a battery technology provider based in Rainbach im Mühlkreis, Austria. Kreisel develops high-density, high-durability electric battery modules and packs. Additionally, Kreisel has developed a charging infrastructure platform that utilizes this patented battery technology.

HAMILTON, N.J. (Dec. 16, 2021) — Total construction starts fell 14% in November to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $867.8 billion, according to Dodge Construction Network. Nonbuilding and nonresidential building starts bore the brunt of the decline, falling 30% and 21% respectively after seeing sharp increases in October as three large projects broke ground. Residential starts gained a modest 3%.

WASHINGTON (Dec. 15, 2021) — Architecture firms reported increasing demand for design services for the tenth consecutive month in November, according to a report from The American Institute of Architects (AIA).

WASHINGTON (Dec. 15, 2021) — Low financial stress, an expanding housing sector and increased federal spending on infrastructure are expected to propel equipment and software investment growth of 4.6% for 2022. Annual U.S. GDP growth for 2022 is forecast at 3.5%, according to the 2022 Equipment Leasing and Finance (ELFA) U.S. Economic Outlook.

ARLINGTON, Va. (Dec. 15, 2021) — Prices of numerous construction materials soared again in November, outpacing the rate at which contractors raised their bid prices, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) of government data. Association officials said the current steps being taken to address supply chain problems and rising prices have been insufficient and urged public officials to redouble their efforts.

WASHINGTON (Dec. 14, 2021) — Construction input prices increased 1.4% in November compared to the previous month, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) analysis of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Producer Price Index data. Nonresidential construction input prices also increased 1.4% for the month.