Western Region Report: Growth expanding in power-generation and conveyor/distribution markets

The Western Region of the SSMRC is looking at expanded growth in both the power-generation and conveyor/distribution markets over and above the 2022 spring season growth. Multiple new construction and maintenance outages have been added to our work scope, including several airport expansions. The automotive work outlook is still strong, with major projects ongoing in central Texas that should be releasing work to millwright subcontractors in the near future. The renewables and clean-energy markets also are looking at growth, with hydro power work picking up in Arkansas (long-term projects kicking off this summer) and the SSMRC’s continued pursuit of wind-energy opportunities.

The petrochemicals market is still the biggest player in the Western Region of the SSMRC. The LNG facilities that have been built over the last several years are hitting their maintenance cycles, and our employers are not only capturing the turn-around maintenance work but looking at full-time, balance-of-plant maintenance contracts as well. The major refineries and chemical plants along the Gulf Coast have been extremely busy this spring, and that does not look like it’s going to change as we roll through summer into the fall outage season.

To meet the needs of our employers and their customers for the upcoming work load, the Western Region has ongoing campaigns to recruit experienced millwrights, experienced mechanical personnel from cross-over trades, vocational school graduates, and military veterans. We are also working on implementing new training programs and schedules to assist with the high demands of the market. As always, we welcome referrals from our partnering contractors and business partners for mechanically inclined or experienced people who might be a good fit for our industry.