2019 News

Contractor Magazine Features Baker Group

Contractor Magazine Features Baker Group
07.01.2019

Today’s commercial construction industry faces two significant challenges: 1) a skilled labor shortage, and 2) client demand for enhanced construction speed, quality and value. An article in the June 2019 issue of Contractor Magazine holds up Baker Group’s Advanced Manufacturing facility as an example of proactively – and successfully – tackling these challenges.

The article, “Prefabrication Clears Industry Roadblocks,” demonstrates how the 2017 opening of Baker Group’s  144,000-sq.-ft. facility allows the company “to produce higher quality products, in less time, without creating an unrealistic need for additional skilled manpower. … Much of the in-shop sequencing was adapted from the automotive industry.”

Prefabricating small components to large-scale, multi-trade systems in a controlled environment not only improves quality and reduces labor costs, but also increases safety, reduces jobsite congestion, and increases the amount of scrap metal that can be recycled.

Rob Cross, Baker Group’s Operations Manager, was quoted in the article: “We’re a big local advocate for the trades. We visit high schools and technical schools, invite people to take tours or do job showing programs. But we still can’t hire fast enough to fill the need.” The magazine countered: “If the company’s dedication to recruiting parallels their insistence on delivering the best solution on time and on budget, staffing the new shop won’t be an unsurmountable task.”

About Baker Group

Founded in 1963 and with 650 employees across Iowa, Baker Group is the Midwest’s premier full-service specialty contractor providing mechanical, sheet metal, electrical, compressed air, building automation, process automation, security systems, fire alarm systems, parking/revenue controls and 24/7/365 service. For more information, call 855.262.4000 or visit https://www.thebakergroup.com/.

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