CHANTILLY, Va. — According to the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA), statistics in the 2002 Annual Labor Report, issued in February, indicate that while man-hours decreased from 2001 to 2002 in more than three-quarters of responding chapters, man-hours still remain relatively high compared to five years ago. Based on responses to the 2002 State of the Industry Survey, the report compiles the data collected from chapters across the country.

SMACNA reports that sheet metal contractor activity declined in 2002, reflecting what’s occurring in the national economy. A third of the chapters anticipate further declines in 2003.

Employment levels, while easing somewhat, remain high, averaging 88 percent.

SMACNA also expects market share to remain unchanged at 47 percent in 2003. Changes in market share from 2001 to 2002 have been small but are trending downward.

The association revealed that remaining competitive with the nonunion sector continues as the No. 1 challenge for contractors in the coming year.

Publication date: 03/24/2003