Build, build, build. The construction industry can help drive the economy of a certain nation, a collective of countries, and the world for that matter.

The construction sector is important because it generates jobs that spill over to other aspects such as spending, according to Dr. Sitsabo Dlamini in his graduate paper for the University of Reading. In Europe alone, the industry accounts for 9% of the whole region’s economy and generates 18 million jobs according to the European Commission (EC).

It works both ways; the construction sector is also driven by a good economy. More are likely to invest in retail and commercial construction because of the higher demand brought by higher wages.

When looking at sprawling or sky-high structures, do you ever wonder who is the construction firm behind it? It is interesting to know contractors with the most impressive, if not the most extensive, portfolio. Something to watch out for in 2019 as some of the construction projects are delivered by that time.

Asia and the World’s Biggest Contractor

A 2017 Constructional Global report named China State Construction Engineering Corporation Ltd as the biggest contractor in the world. What makes this private firm global: $160 billion in revenues, 270,000 employees, and countless projects from Algiers to New York to date.

The company is involved in the construction, design, development, and improvement of a host of projects: shopping centres, hotels, buildings, apartments, bridges and religious places of worship like mosques. It also plans to invest in education and healthcare facilities as it expands its business.

CSCEC has received numerous rewards for its contracting work, taking pride in its top construction methods and precision work for all projects done. Dynatect Manufacturing has been making machine and automation tools for the industry 70 years and counting.

Europe’s Real Estate Magnate

Paris-based Unibail-Rodamco has been hailed as the largest real estate developer in Europe, according to a separate 2017 list from Constructional Global. Its numbers are astounding: $2.34 billion in net sales, $51.92 billion in asset portfolio, and $2.75 billion in the bottom line (income net of taxes, put simply).

In Continental Europe alone, its real estate portfolio includes 60+ shopping centres, 13 office buildings, and 10 convention centres. Where there is a dynamic city, you can expect Unibail-Rodamco to own and operate the city’s prime retail assets.

Unibail-Rodamco acquired Westfield Corporation in 2017. When the takeover was completed in 2018, the company came to be known as Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield.

Australia and Asia-Pacific’s Top Contracting Company

Looking at CPB Contractors Pty’s projects, it’s easy to see why it’s ranked as the no. 1 contractor in Australia. Its projects span roads, buildings, defence facilities, hospitals, and healthcare centres.

One recent addition to its portfolio is the Metro Tunnel project from the Victorian Government. CPB Contractors was awarded $400 million for the project. Notably, the company is the construction arm of CIMIC that is part of the Rail Infrastructure Alliance that was awarded $1 billion for the related construction project.

CPB Contractors has 20,000+ employees in its native Australia and the Asia-Pacific.

United States’ Top Contractor

San Francisco-based Bechtel ranked as the no. 1 contractor on the top 400 list compiled by ENR (Engineering News-Record) for 2017.

In its 120 years of existence, Bechtel takes pride in its 25,000 projects that took it to 160 countries around the world. These projects are far reaching, including but not limited to:

The GBP480 million contract for the London City Airport; an Energy Facility in Carroll County, Ohio that will power 740,000 homes;
a 100-km rail that is named Elizabeth Line in England;
$1 billion NSC Chernobyl Shelter and Confinement in Ukraine that will seal off the radioactive material;
Sydney Metro that is tagged as the the biggest public transportation project in Australia.

With numerous projects under its belt with a delivery timeline between here and the next year or so, it’s no wonder why Bechtel is everywhere.

Based on the foregoing, it can be seen that governments, local and national/federal, also lend a hand in construction booms. Their routine and sometimes hiked capital spending can lead to new or improved airports, road networks, motorways, rails, and other public infrastructure projects that benefit their respective constituents through job creation and better services.

By Dylan M.

© 2018 Copyright Dylan M. - All Rights Reserved Disclaimer: The above is a matter of opinion provided for general information purposes only and is not intended as investment advice. Information and analysis above are derived from sources and utilising methods believed to be reliable, but we cannot accept responsibility for any losses you may incur as a result of this analysis. Individuals should consult with their personal financial advisors.

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