DALLAS–FORT WORTH, Texas — The commercial and industrial construction surge across North Texas continues to reshape the regional economy — from semiconductor facilities to advanced logistics hubs. But industry experts warn that labor shortages are threatening project timelines, budgets, and long-term growth.
The U.S. construction sector needs 439,000 additional workers in 2025 to keep pace with demand, according to the Associated Builders and Contractors. Without that workforce boost, delays and cost escalations are becoming unavoidable.
Texas is feeling the strain more than most. An Associated General Contractors survey revealed:
This imbalance in supply and demand has already contributed to a drop in contract values, the Dallas Federal Reserve found — a clear signal that labor scarcity is slowing new development.
Owners across Texas are experiencing:
Higher subcontractor bids
Schedule extensions from day one
Reduced competition for specialized trades
Increased risk exposure on schedule-critical projects
These challenges are especially pronounced in manufacturing and industrial expansions, where speed-to-market is a primary success factor.
Traditionally, owners bring contractors onboard late in the process — a move that creates blind spots in labor forecasting and procurement. In today’s market, experts say that delay is too costly.
To protect their investments, owners are advancing delivery strategies that prioritize early collaboration, workforce planning, and flexibility.
Early engagement helps project teams:
Strategic trade partners can be secured before competition inflates pricing — while providing vital predictability on staffing and workflow.
A regional labor shortage doesn’t have to shut down a project.
Contractors with wider networks can move in talent from other states to avoid bottlenecks and maintain consistent quality standards.
When budgeting, scheduling, and logistics are aligned early, owners get clearer labor roadmaps — and fewer surprises during execution.
Texas is outpacing nearly every state in manufacturing growth. Billions of dollars are at stake. Only the projects that can secure reliable labor will:
Owners who embrace integrated delivery models “plan differently,” reducing exposure to market volatility and maintaining competitiveness even as resources stretch thin.
The labor crisis isn’t expected to fade quickly. As retiring tradespeople outpace new entrants, the construction industry must continue evolving how it plans and staffs major developments.
McCownGordon — one of the firms leading this shift — says integrated risk management is defining which projects succeed:
With early involvement, broader labor access, and the ability to adapt national resources to local needs, industrial and manufacturing clients can continue building the facilities required for growth and resilience.
Originally reported by McCownGordon in Dallas Business Journal.
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