
The construction industry's need for skilled labor is increasing alongside demand for productivity-enhancing tools and technology. Stanley Black & Decker is responding with a planned $1 billion U.S. investment covering product development, manufacturing capacity and workforce training.
The investment is scheduled through 2028, with the company allocating approximately equal portions to research and development and capital expenditures and longer-term manufacturing investments.
Approximately $500 million of the planned investment will support research and development. Stanley Black & Decker said the spending will focus on developing new tools and solutions for trades professionals.
Another $500 million is planned for capital expenditures and longer-term investments intended to strengthen the company's U.S. manufacturing footprint and support new product development.
The investment comes as construction and other industries increasingly rely on tools and technologies designed to improve jobsite productivity and safety.
Alongside its manufacturing and technology investments, Stanley Black & Decker plans to commit $60 million through 2030 to its DEWALT Grow the Trades initiative.
The program is intended to expand training opportunities and create additional pathways into skilled trades careers. Of the planned $60 million commitment, $27 million has already been deployed.
The company cited a need for nearly 500,000 additional workers by 2027 as part of the broader skilled trades challenge facing the U.S. construction sector.
The investment connects three areas affecting construction productivity and project capacity: tool innovation, domestic manufacturing and skilled labor development.
For contractors and construction owners, expanded access to trade training can support workforce development, while new tools and jobsite technologies may influence how crews perform work. The manufacturing component also represents a significant U.S. industrial investment tied to products used by construction and other skilled trades.
Source: Stanley Black & Decker.