Americans' sudden preference for vacations over building and remodeling -- as well as a surge in sawmill output -- caused lumber futures to plunge by over 40% in June, the biggest monthly drop since 1978. With prices far below lumber's per-thousand-board-feet peak of $1,670.50 in May, concerns about inflation in the US are easing.

Applying artificial intelligence and other digital tools to factory management will give manufacturers better inventory visibility and help them be more resilient, flexible and ready to act in the face of supply chain disruptions, says LeanDNA CEO Richard Lebovitz. Digital tools will enable teams "to quickly prioritize daily supply chain actions, tackle urgent issues before they impede production, and ultimately enable your supply chain team to perform at an entirely new level," Lebovitz says.

Supply chain disruptions over the past year have encouraged manufacturers to overhaul operations and incorporate digital tools to maximize cost and labor efficiencies and optimize resiliency, says Oden Technologies CEO Willem Sundblad. He also says manufacturers need to make jobs more attractive and compelling by "offering new digital tools, making really cool things that truly have an impact, and giving people a chance to see [the] fruits of their labor."

A construction workforce shortage is adding to the headache of high material prices as companies struggle to move projects forward. The shortage is causing a squeeze particularly with regard to experienced construction workers, and "carrot-and-stick incentives" likely are necessary "to get people back to work" after the peak of the pandemic, said Dr. Masaki Oishi of MarketSpace Capital.

Some construction workers are reluctant to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, and many construction companies are similarly hesitant to make the vaccine mandatory. A survey conducted in April by Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh found that 46% of construction workers planned to skip COVID-19 vaccinations.

Construction is expected to be among industries leading the economic rebound, as GDP growth is projected to reach 7% this year. Residential activity is expected to remain strong, nonresidential activity is expected to ramp back up and infrastructure is expected to get a federal boost, as shown in a ConstructConnect forecast on put-in-place construction spending.

Manufacturing training should be free and available on workers' own schedule and pace, but for it to be current, technology vendors, trade organizations, academia and industry players will need to pool their expertise, writes Tulip CEO Natan Linder. "Training alone isn't going to solve this complex problem, but it's essential and it's a start," Linder writes.

Construction companies and industries that serve them are poised for years of additional business from $559 billion in new spending promised under an advancing bipartisan infrastructure bill. Among the biggest likely winners are manufacturers of machinery, with Caterpillar and its specialty in highway equipment possibly the biggest beneficiary.

The AWFS® Fair will host a silent auction with net proceeds benefiting the Woodwork Career Alliance of North America, a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing and growing a skilled woodworking workforce. The auction will feature a wide variety of more than 80 bid items, including autographed collectibles, fun getaways, framed artwork and jewelry. Read more.

This AWFS® Fair competition features three parts: a designer challenge featuring a custom reach-in closet designed by Eric Marshall, Kitchens & Closets by DEA; the Fabricator challenge, sponsored by Weinig/Holz-Her, Hafele America, and ClosetPro Software; and the Installer/Assembler Challenge, where attendees compete to assemble and install the closet in booth 4451. Read more.