Masonry Magazine December 2011 Page. 33
Masonry: What size staff are you working with, compared to two years ago? Had you laid off people and, if so, have you been able to rehire?
Solomon: Like many others, TNT has had to make tough choices and lay a few employees off to make sure our company made it to the other side of these trying economic times. We have hired a few positions back as work picked up. With Premier Scaffold Solutions, our staff has stayed just about the same, since we have had a large amount of equipment needed for the Washington, D.C., job, not to mention we have had to make many special items for the job as well.
Breithaupt: Our staff is down about 40 percent, compared to three years ago. We expect to rehire in 2012.
Masonry: Any message you want to relay to our mason contractor readers?
Solomon: I hope to see all the mason contractors at the World of Masonry/World of Concrete in 2012. It's sometimes hard when things are this economically tough to make it to the show. But, if it's at all possible, I hope everyone can show their support for an industry that has treated most of us well in the past, and I feel is coming back right now and going to be stronger in the future. By coming to WOC, not only do you support the very industry that you work in, but you may pick up some information on equipment or supplies that can save you money on labor and/or production. This, in turn, may just help you get that next winning bid. If, by chance, you do come to WOC, please stop by our booth at Premier Scaffold Solutions to see how our mast climbing equipment can save you labor dollars and increase production with quality equipment made with American pride in the U.S.A. Good luck to everyone next year and into the future. Remember, with no risk, there's no reward!
Breithaupt: Lately we've seen a shift in the thinking of the contractors buying our scaffolding. They are concerned with managing their costs now more than anytime I can remember. I am really thankful we are in the business of making a labor-saving device, instead of some useless luxury that could be easily cut out of the budget. When everyone was covered up with work, they were buying our scaffolding to increase production and, hopefully, cut 30 percent off the job duration. Now, with work being scarce in many places, they are buying Non-Stop to cut back on their crew size, and, therefore, their weekly payroll, and still finishing the work on time. They are concerned with pay-back time, now more than ever. They are realizing they only need four months of work ahead to justify buying Non-Stop scaffolding. IMAS
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