In the dynamic world of construction, few regions embody the ebb and flow of the industry quite like Greater Phoenix. Historically known as a boom-and-bust city, Phoenix has experienced the cyclical dance of housing developments, driven by fluctuating interest rates and economic tides. However, the past decade has seen a transformative shift, turning Greater Phoenix into a flourishing hub for technology-driven growth and innovation.
Even amid the challenges of the recent pandemic, Arizona experienced a tech boom, defying the market conditions and increasing the number of tech jobs by 28% since 2016.
Arizona has long been recognized as a hub for semiconductor manufacturing companies. However, with the recent implementation of the CHIPS Act, major global semiconductor companies have been further incentivized to expand operations domestically, causing competition among regions to attract investment. Having already positioned itself as an ideal location for such expansion, Arizona continues to provide substantial funding and a growing ecosystem to this fast-growing industry.
The true testament to Arizona’s status as a burgeoning technological epicenter is not just a regional phenomenon but resonates internally. JE Dunn, ranked third and seventh by Engineering News-Record’s 2023 rankings for semiconductor manufacturing and mission critical, respectively, builds for five mega clients in these markets throughout the country. The company has 26 offices nationwide, spanning 18 states; Arizona is the only market where all five clients are actively building.
Impact on General Contractors
The surge in tech has given rise to a unique set of challenges for general contractors, most notably the war for talent. While the opportunities for general contractors with expertise in these markets are seemingly endless, the sheer scale of these mega projects in complex manufacturing facilities and data centers is no small feat. Staffing projects of this magnitude demands a considerable allocation of resources and requires a specialized workforce with the skills needed to successfully deliver such complex facilities.
JE Dunn’s approach to advancing in the tech space involves marrying local insights, expertise, and relationships with national proficiency and horsepower. By integrating our local team’s knowledge of the Greater Phoenix market with the specialized expertise of our national counterparts, we create a team that not only benefits our clients but also fosters a collaborative and enriching environment for our employees.
Having a team rooted in the local community offers an understanding of the unique needs, regulations, and partnerships that can only come from a genuine investment in the region. On the other hand, leveraging the expertise of individuals who have spent their careers working exclusively in active data centers or highly complex manufacturing facilities brings an unparalleled level of technical proficiency.
Our commitment to building the best team for each project is reflected in our holistic approach to employee development. Local employees, well-versed in the nuances of the community, share their insights with national colleagues, facilitating a seamless integration into the local market. Simultaneously, national experts bring their wealth of experience, elevating the skill set of local employees and broadening their horizons in highly technical markets for future projects in Arizona.
The collaboration between local and national is the cornerstone of the enriching career paths available to our employees. By offering exposure to diverse regions and markets, our employees have the chance to deepen their understanding, discover new interests, connect to an office and community, and carve out a niche where they truly excel and find joy.
Kirk McClure is vice president and client solutions director at JE Dunn.
Did You Know: Celebrating JE Dunn’s centennial milestone this year, its local presence in Arizona spans nearly 20 years. JE Dunn’s growth in the Valley has been marked by entrance into new markets; it has emerged as a key player in the multifamily apartment high-rise market, recently completing Moontower, a 24-story multifamily apartment building, and is nearing completion on Saiya, a 23-story multifamily high-rise.
Photos courtesy of JE Dunn
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