Today, manufacturing construction equipment is similar to producing a Cadillac. If you were to visit a construction manufacturer you would see machines coming off the line with air conditioning, joy stick controls, ergonomically correct seating, satellite systems and of course - computers. It's a far cry from many years ago.

The 2000+ companies in the construction manufacturing industry design and build a vast range of machines, everything from tower cranes to saws. When the machines are complete they are then sold to a distributor or rental company who sells or rents the machines to an end user who is most often a contractor. Manufacturers also support their products by producing parts that are needed to repair the machines.

Is this the career path for you? There are many fulfilling career paths in manufacturing that require specific attributes in order to be successful; for example timing, dexterity, coordination, and visual skills. A person drawn to this field is typically intrigued by what is happening with a machine itself, with the processes being done by the machine, with materials being used by the machine, quality of materials coming from the machine, and how and when to make adjustments and provide maintenance. The right person for a career in manufacturing is highly motivated to participate in activities where awareness of technical and mechanical standards as they relate to quality and precision are paramount. An additional trait manufacturing companies look for in individuals is a highly developed sense of perception, thinking, and logic due to the need for exact precision, high quality and an almost zero tolerance for defects or error.

An example of a few manufacturing careers these traits are needed in are: welding, machining, drafting, electronics, engine technology, and engineering.

Because technology is advancing so rapidly it is important that construction equipment do the same. Billions of dollars are spent every year on developing new types of equipment for new applications. For example, on-board computers are used to monitor and control the machines mechanical and other vital functions. Global positioning satellites systems are technologies that allow companies to keep track of where their equipment is at all times. In addition it allows the transition of engine and other performance data to end users and service personnel. It is very likely that soon, the on-board computer and satellite technologies will enable operating engineers to control machines from a distance rather than from inside the cab.

Construction Equipment Technology & Distribution Careers

Wherever you see projects being built, you see all kinds of machines doing the work. But have you ever wondered how those machines got there and who keeps them running?

Construction equipment distributors sell, rent, service and finance construction equipment much like the automobile dealer you buy your cars from. Think of a distributor as the business in the middle between the manufacturer and the customer. The manufacturer builds the products, then sells it to local distributor specialists who, in turn, sell the product to customers.

In the U.S. approximately 46 billion dollars is spent annually by contractors and other equipment users. The equipment ranges from small manlifts that cost about 14 thousand dollars to giant earthmovers with price tags of more than 2 million dollars. The size of distributors also varies depending on what types of construction equipment they sell. Distributors range in size from 2 to 500 million dollars in annual sales.

One of the most valuable services construction equipment distributors provide is the expertise to fix these expensive and technically sophisticated pieces of equipment. In order to do this, they employ highly skilled product support personnel. Careers range from entry-level service technicians and parts associates, to managerial positions in parts and service, as well executive leaders. The distributor also employs sales, rental, marketing, finance and administrative personnel. Whatever your career aspirations are the construction equipment distribution industry has a variety of jobs to match your interests.