Weekly Briefing: January 16, 2026
- Socially Adept Solutions
- Jan 16
- 4 min read
Week of January 12, 2026
Construction Industry Faces a 349,000 Worker Shortage in 2026
The U.S. construction industry must attract an estimated 349,000 net new workers in 2026 to keep labor supply in balance with demand, according to a new report by Associated Builders and Contractors. This figure is lower than recent years given pullbacks in spending.
Failing to meet this workforce demand would intensify skill shortages in key trades, push labor costs upward, and slow project timelines, particularly in regions with high-growth sectors like data centers and megaprojects.
A large share of labor demand is driven by retirements rather than growing demand for construction services, even with continued momentum in AI infrastructure buildout. Meanwhile, macro factors such as immigration enforcement, high material prices, tariffs, and evolving technologies are complicating recruitment and retention.
Experts emphasize the industry-wide need for efforts such as reskilling, upskilling, and expanded apprenticeship programs to strengthen the talent pipeline and ensure contractors can meet future demand without worsening shortages.
Louisiana LNG Project Paused and Alaska LNG Development Advances with Federal Permits
Energy Transfer has suspended development of its Lake Charles LNG export terminal, citing rising construction costs and concerns about future global LNG demand and potential oversupply, though the company says it remains open to partnering on the project.
Instead of advancing the LNG export terminal, Energy Transfer plans to prioritize natural gas pipeline expansion projects, including increasing capacity on the Transwestern Pipeline, reflecting continued investment in gas transportation infrastructure.
In contrast to the Louisiana suspension, the proposed Alaska LNG project recently received updated federal authorizations aligned with the Trump administration's emphasis on accelerating fossil-fuel development. Despite the fast track, uncertainty remains around supply contracts given competition in the region, particularly from LNG Canada's British Columbia plant.
The differing status of these two major LNG projects illustrates the cost pressures, demand uncertainty, and federal regulatory actions influencing the timing and viability of large-scale energy and industrial construction projects.
January 13, 2025
EFCG, through its registered broker-dealer affiliate EFCG Transaction Services LLC, is pleased to announce that our client, Olsson, a Nebraska-based engineering and design firm, has been acquired by Morgan Stanley Capital Partners (MSCP), the middle-market focused private equity team at Morgan Stanley Investment Management.
Brad Strittmatter, CEO of Olsson, said, “The partnership with MSCP represents a major milestone in Olsson’s journey and presents an exciting opportunity for the company, our employees, and our clients as we look to our next phase of growth. With MSCP as our partner, we truly have the best of both worlds: we remain Olsson, continuing to lead the business with the same vision and mission, while gaining the backing and resources of a global institution with extensive expertise in supporting companies like ours.”
EFCG served as the exclusive financial advisor to Olsson.
January 5, 2026
Hazen and Sawyer (Hazen), a New York-based water management firm, has acquired Water Quality & Treatment Solutions (WQTS), a California-based specialty water-focused environmental engineering and science consulting firm. This acquisition enables WQTS to expand its reach and impact with added resources, while strengthening Hazen’s ability to develop advanced water treatment technologies and deliver cost-effective solutions worldwide. “Hazen has partnered with WQTS for many years to push the boundaries of what’s possible across water treatment technologies,” said Alan Stone, President of Hazen. “With WQTS now part of Hazen, we will be even better equipped to discover, validate, and implement new innovations to support our clients as their water challenges grow and evolve.”
January 5, 2026
IMEG, an Illinois-based engineering consulting firm specializing in building systems, infrastructure, and planning for healthcare, education, and industrial markets, has merged with Buford Goff & Associates (BGA), a South Carolina-based multidisciplinary engineering firm specializing in mechanical, electrical, security, and communications services. This strategic move advances IMEG’s goal to expand its presence and service offerings in the Southeast. Paul VanDuyne, President and CEO of IMEG, commented “Establishing a presence in South Carolina allows us to better serve clients through strong local relationships, while BGA’s specialized expertise in security electronics and communications significantly enhances our technical capabilities. We are thrilled to welcome their talented team and look forward to the value we will create together.”
January 6, 2026
Align Capital Partners, a Texas-based lower-middle market private equity firm, has acquired Armko Industries (Armko), a Texas-based firm that provides specialized building envelope, roofing, and waterproofing consulting services. This acquisition positions Armko for its next phase of growth, strengthening its service offerings for clients while creating new opportunities for employees. “Armko has built an outstanding reputation as a critical, trusted partner to institutional clients across Texas,” stated Jack Parks, Partner at Align Capital Partners. “This has led to a strong foundation of reoccurring consulting engagements supporting clients’ retrofit and new roofing needs. We believe Armko is well-positioned to enter new markets across the South.”
January 7, 2026
Psomas, a California-based engineering consulting firm, has acquired Anderson Engineering Company (Anderson), a Utah-based multidisciplinary firm with a focus on environmental services. This acquisition strengthens Psomas’ capabilities by adding Anderson’s environmental, civil, and structural engineering expertise, while also expanding Anderson’s capacity to serve clients through Psomas’ more extensive resources. “Psomas’ strategic plan is centered on thoughtful growth — and that means partnering with teams that are financially healthy, with strong leadership, and aligned with our culture,” commented Matt Clark, Psomas Chief Development Officer. “Anderson is exactly that. Their technical depth, reputation, and commitment to client service and their employees’ growth make this a strong fit for our clients and our people.”
SWCA Environmental Consultants shared that, in December, teams across the U.S. engaged in various community support activities through their #SWCAGivesBack program. Activities included food, toy, and coat drives, along with a variety of volunteer events. Offices participated in diverse initiatives such as building bed frames for children, making blankets, and delivering food to students and seniors. SWCA thanked employees for their time, donations, and creativity, highlighting these efforts as expressions of the company’s community-oriented culture.
The EFCG Weekly Briefing summarizes the week’s key news in the AEC industry, including M&A updates, and micro- and macro-trends, aggregated from industry-focused and global news sources.
To send any additional press releases or news from your firm that you would like us to share please email Clay Han at chan@efcg.com.