ICYMI: World of Concrete 2026

For Sullivan, it's all about interest rates. For him, the central question is whether these elevated rates will cause a 4th straight year of decline in construction. According to his report, interest-rate-sensitive private work for both on the residential and non-residential side have been in a multi-year decline. Meanwhile, the outlook of these industries had been offset by less rate-sensitive sectors of public/highway work and data center construction.

The key adjective for nearly everyone's forecast is 'cautious.' But that shouldn't mean a drastic response, as indicators say that the economy is slowing (albeit at a slower rate than anticipated), but it's not collapsing. 

Part of Sullivan's forecast includes a small rate cut by June and possibly more aggressive cuts in the second half of the year, but that's little to calm the stresses about this construction season. Even then, it still takes time for the effects of interest rates to ripple out and drip down toward the bottom line. Sullivan even called it out, 'That's not going to cure the ills of construction.'

In his presentation, Villere argued that consumer sentiment is the central driver of the U.S. economy and illustrated using the 2008 crisis as an example, that when households see foreclosures, job losses, and uncertainty, they “close their wallets.” That widespread pullback helps trigger or deepen recessions. Historically, consumer confidence indexes tend to fall before most recessions, making them powerful early-warning indicators. He also shows how, in better times, visible improvements (rising home values, neighbors getting jobs and new cars) reverse the process and cause wallets to reopen, fueling growth.

He highlighted recent cycles: a long stretch of strong sentiment before COVID, a very sharp but brief collapse during the pandemic, and then a recovery period. Currently, there’s a rare divergence: stock markets and 401(k)s are up, yet consumer confidence readings have been choppy, influenced by politics and tariff headlines. Importantly, that weaker sentiment has not yet translated into lower spending—consumers have largely kept spending, which helps sustain the economy and construction. Villere urges business leaders to track two indicators monthly—the Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index and the University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index—because watching their direction is one of the best, quickest tools for medium‑term business planning.

Husqvarna conducted its famous Power Trowel Challenge again. The winner ran the course in 15.53 seconds.

Mack Trucks' Medium to Heavy-Duty Fleets

Mack TrucksMack Trucks featured an impressive showing of trucks, ranging from medium to heavy-duy Class 8 - meeting the diverse needs of the concrete industry. Featured at their booth were Mack Granite Concrete Mixer, Mack Granite Volumetric Mixer, Mack MD Inline Pumper, and Mack TerraPro Concrete Pumper.

The company also announced a new instrument cluster for the MackTerraPro models. The new instrument cluster (which happens to be identical to the one offered in the Mack LR refuse vehicle), includes an improved layout and the addition of Mack Co-Pilot. Information such as fuel economy, odometer, pressure and temperature gauges and alerts from Mack GuardDog Connect.

From Gas to Battery

Continuing on their approach to gas-replacement, Makita launched over 10 new products on its 40V max XGT battery system for the concrete contractor. These include a 16 ga. rebar tying tool, vibrating power screed, 3-speed 1/2 in. hammer driver-drill, rebar flush cutter, rebar cutter, and more.

Part of the launch was the introduction to the new 40V max XGT Motor Unit, which delivers the same performance as a 50cc gas engine - allowing contractors to continue to use the equipment they are familiar with, yet find the benefit of a battery-powered jobsite. The strategy going to market is to work with OEMs and integrate the motor unit directly. The Marshalltown vibrator screed (pictured above) was announced.

A Laser Screed for Your Skid Steer

Ligchine launched the ST60 laser-guided boom-screed attachment to fit all major skid steer brands, as well as telehandlers, wheel loaders, and most machines featuring a quick-attach plate. The ST60 features a 7-ft. boom reach and an 8-ft. screed head that uses a roller rather than an auger. 

The company also launched the LS180, and calling it 'the next evolution in laser-guided screed technology.' Built on the trusted foundation of the SCREEDSAVER MAX PLUS, the LS180's 360-degree rotating undercarriage offers effortless maneuverability and superior control in any application. From large-scale warehouse floors to complex multi-slope exterior jobs, the LS180 makes every pour flatter and more efficient.

The Breaking Ground

Milwaukee Tool launched the MX FUEL 27 lb. SDS MAX demolition hammer on the FORGE battery platform. As reported by Milwaukee Tool, the POWERSTATE Brushless Motor delivers 26.1 Joules of impact energy, providing hard-hitting corded power to chip concrete confidently. 

Kitted with the MX FUEL REDLITHIUM FORGE XC8.0 Battery Pack, users can chip 1.5 tons per charge, which equates to a 63 ft. long by 4 in. deep trench or 33 minutes of continuous trigger on-time. The AVS Anti-Vibration System minimizes vibration, reducing fatigue over extended periods of use. VACLINK Wireless Dust Control enables the direct activation of compatible dust extractors from the tool, enhancing efficiency. Additionally, this cordless demolition hammer is compatible with ONE-KEY to track and manage inventory.

Using Water for Traffic Safety

TrafFix DevicesTrafFix Devices showcased its water-based safety solutions: the Water Wall, Water-Wall Fence, and Water Cale Barrier. The Water Wall is a longitudinal channelizing device, primarily used to guide and control traffic through work zones and temporary construction sites. The Water-Cable Barrier is reportedly the world's first Longitudinal Barrier to be MASH Tested, Passed, and Eligible at TL-1 31 mph (50 km/hr) and TL-2 43.5 mph (70 km/hr) levels with or without chain link fence paneling. The internal galvanized steel cable system connects each barrier segment, creating “positive protection” that effectively intercepts and restrains vehicles during an impact. 

Milestone: Giatec's Roxi Analyzes 100 Million Yards³ of Data

GiatecGiatec's Roxi, the company's AI program built for the concrete industry, has now processed and delivered actionable insight on over 100-million cubic yards of concrete data. 

“As Roxi surpasses 100-million cubic yards of analyzed concrete, it is proof that artificial intelligence is delivering real, measurable value in concrete production today,” said Aali Alizadeh, CTO & Co-founder at Giatec. “Roxi is learning from real concrete, in real conditions, on real projects leading to a broader industry shift toward intelligent, connected concrete data, where insight is continuous, not delayed, and decisions are driven by data, not guesswork.”

Expanding Portfolio & A New Category

BoschBosch announced its Expert 18V batteries to replace the CORE 18V battery solution and changed a bit on the design. The Expert 18V come available in 4, 6, 8, and 8 amp options. What they've done is implement tablets 21-700 cells. What that means is that the 4 and 6 AMP hour packs provide continuous output of current of greater than or equal to 90 amps (max power of 2,000 watts). While their 8 and 15 should provide continuous output of 110 amps and 2100 watts.

Design-wise, they changed the button activation direction go down as opposed to going 'into' the pack. This was meant to help make one-handed insertion removal easier. 

Bulk Material-Handling Equipment

MarcoMarco continued their focus on improving the efficiency, accuracy, and reliability of material-flow operations and brought a scale model of the Marco 580 Portable Stacker Conveyor. Available in lengths of 70 and 75 ft. with a maximum capacity of 700 tph, the 580 is built to perform in demanding, high‑volume environments and supports the accuracy required in modern concrete production.

Marco has built its reputation by helping concrete manufacturers move material with greater precision and consistency. Its industry knowledge, combined with a portfolio that spans portable, static and custom conveyors as well as feeders, hoppers and equipment structures, enables the team to guide producers toward smarter, more efficient handling systems. Marco conveying equipment also features a signature tubular truss design, which provides a cleaner and more dependable frame while minimising debris buildup and moisture retention that often lead to corrosion and downtime.

Some Robotic Help at Drilling Holes

DEWALT was approached by a contractor who had 7,000 of holes to drill for a data center build — a job that would have taken seven weeks. The company connected with August Robotics (known for robotic solutions that help conventions mark exhibitor booth marking) and thought to attach their rotary hammer and vacuum system to one of their robots. They brought it to the contractor and were able to complete the job in seven days instead.

The drilling robot uses DEWALT guiding stations (similar to a total station) to orient itself on the slab and drill where instructed. 

While announced, the robot remains a prototype. 

Remember, World of Concrete 2027 is scheduled for January 19 to 21. See you there!