Concrete suppliers in and around the Inland Empire area of California report that the housing slump is afflicting their industry with layoffs and suffering margins.
John Ramsey, plant manager for Rialto-based Chaparral Concrete Company, said most concrete companies in and around the area have been forced to lay off workers, although Chaparral has yet to do so.
“It’s been slow for everyone for at least three months,” Ramsey said.
Two years ago, Chaparral reported that builders requesting concrete for housing jobs had to wait two weeks to get their material. Now there is no wait.
Other contractors said they are filling the gap by supplying more concrete for infrastructure and commercial jobs.