50 years in the industry: construction advisor believes the rise will only start in the 2030s: 'The worst is yet to come'
Construction advisor Keijo Karhu expresses concern over the future of the construction industry in Seinäjoki, predicting a decline until 2030 with challenges ahead in upcoming years.
Keijo Karhu, a construction advisor with 50 years of experience, has voiced serious concerns regarding the future of the construction industry in Seinäjoki, Finland. Currently, there is a notable lack of new construction projects, and he fears that the worst times for the industry are still ahead, particularly around 2027 and 2028. Despite the ongoing construction of a new vocational school on the same site where he started his studies, Karhu indicates that only one crane is currently active in the city center, highlighting a significant drop in activity compared to just a few years ago when construction was booming.
The situation in Seinäjoki remains relatively stable for now, primarily supported by large projects that continue to provide work for the local construction companies. However, Karhu's predictions suggest that the flow of new projects is inadequate to sustain the industry in the long term. He points out that potential workers might be affected by the anticipated slowdown, leading to concerns about job security for nearly a hundred workers who could be involved in the ongoing project for the vocational school.
Karhu's reflections underscore the broader challenges facing the Finnish construction industry, particularly in a region that has historically been vibrant. As companies grapple with a lack of new projects and prepare for potential downturns, stakeholders in Seinäjoki are encouraged to remain vigilant and strategize for the future, especially as they head towards the pivotal years he mentions.