As the nation’s economy continues to struggle, electrical contractors around Utah County are feeling the effects as layoffs continue to plague the industry.
Contractors throughout Utah County have had the hard decision of whether to start laying off their employees in this down economy. Not only has the economy slowed production of buildings but has also driven prices to all time lows which have forced contractors to lay off some of their best employees.
“I can keep my guys working for a few more weeks but if I don’t get a big job soon I will be forced to lay most of them off.” said Jon Cutler, owner of Cutler Electric Inc. Jon has been the owner of his business since 2002 and hasn’t seen the industry this bad. Most contractors are getting to the point where they will no longer have a choice of whether to keep their employees or not.
The stimulus money from the federal government’s recent bailout has had very little effect on the electrical industry since most of the money went to the building of roads.
Consolidated Electrical Distributors, one of the leading distributors in the area is feeling the same effect as the contractors. “We are still barely making money at this point but that could change pretty quick, which might force me to lay off some of my most valued employees.” said Jarem Shook, manager of CED’s Provo location. CED is one of seven electrical distributors in Utah County.
The federal government has given many tax breaks and incentives recently for homeowners and contractors hope that this will help people feel confident in building homes again. The residential building market has been dead since the downturn in the economy. The commercial and industrial markets have been able to keep most contractors in business but even these markets are beginning to slow down.
Contractors hope the economy will make a turn for the better or many will be forced to lay off most of their employees or shut their doors altogether.
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