Category Archive: Organization
Something remarkable is happening in Erie. A combination of state investments, new economic incentives, and infrastructure improvements is converging right now to create opportunities that haven’t existed in Erie for over 25 years.
If you’ve been considering a facility expansion, this is the moment to take a closer look at what’s changed in our region.
Erie Gets Its First Industrial Park in Over 25 Years
Here’s a fact that surprises most business owners: according to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, no new industrial or business parks have been built in Erie County for more than 25 years. The existing parks are full.
That’s about to change.
The state awarded Erie County a PA SITES planning grant to develop the McKean Business Park, a 160-acre site that will create shovel-ready industrial and commercial space. The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development notes this project will help attract new employers and expand economic opportunity in Erie.
For manufacturers, warehouses, and industrial businesses, this development signals something important. Erie is finally getting the infrastructure businesses need to grow.
The CRIZ Designation: A Game Changer for Erie Businesses
In December 2024, Erie received approval for something the city has worked toward for years. The state approved Erie’s application to participate in the City Revitalization and Improvement Zone program, known as CRIZ.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, CRIZ helps cities that have faced economic challenges revitalize their downtowns by renovating vacant or rundown spaces with the goal of attracting new businesses and creating jobs.
Here’s how it works. The CRIZ program channels state and local tax revenues collected within designated zones back into economic development projects in those same areas. The Erie CRIZ covers up to 130 acres of designated parcels in the city.
The timing of the approval matters. Because Erie’s CRIZ application was approved before the end of 2024, the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue can use 2024 as the base year for tax collection purposes. This means Erie’s CRIZ benefits can start a full year sooner than if approval had come in 2025.
What does this mean for your business? If you’re considering building or expanding in Erie’s designated CRIZ zone, you’re operating in an area where tax revenues will be reinvested to support growth and development. That translates to better infrastructure, improved public spaces, and a business environment designed to help companies succeed.
The track record speaks for itself. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, since its inception, the CRIZ program has delivered nearly $102 million to participating communities like Lancaster, Bethlehem, and Tamaqua. These cities have used CRIZ funds to attract development, revitalize their downtowns, and bring new jobs to their regions.
The Bayfront Parkway: Connecting Erie’s Economy
Infrastructure improvements matter more than most business owners realize. Better roads mean lower transportation costs. Improved connections between neighborhoods and commercial areas mean easier access to the workforce and customers.
Erie is in the middle of a major infrastructure upgrade. The Bayfront Parkway Improvement Project is a more than $162 million overhaul that’s reconnecting Erie’s downtown with its waterfront while improving safety and mobility, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
Why does this matter for your facility planning? Transportation infrastructure directly impacts your operating costs and your ability to attract workers. The Bayfront improvements are making Erie more accessible and more connected, which benefits every business in the region.
What This Means for Your Expansion Plans
When you’re planning a facility expansion or new construction, timing matters. You want to build when conditions are right, when infrastructure is improving, and when your investment will benefit from broader economic momentum.
Erie is experiencing that convergence right now. The CRIZ designation provides financial incentives. The McKean Business Park creates new industrial space options. The Bayfront Parkway improves transportation access. Together, these investments signal that Erie is positioned for growth.
Why Metal Building Systems Make Sense Now
With all this economic momentum in Erie, businesses that move quickly will capture the best opportunities. That’s where your choice of construction approach matters.
Metal building systems offer speed and flexibility that traditional construction can’t match. As a Butler Builder® since 1994, we’ve seen firsthand how pre-engineered building systems help businesses take advantage of market opportunities without lengthy construction timelines.
Butler Manufacturing™ systems arrive ready to assemble in the order required. This approach saves time during construction and reduces costs through efficient engineering. For businesses that need to expand quickly to capture market opportunities, speed matters.
The design-build approach works especially well in Erie’s current environment. When you’re working with a team that handles both design and construction, you eliminate the coordination delays that slow down traditional projects. You get a single point of contact, faster decision-making, and construction that proceeds without waiting for separate designers and builders to align.
Don’t Wait for Perfect Conditions
Business owners often wait for “perfect” conditions before making major investments. Lower interest rates. Clearer economic forecasts. Less uncertainty in their industry.
But perfect conditions rarely exist. What matters more is whether the fundamental factors support your growth.
Right now in Erie, those fundamentals are stronger than they’ve been in decades. New industrial space is being developed for the first time in over 25 years. Tax incentives through CRIZ are directing resources to business development. Infrastructure improvements are enhancing transportation and connectivity.
These changes create opportunities for businesses that act now rather than waiting. The first companies to build in new industrial parks get the best site selections. The early participants in CRIZ zones benefit most as the areas develop. The businesses that expand when infrastructure is improving see their investments appreciate as the region strengthens.
Making Your Decision
Every facility expansion decision requires careful analysis. You need to consider your operational requirements, your budget, your timeline, and your long-term business strategy.
But you also need to consider market conditions and timing. Building in a region that’s investing in its future offers advantages that go beyond the immediate project.
At MGM Construction, we’ve built facilities in Erie for over 30 years. We’ve seen economic ups and downs, periods of growth and periods of stagnation. What’s happening now stands out because multiple positive factors are converging at once.
Ready to discuss your facility needs? Contact MGM Construction to talk about how current conditions in Erie can support your expansion plans. As a Butler Builder® and Erie’s most experienced industrial contractor, we can help you evaluate sites, navigate local requirements, and build a facility that positions your business for long-term success.
Planning a new facility or expansion for your business is exciting. It means growth, new opportunities, and a chance to build exactly what your operation needs. But before you sign any contracts or break ground, you need to make sure you’re setting yourself up for success.
Over the past 35 years, we’ve worked with hundreds of Erie business owners on everything from small warehouse additions to 100,000-square-foot manufacturing facilities. The projects that go smoothest always start with owners who ask the right questions upfront.
Here are five critical questions that will help you choose the right contractor and avoid costly surprises down the road.
1. What Work Does Your Team Actually Perform?
Not all construction companies operate the same way. Some act mainly as project coordinators who hire subcontractors for nearly everything. Others self-perform major portions of the work with their own crews.
Why this matters: When a contractor self-performs work like concrete, steel erection, and carpentry, you get better quality control and faster problem-solving. There’s no waiting for a subcontractor to return to fix an issue. The team on-site reports directly to your project manager.
Self-performed work also means better cost control. You’re not paying markup on top of markup as the general contractor adds their percentage to every subcontractor’s bid.
What to ask:
- Which parts of my project will your own crews handle?
- For the work you subcontract, how long have you worked with those teams?
- Who on your team will be on-site daily?
At MGM Construction, we self-perform significant portions of our projects. Our crews handle site work, foundations, concrete, steel erection, carpentry, and interior finishing. This approach has helped us complete over 4,000 jobs on time and on budget.
2. How Do You Handle Value Engineering?
Value engineering sounds like industry jargon, but it’s actually one of the most important ways a good contractor saves you money without cutting corners.
Value engineering means finding smarter, more cost-effective ways to achieve your goals. Maybe there’s a different foundation system that works just as well but costs less. Or perhaps adjusting the building layout by a few feet eliminates the need for expensive site work.
Why this matters: The best time to save money is during the planning phase, not after construction starts. A contractor who understands value engineering will work with you from the beginning to design a facility that meets your needs at the best possible price.
This is especially important for Butler® metal building systems, which offer incredible flexibility during the design phase. Small changes early on can lead to big savings without sacrificing quality or functionality.
What to ask:
- Can you give me an example of how you’ve saved clients money through value engineering?
- At what point in the project do you start looking for cost savings?
- Will you work with me to explore different options before we finalize the design?
Working with a Butler Builder® like MGM means you benefit from pre-engineered building systems that are designed for efficiency. We’ve been a Butler Builder® since 1994, and we know how to maximize the value of these systems for Erie businesses.
3. What’s Your Approach to Communication During Construction?
Construction projects involve dozens of decisions, unexpected site conditions, and constant coordination. How your contractor communicates can make the difference between a smooth project and a stressful nightmare.
Why this matters: You’re running a business. You can’t spend all day on the construction site or responding to calls about minor details. However, you do need to stay informed about progress, budget, and any issues that come up.
The right contractor establishes clear communication protocols from day one. You’ll know who to contact, how often you’ll get updates, and what decisions require your input versus what the team can handle on their own.
What to ask:
- Who will be my main point of contact throughout the project?
- How often will I receive progress updates?
- What’s your process for handling change orders or unexpected issues?
- How do you keep projects on schedule when problems arise?
When you work with us, clear communication is part of MGM’s promise to every client. We assign a dedicated project manager who stays with your project from start to finish. You’ll know exactly who to call, and you’ll never wonder what’s happening on-site.
4. How Do You Deal With Erie’s Construction Challenges?
Erie presents unique construction challenges that out-of-town contractors might not understand. Our weather, soil conditions, local building codes, and even the availability of materials all impact how projects get built.
Why this matters: A contractor like MGM, with deep Erie roots, has relationships with local suppliers, knows which subcontractors deliver quality work, and understands how to plan around our weather patterns. We’ve also worked with local building officials and know what’s required to keep permits moving forward.
Right now, the construction industry nationwide is dealing with labor shortages and material cost fluctuations. An experienced local contractor has strategies to navigate these challenges without derailing your project.
What to ask:
- How long have you been working in the Erie area?
- How do you handle material price increases during construction?
- What’s your relationship with local suppliers and subcontractors?
- Can you provide references from other Erie businesses you’ve worked with?
MGM Construction has been building in Erie since 1990. We’ve developed strong relationships with local suppliers and skilled tradespeople. When material prices shift or weather delays occur, we have the connections and experience to keep your project moving forward.
5. What Happens After You Finish Building?
The relationship with your contractor shouldn’t end the day they hand over the keys. Buildings require ongoing maintenance, and sometimes issues arise after you move in.
Why this matters: A contractor who stands behind their work will be responsive if problems come up. They’ll also provide guidance on maintaining your new facility so it serves your business well for decades.
For metal building systems, this ongoing relationship is especially valuable. Butler® buildings are designed to last with minimal maintenance, but you’ll still want a contractor who can answer questions or help with future expansions.
What to ask:
- What warranty do you provide on your work?
- If an issue comes up after completion, what’s your response time?
- Do you provide any guidance on building maintenance?
- Can you handle future additions or modifications if my business grows?
We build facilities that our clients depend on for years. Many of our customers call us back for expansions, renovations, or new projects because they know we’ll be there when they need us.
Making the Right Choice for Your Business
Choosing a construction partner is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make for your business. The wrong contractor can mean cost overruns, delays, and headaches that distract from running your operation. The right contractor becomes a trusted partner who helps your business grow.
These five questions give you a framework for evaluating contractors, but the most important thing is to trust your instincts. Does the contractor listen to your needs? Do they provide clear, honest answers? Do their past clients speak highly of their work?
With Erie’s economy growing and new opportunities emerging, now is a great time to invest in your facility. Just make sure you’re working with a team that has the experience, integrity, and local knowledge to deliver results.
At MGM Construction, we’ve spent over three decades earning the trust of Erie businesses. From data centers to manufacturing facilities to commercial renovations, we bring the same commitment to every project: delivering practical, efficient construction solutions that meet your budget and timeline.
Ready to discuss your project? Contact MGM Construction today to schedule a consultation. We’ll walk you through our process, answer all your questions, and help you determine the best approach for your facility.
They say, “If you want it done right, do it yourself.” Commercial construction services aren’t necessarily something you can do yourself, but you can make sure you choose a general contractor who can self-perform work on your project.
As a self-performing construction contractor, we have a unique advantage by managing all aspects of the build directly, from labor to materials. As a Butler Builder®, we specialize in extremely efficient construction, from the building system to how we actually build facilities.
Unlike some outsourcing firms, where tasks are divided among subcontractors, our services maintain full oversight, allowing for smoother operations and better monitoring over timelines. This approach often leads to major expense reductions, eliminating the need for subcontractor markups and minimizing delays caused by miscommunication.
Let’s dig deeper into how our in-house construction teams can simplify processes and guarantee quality for your next commercial or industrial project.
Streamlined Project Management
Self-performing general contractors make construction easier.
By handling labor, materials, and equipment internally, our company-managed services reduce the need for external coordination with multiple subcontractors. This is where many projects run into communication problems, leading to complications and confusion. With a single point of accountability, decision-making becomes quicker, allowing for immediate adjustments and faster problem-solving.
Also, we can keep a tighter reign on your project timelines, as there is no reliance on third parties whose schedules and work ethic may cause conflicts. Along with streamlined teamwork, self-performing businesses guarantee that all team members align with project goals and understand the requirements.
We make it easier because we’re all on the same team, working together.
Cost Savings and Efficiency Gains
When we self-perform construction we can more efficiently allocate our teams to where they’re needed, reducing waste and increasing profitability by overseeing their work and needed equipment. Such careful management covers all project aspects, from precise scheduling to streamlined on-site operations.
Moreover, regulating material purchases allows these contractors to secure important discounts for bulk orders. This advantage in negotiations arising from the volume of supplies acquired reduces total scheme expenses. Beyond simply cutting expenditures, the ability to get components in large quantities simplifies supply chain logistics, facilitating a more successful venture flow from start to finish.
Quality Control and Assurance
Supervising every aspect of the construction work closely guarantees that any issues can be immediately addressed, keeping standards consistently high.
When your general contractor maintains this control over all phases it allows them to implement strict quality checks and maintain excellent craftsmanship throughout the project. Such a strategy greatly diminishes the chance of running into problems and expensive change orders.
With direct labor management, delivering high-quality results regularly has also established our strong reputation for outstanding work. Clients appreciate our dedication to excellence and dependability.
Improved Flexibility
Self-executing construction companies let you quickly adjust plans and integrate modifications without the complications typically faced by external subcontractors. This internal management simplifies swift responses to design alterations, unforeseen issues, or client requests.
With a unified group handling all tasks, communication remains clear and direct, reducing the likelihood of misunderstandings and errors. This keeps the job on track despite any shifts, with minimal disruption to the workflow.
Reduced Overhead Costs
Building a project with our own workforce removes the need for numerous subcontractors, cutting down on additional fees and operations expenses. General contractors that do this can avoid a lot of extra charges that sometimes happen with construction, including markups and management fees.
Finally, self-performing your commercial services simplifies financial tracking and reduces administrative burdens. We can closely monitor expenditures, prevent unnecessary costs, and maintain a clearer project budget view. This integrated approach minimizes financial outlays and improves total project effectiveness, delivering a more cost-effective solution for your project.
Are you looking to maximize efficiency and money savings on your next commercial or industrial construction project? At MGM General Construction Corporation, our team offers comprehensive, self-performing construction services that can deliver exceptional results. As a Butler Builder®, we use industry-leading Butler Manufacturing™ components and trained teams to build you safe, reliable structures that last.
Contact us today to learn more about our services!
Imagine a hospital that can be constructed in a fraction of the time, withstand natural disasters, and adapt to future expansions with ease—all while providing a safe, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing environment for patients and staff.
Thanks to the innovative use of metal and hybrid construction techniques, this isn’t a dream but a reality for healthcare business developers and project planners.
Let’s learn more about how metal and hybrid construction are revolutionizing community healthcare facilities.
Durability
Metal buildings are well-known for their durability. Unlike traditional construction materials, metal can withstand more extreme weather conditions, resist pests, and remain unaffected by rot and decay. This resilience translates to lower maintenance costs and a longer lifespan for healthcare facilities.
Hospitals and clinics built with metal can remain operational and in good condition for decades, making sure the communities they serve have continuous access to healthcare services without frequent repairs or overhauls.
Speed of Construction
Quick construction times are top priority when you’re expanding or constructing healthcare facilities, and metal building construction offers a significant advantage in terms of speed. Prefabricated metal components can be manufactured off-site and quickly assembled on location, drastically reducing construction time.
This truly optimized process means that healthcare facilities using pre-engineered steel buildings can be up and running much faster than traditional construction methods. This helps communities receive the medical support they need sooner.
Flexibility
Healthcare facilities must adapt to changing medical practices, technologies, and patient needs, and metal construction provides the flexibility required for such adaptability. Metal structures can be easily modified, expanded, or reconfigured as necessary, allowing healthcare facilities to evolve without extensive reconstruction efforts.
This adaptability makes sure that hospitals and clinics can incorporate new technologies and treatment methods sooner, giving them the chance to quickly adapt to patient needs and fill holes in their community’s healthcare.
Hybrid Construction Benefits
Hybrid construction combines the strengths of metal with other materials, such as concrete and wood, to create structures that benefit from each material’s best properties. In healthcare facilities, this approach can result in buildings that are not only durable and quick to construct but also aesthetically pleasing and comfortable for patients and staff.
For example, a hybrid structure might use a steel building system for the framework to guarantee strength and durability while incorporating wood or other materials for interior finishes to create a warm, welcoming environment.
Improved Safety and Compliance
Metal’s inherent strength provides the type of robust structural integrity essential for healthcare buildings and their stringent safety standards. Additionally, metal is non-combustible, offering superior fire resistance compared to traditional materials. This fire resistance is integral in healthcare settings, where patient and staff safety is important.
Hybrid constructions can also meet healthcare compliance requirements, integrating features supporting hygiene, accessibility, and emergency preparedness.
Environmental Sustainability
Sustainability is increasingly important in construction, and metal and hybrid techniques are top choices in these areas.
Steel is the world’s most recycled material, reducing the environmental impact of construction projects. Also, the efficiency of metal construction minimizes material waste and reduces the energy used in the construction process.
Hybrid construction can further improve sustainability by incorporating renewable materials and energy-efficient designs. These sustainable building practices for healthcare facilities, often with high energy demands, can result in significant cost savings and a reduced carbon footprint.
Also, as a Butler Builder®, we use Butler Manufacturing™ systems designed for modern healthcare facilities and quickly changing industry demands.
As communities continue to grow and evolve, investing in these innovative construction methods guarantees that healthcare facilities can provide top-notch care for years. For modern, efficient, and durable steel construction solutions, trust our experts at MGM General Construction Corporation.
Contact us to learn more!
