DENVER (October 7, 2025) – As part of an ongoing commitment to develop the next generation of construction leaders and mitigate labor shortages, PCL Construction Enterprises, Inc. participated in Manufacturing Day at Metropolitan State University (MSU) of Denver. The event, hosted by the university’s Advanced Manufacturing Sciences Institute aimed to inspire students to explore careers in modern manufacturing and understand the industry’s critical role in the U.S. economy.

National Manufacturing Day is a nationwide initiative designed to raise awareness about the importance of manufacturing in research, workforce development and infrastructure. This year’s event was organized in collaboration with the Colorado Advanced Manufacturing Association, Colorado Chapter of Women in Manufacturing and other partners. The event welcomed high school and college students interested in learning about career pathways and educational programs in the manufacturing sector. Attendees engaged with professionals and explored emerging technologies, including 3D printing, robotics and artificial intelligence.

At the event, PCL showed drone footage from jobsites to showcase how the technology is used to scan, map, and document project progress throughout the lifecycle. Students used a tablet connected to a 3D scanner to see how the scanner could produce renderings of their surroundings in real time. Attendees also used Oculus goggles to experience how virtual reality is applied on jobsites across North America.

Andrew Ahrendt, director of national manufacturing at PCL, was present to speak to attendees about the future of the industry. He highlighted the growing demand for AI-driven solutions and the integration of advanced tools such as six-dimensional building information modeling, augmented reality and reality capture. He also discussed how virtual twin technology can assist during pre-construction by enabling teams to simulate and analyze project components, identify potential issues, and optimize workflows before breaking ground.

“Manufacturing plays a vital role in the U.S. economy, supporting more than 13 million jobs and contributing over $2.9 trillion annually,” Ahrendt said. “It was inspiring to see so many students and the dedicated faculty from MSU’s Advanced Manufacturing Sciences Institute at the Manufacturing Day event. We had the opportunity to engage with 260 students! Investing in the next generation of STEM and trade professionals is essential to building and operating the smart factories of tomorrow. We invite students and innovators to get involved as this is where the future begins.”

PCL is a North American leader in the planning and construction of a wide range of manufacturing facilities across key sectors including high tech and advanced manufacturing, life sciences and medical devices, food production, distribution and the automotive industries. In total, PCL has delivered more than 48 million square feet of manufacturing space valued at more than $25 billion.

About PCL Construction
PCL Construction is one of the most respected and accomplished builders in North America, made up of independent construction companies operating throughout the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, and Australia. With an annual construction volume exceeding $8 billion USD, PCL builds projects that shape communities and strengthen infrastructure. The company’s 100% employee ownership model fuels a culture of commitment for clients in the buildings, civil infrastructure, heavy industrial and solar markets. With a strategic presence in more than 30 major centers, PCL’s leadership teams consistently drive innovation and set new benchmarks for excellence, bringing unparalleled skill to every project. Watch us build at PCL.com.