#commercial estimating project complexity

[asestimationsconsultants]

Residential vs. Commercial | Comparing Construction Estimating Services in Australia

Construction estimating services play a vital role in both residential and commercial projects across Australia. However, the scope, challenges, and approaches differ significantly between these two sectors. Understanding these differences helps project stakeholders choose the right estimating services tailored to their specific needs.

Scope and Complexity

Residential construction estimating typically involves smaller-scale projects such as single-family homes, renovations, or small multi-unit dwellings. These projects usually have simpler designs and fewer trade specialties. Estimators focus on detailed takeoffs for common materials, labor costs, and basic site works.

Commercial estimating covers a wider range of larger, more complex projects such as office buildings, retail centers, hospitals, and schools. These projects often involve sophisticated architectural designs, multiple subcontractors, specialized systems (like HVAC, fire safety), and stricter regulatory compliance. Estimators must account for more variables, higher volumes, and longer timelines.

Estimating Methodologies

Residential estimating often relies on unit rate pricing for standard materials and labor. Estimators typically use detailed plans combined with historical cost data. Because residential projects have shorter durations, estimates may be less layered with contingencies.

Commercial estimating requires more detailed cost planning, including allowances for escalation, complex subcontractor bids, phased construction, and regulatory fees. Advanced software and BIM integration are more common to manage the complexity.

Regulatory and Compliance Considerations

Residential projects must comply with local building codes and standards, but commercial projects face more extensive requirements including fire safety, accessibility, environmental standards, and often more rigorous council approvals. Estimators working on commercial projects need to factor these compliance costs into their estimates.

Risk and Contingency Management

The scale and complexity of commercial construction introduce higher risks related to delays, design changes, and cost escalations. Estimators typically include larger contingencies and conduct detailed risk assessments. Residential projects may have smaller contingencies but still require allowances for unexpected site conditions.

Client Interaction and Reporting

Residential clients often require more straightforward estimates with clear explanations as they may be less familiar with construction processes. Commercial clients expect detailed cost breakdowns, phased estimates, and ongoing updates aligned with project milestones.

FAQs

Are estimating services priced differently for residential vs commercial projects? Yes, commercial estimating is usually more expensive due to complexity and detail required.

Can the same estimator work on both residential and commercial projects? Some estimators specialize, but many have experience across sectors.

Is commercial estimating software different from residential? Commercial estimators often use more advanced software with BIM integration capabilities.

How do contingencies differ between residential and commercial estimates? Commercial projects typically include higher contingencies due to greater risk and complexity.

Are regulatory fees always included in commercial estimates? Yes, professional commercial estimates factor in relevant regulatory and compliance costs.

Conclusion

Residential and commercial construction estimating services in Australia differ significantly in scope, methodology, complexity, and client expectations. Understanding these distinctions helps project stakeholders select the appropriate estimating expertise and tools. Both require accuracy and professionalism, but commercial projects demand more detailed planning, risk management, and compliance considerations. Choosing the right estimating service ensures realistic budgets and smoother project delivery in either sector.

[archinform]

The Lessing and Lessing Annex, Chicago

The Lessing (now The Commodore), 550 W. Surf St., Lake View, Chicago

The Lessing Annex (Now The Green Brier or Green Briar), 559 W. Surf St., Lake View, Chicago

The Commodore, view at Broadway and Surf St. Source: apartments.com

The Lessing (The Commodore) archival photo. Source: Chicago History, Spring 1985, p.30

I've always admired The Commodore, its severe facade of Roman brick with minimal ornament contrasting with its deep recesses and complicated footprint. I used to fantasize about living there; data about recent condominium sales put prices at $250,000-$300,000 for a two-bedroom unit.

Originally called The Lessing, the residential building was completed in 1897 at the northeast corner of Surf and Broadway, and designed by Edmund Krause.

New Yorker Herbert Croly observed in 1907 that while New Yorkers turned to Paris for models, Chicagoans favored simple, even modest exteriors. Chicago History, Spring 1985, p. 30

According to Carroll William Westfall, in "Home at the Top: Domesticating Chicago's Tall Apartment Buildings," Chicago History, Spring 1985, p. 21:

Multi-family dwellings, apartment and flat buildings, did not conform to nineteenth-century Chicagoan's cherished view of their town as a community of freestanding, single-family residences surrounded by fences protecting trees, gardens, and outbuildings. This image persisted long after Chicago had become a thriving commercial city and had ceased being merely a town.

Chicago History, Spring 1985, p.30

The story of The Lessing and Annex began with German immigrant Ernst Johann Lehmann, who began his career in Chicago by opening a small jewelry store on Clark Street. By 1874, he had been so successful that he moved his business to the prestigious corner of State and Adams. He called the new store "The Fair," a name that assured customers that they would be treated fairly. By 1882 The Fair store occupied every building along the north side of Adams between State and Dearborn Streets.

A short time later, the entire south half of the block bounded by Dearborn, State, Monroe, and Adams streets had been leased to The Fair in a deal amounting to a little over three million dollars. A great emporium would be constructed on the site, twelve stories high, costing two million bucks. The building would be the largest in the city and, in fact, the largest in the world devoted to merchandising.

Lehmann died in 1900 at age 50, 10 years after he suffered a mental breakdown, spending the remainder of his life in a mental institution. His wife, Augusta, via a male relative, gained control of the business. She also received the bulk of his wealth, estimated $10 miliion (about $331 million today). Augusta and the Lehmann clan had become interested in real estate before Ernst died. In 1897, the upscale Lessing Apartment building, designed by Edmund Krause, was completed at Surf and Evanston Street, now Broadway.

The Commodore, floor plan published in 1923

The Lessing was marketed to an upscale clientele and had 86 apartments, some of them with as many as eight rooms. Architect Edmund R. Krause broke the huge six-and-one-half-story complex into a series of projecting units with deep but narrow courts between them to provide light and ventilation. The Roman brick façade is organized into the classic three-part design of the Chicago School. Although there is a nifty oculus (a circular opening, especially one at the apex of a dome or structure), it is minimally decorated, centered at the top of each projecting bay. Digital Research Library of Illinois History

Oculus in the attic story

Entrance hall

Stairway

Interior views of The Commodore are available here

The quiet apartment building was disturbed in 1917 when a lurid tale of deceit and betrayal led to a murder that reads like a novel (see story below). 

MURDER AT THE COMMODORE IN 1917.

Shoots When She Learns He is Married. 

Dr. Louis H. Quitman Wounded by Cabaret Singer, May Die.

A video tour of The Commodore by sales agents is available on Instagram here

The Virginia Hotel, Chicago, was quite similar in design and simplicity to The Lessing.

Seven years later, the Lessing Annex was completed just to the south, facing The Lessing from across Surf.

The Lessing Annex

Apparently, the term "hotel" was sometimes applied to residential buildings that were not intended for short-term stays. "Fire proof construction, built 1902, steel and tile interior, brick exterior. The Green Briar was constructed of a different color of Roman brick than its neighbor across the street.

My photographs of the buildings:

Edmund R. Krause, architect

Edmund R. Krause was born in Thorn, Germany, on August 15, 1859, the son of William and Wilhelmina Krause. He studied architecture in Germany and came to the United States in 1880 at the age of 21. He began his architectural practice in Chicago in 1885 at the age of 25 or 26. For a brief time, he was in partnership with Frederick W. Perkins (1896) but, for most of his working years, he was a sole practitioner.... The American Contractor database that covers the period 1898 through and including 1912 shows that he designed 61 buildings. Of these, 25 (or 41 percent) were for either E.J. Lehman, the estate of E.J. Lehman or another Lehman family member. It is a great example of the importance of a major client to an architect. Another major client was the Fair Department Store. He designed six buildings for them – mainly warehouses or delivery stations – between 1904 and 1909. It appears that the large apartment building was his specialty, for he designed several. Most of them have been demolished, but one prominent commission still stands at the intersection of Surf and Broadway. Originally known as the Lessing Apartments, it was later renamed the Commodore and is now a condominium building. Designed in 1897 and completed in 1898, it originally had 75 apartments, 15 to a floor around a “U”-shaped central courtyard. Later, an Annex was constructed to the north using the same style yellow Roman brick. The Lessing Apartment Complex was one of the first, if not the first, large apartment building constructed north of Diversey. He also designed the 20-story Majestic Theatre building, at what is now 22 W. Monroe. It was subsequently renamed the Schubert Theater and, in 2005, was renamed the LaSalle National Bank Theater. George Rapp of the later firm of Rapp and Rapp designed the interior theater while working as an assistant to Mr. Krause. The building itself was recommended for Chicago Landmark status in 2005. To our knowledge, Edmund Krause designed only three structures in Edgewater: two houses and one commercial building. The first house he designed was at 1189-91 (now 6212) Winthrop. Cook County Recorder of Deeds records show his wife purchasing the lot on August 25, 1898. The permit for the house was issued the next month and he is shown as living in the house in the 1899 and 1900 city directories. It was a rather substantial frame house at 2,800 square feet. The Krauses sold the improved property on January 1, 1902. It was obviously a short stay. Edgewater Historical Society

Majestic Theater, Chicago, Edmund R. Krause, architect

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New Garage Door Pricing in Plano, Texas

Plano Garage Door Pricing Breakdown: Understanding Your Investment

Roll-up Commercial Garage Door Installation in Plano, TX

Choosing the right garage door goes beyond just its appearance—it's a valuable investment in your home's security, energy efficiency, and curb appeal. For residents of Plano, TX, knowing the key pricing factors is essential in making an informed and budget-conscious decision. This guide provides an in-depth look at what affects the cost of your garage door installation, helping you plan your project with confidence.

Understanding the Full Investment

When planning your garage door budget, it’s important to factor in all costs, not just the door itself. The price can range from a few hundred dollars for basic models to thousands for custom options. Key elements such as materials, size, insulation, and additional features all influence the final price.

Factors that Impact Garage Door Costs

Material Selection

Different materials come with varying price points and benefits, according to Home Guide:

Steel: Durable and low-maintenance, steel doors cost between $800 and $2,500.

Aluminum: Lightweight and rust-resistant, aluminum doors range from $700 to $2,000.

Wood: Natural and traditional, but high-maintenance, with prices from $1,200 to $4,000.

Fiberglass: Lightweight, weather-resistant, and wood-like in appearance, priced from $800 to $1,800.

Vinyl: Resilient and low-maintenance, costing $1,000 to $2,500. 2. Size and Configuration

Door dimensions directly affect both materials and labor:

Single Doors: Typically 8-10 feet wide, ranging from $500 to $2,500.

Double Doors: Wider, usually 12–16 feet, with prices from $800 to $4,500.

Custom Sizes: Custom designs add 15–30% to the overall cost. 3. Insulation Options

Insulated doors boost energy efficiency, especially in extreme climates:

Non-Insulated: Ideal for mild climates, starting around $500.

Single-Layer Insulation: Moderate temperature control, priced between $800 and $2,000.

Double-Layer/Foam-Injected Insulation: Premium energy efficiency, costing $1,500 to $4,000. 4. Design and Style Your design choice influences both aesthetic and cost:

Traditional Raised Panel: Classic look, priced between $600 and $1,800.

Carriage House Style: Rustic appeal, typically between $1,200 and $3,500.

Modern Glass & Aluminum: Sleek, contemporary designs range from $2,000 to $5,000.

Custom Designs: Unique and fully personalized, ranging from $3,000 to over $10,000. 5. Added Features and Accessories

Enhancements can elevate both functionality and security:

Security Features: Smart locks ($200–$500) and reinforced frames ($100–$500) enhance security.

Aesthetic Upgrades: Windows ($100–$500) and decorative hardware ($50–$300) add style.

Smart Technology: Wi-Fi-enabled openers ($150–$300) and keypads ($50–$150) offer convenience.

Installation and Maintenance Costs Professional Installation Labor costs in Plano range from $200 to $600, depending on door complexity. Additional work like door removal or electrical upgrades can increase costs by $50–$200 and $50–$100 per hour, respectively.

Maintenance & Repair Regular maintenance helps extend your door’s lifespan:

Routine Maintenance: Professional check-ups cost around $75–$150 annually.

Maintenance Plans: Yearly plans ($100 to $200) include regular upkeep and repair discounts.

Repair Costs:

Minor Repairs: Fixing rollers, hinges, or weather stripping costs $50 to $150.

Major Repairs: Replacing springs or adjusting tracks can range from $200 to $400.

Get a Custom Quote

To get an accurate estimate, contact a trusted garage door professional in Plano who can assess your needs and offer a tailored quote. By balancing upfront costs with long-term savings, you’ll make a smart investment in your home’s security and style. If you're interested in having garage doors installed in Plano, Texas, or nearby areas, contact us today. We understand that you want to read reviews to know how reliable and trustworthy our services are. Read reviews, learn more about us, and contact us through our MapQuest and BBB accounts. Follow us on our social media accounts and listings:

Our HotFrog Account (to read reviews about us and our services)

Our Manta Account (to read reviews about us)

Our MySpace Account (our portfolio)

Address to our company (Apple)

Address to our company (Bing)

[dctpaintinginc]

Painter Near Me: How to Choose the Right Professional for Your Home

Finding the right painter for your home can feel overwhelming—especially with so many options available. Whether you're sprucing up your interiors, boosting curb appeal, or preparing to sell, hiring a professional painter can make all the difference. If you've found yourself searching online for a painter near me, you’re not alone. Homeowners everywhere want the perfect combination of quality, affordability, and reliability.

Here’s what you need to know to confidently hire the right painting professional for your next project.

Why Hire a Professional Painter?

While painting may appear to be an easy DIY job, it's often more complex than it seems. Professionals have the training, experience, and equipment to ensure flawless results that last. A quality paint job requires more than just applying a fresh coat—it involves detailed preparation, color consultation, safe work practices, and expert finishing.

Hiring a professional painter also saves time, reduces stress, and minimizes costly mistakes. Instead of juggling ladders, drop cloths, and paint cans, you can trust an expert to handle the job efficiently and safely.

Types of Painting Services Available

When searching for a painter, it helps to understand the different services offered. Most professionals specialize in:

Interior Painting: Walls, ceilings, trim, cabinetry, and even decorative finishes.

Exterior Painting: Siding, fences, decks, garages, and more—using paints that can withstand harsh weather.

Residential Painting: Tailored to meet the needs of homeowners looking to improve or refresh their living space.

Commercial Painting: For businesses, office buildings, retail spaces, and other non-residential properties.

If your goal is to improve your home’s appearance and value, be sure to look for a company that specializes in residential painting near me. Residential painters understand the unique needs of homeowners and often offer more flexible scheduling, personal service, and long-term maintenance options.

What to Look for When Hiring a Painter

Finding a qualified and trustworthy painter involves more than just a quick internet search. Here are several key qualities to look for:

1. Experience and Portfolio

A reputable painter should have years of hands-on experience and a portfolio of completed projects. Ask to see before-and-after photos or request references from past clients. This helps gauge their skill and attention to detail.

2. Proper Licensing and Insurance

Ensure the painter is fully licensed and insured. This protects you from liability in case of accidents or damage and ensures the work complies with local codes and regulations.

3. Transparent Estimates

Before the work begins, get a detailed written estimate. This should include labor costs, materials, paint types, the number of coats, and an estimated timeline. A clear agreement upfront can help avoid misunderstandings later.

4. Product Knowledge

A good painter should be knowledgeable about different paint types, finishes, brands, and color trends. They should be able to recommend the right products for your surfaces and environment.

5. Communication and Professionalism

Timely responses, punctual arrivals, and respectful communication are signs of a professional you can trust. These qualities are just as important as technical skill, especially for projects in your personal space.

Benefits of a Fresh Paint Job

A new coat of paint brings more than just aesthetic improvements. Here are some of the key benefits:

Increased Property Value: Especially important if you plan to sell or refinance.

Better Mood and Comfort: Color affects mood and energy levels, making rooms more pleasant to live in.

Protection Against Wear and Tear: Paint acts as a shield against moisture, mold, and UV rays.

Easier Maintenance: Clean, fresh surfaces are easier to maintain and wipe down.

Whether you're painting one room or the whole house, the benefits of a professionally done job can be seen—and felt—almost immediately.

Choosing the Right Colors

Selecting the right colors is a crucial part of the painting process. Neutrals like beige, gray, and off-white are timeless and versatile, while bold accent walls can add personality and drama. Many painters offer color consultations to help you decide what will look best based on lighting, architecture, and your personal style.

For exteriors, consider your home’s architecture, landscaping, and neighborhood guidelines (especially if you have an HOA). A professional can suggest combinations that enhance your home's curb appeal while maintaining harmony with the surrounding area.

How to Prepare for a Painting Project

Once you've chosen your painter, preparing your home can help the job go smoothly:

Clear the area of furniture and valuables.

Remove wall hangings, outlet covers, and curtain rods.

Trim back bushes or trees for exterior work.

Communicate any special requests ahead of time.

Proper preparation ensures the painter can work efficiently and safely, minimizing disruption to your routine.

Conclusion

Hiring a painter is one of the fastest and most effective ways to improve your home’s look and feel. Whether you're transforming a single room or refreshing your entire house, a skilled painter brings expertise, quality, and peace of mind to the project.

So next time you find yourself typing painter near me into a search engine, keep these tips in mind. Taking the time to choose the right professional ensures beautiful results you’ll enjoy for years to come.

[hopnw]

Hands On Painting: Bringing Color and Craftsmanship to Washougal Homes

Nestled along the banks of the Columbia River, Washougal is a small town with a big heart—and its homes and businesses deserve to reflect that charm. Whether it’s a historic Craftsman house on D Street or a modern office space near the Port, one name is becoming increasingly synonymous with transformation and quality: Hands On Painting.

For homeowners and business owners searching for reliable painters in Washougal, this local business offers more than just a fresh coat of paint. With a commitment to craftsmanship, professionalism, and community values, Hands On Painting is redefining what it means to hire painters in a town that takes pride in its scenic surroundings and tight-knit neighborhoods.

A Local Company with Deep Roots Washougal isn’t just where Hands On Painting does business—it’s home. That means every job isn’t just another invoice; it’s part of building and maintaining the aesthetic of the community. As a locally owned and operated business, the team at Hands On Painting understands the unique weather conditions and architectural styles that characterize the region.

The Pacific Northwest presents unique challenges for painting—humidity, rain, and the occasional freeze-thaw cycle can wreak havoc on poorly applied paint jobs. That’s why Hands On Painting uses only top-tier materials suited to the local climate and employs time-tested techniques to ensure longevity.

Residential Painting Done Right Homeowners in Washougal know that their houses are more than just structures—they’re sanctuaries. Hands On Painting treats every home project with the care and respect it deserves. Whether it’s refreshing an aging exterior, updating an outdated interior palette, or restoring historic wood trim, the company approaches each job with precision and attention to detail.

Their process begins with a consultation that’s more like a conversation than a sales pitch. You’ll talk about your vision, your budget, and your timeline—and they’ll listen. From there, they offer detailed estimates, transparent communication, and flexible scheduling to minimize disruption.

And when it’s time to paint? You can count on spotless prep work, clean lines, and thorough clean-up. Their crews are known for treating every home like their own.

Commercial Painting With Curb Appeal in Mind First impressions matter, especially in business. Hands On Painting works with local business owners to ensure that their commercial spaces reflect the quality and professionalism of the services they provide. From storefronts and offices to restaurants and industrial spaces, the company delivers eye-catching results that stand the test of time.

They understand that business owners don’t have time for endless delays or unexpected messes. That’s why their crews are punctual, efficient, and accustomed to working around open hours and foot traffic when needed.

Need a color consultation to match your branding? They’ve got you covered. Want zero-VOC paint to meet environmental or health guidelines? No problem. Hands On Painting brings flexibility and customization to every commercial project.

More Than Just Paint: A Full-Service Approach Hands On Painting isn’t just about brushes and rollers. Their services also include drywall repair, wallpaper removal, wood staining, pressure washing, and minor carpentry. These value-added options allow them to take on even the most complex painting jobs without calling in outside contractors. For homeowners looking to prep their house for sale or businesses undergoing a full renovation, this comprehensive approach can save time and money.

Trusted by Washougal Residents Word-of-mouth is gold in a town like Washougal, and Hands On Painting has earned its reputation the old-fashioned way—through satisfied customers. Their online reviews reflect a consistent pattern: reliability, professionalism, and impressive results.

“I hired Hands On Painting to repaint the entire exterior of my 1950s bungalow,” one local homeowner wrote. “They not only transformed the look of my home, but they also repaired areas of dry rot and helped me choose a color that blended perfectly with the neighborhood.”

It’s that blend of aesthetic expertise and practical skill that sets them apart from other painters in Washougal.

Supporting the Community They Serve Hands On Painting believes in giving back to the community that supports them. Whether it's sponsoring local youth sports teams, donating services to non-profit events, or participating in neighborhood clean-up efforts, the company goes beyond business to be a part of Washougal’s future.

Ready for a Refresh? If you’re searching for painters in Washougal who bring skill, integrity, and a personal touch to every project, Hands On Painting should be your first call. From the first brushstroke to the final walkthrough, they make sure your space looks not just new—but better than ever.

Contact Hands On Painting today for a free estimate and discover how a little color can go a long way in transforming your home or business.

[bryantselectricalltd]

Why Hiring a Licensed Electrical Contractor in Red Deer is a Smart Move

When dealing with anything electrical — whether in your home, office, or industrial site — cutting corners can lead to serious consequences. From fire hazards and power outages to costly damage and safety risks, faulty wiring or DIY fixes aren’t just inconvenient — they’re dangerous. That’s why more and more residents and business owners are turning to a Red Deer electrical contractor like Bryant’s Electrical Ltd. to ensure the job is done right the first time.

With years of experience, the right credentials, and a deep understanding of local codes and systems, a licensed electrical contractor brings professionalism, safety, and long-term value to every project. In this article, we’ll explore the key reasons why hiring a certified professional is not only a smart move — but the safest one too.

✅ 1. Safety First: Protecting Lives and Property

Electrical systems are not something to take lightly. Improper installations, faulty components, or amateur repairs can all pose serious hazards. A licensed contractor knows how to safely manage high-voltage systems, ensure load balancing, and protect circuits from overloading. They understand how to identify hidden risks like outdated wiring, undersized panels, or poorly grounded systems.

At Bryant’s Electrical Ltd., every technician follows strict safety protocols and stays updated on the latest industry codes. We believe in doing the job right — not just to meet regulations, but to ensure the ongoing safety of your family, employees, and property.

🧰 2. Expertise Across All Sectors

A professional contractor doesn’t just dabble in electrical work — they specialize in it. Whether it’s residential lighting, commercial power upgrades, or complex industrial automation, a licensed contractor brings in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience to every job.

At Bryant’s Electrical Ltd., we provide:

Residential Services: Panel upgrades, EV charger installation, smart home integration, code corrections, lighting, and more.

Commercial Services: Full building wiring, retail lighting, emergency systems, power audits, and energy-efficient retrofits.

Industrial Services: High-voltage setups, control panels, automation wiring, preventive maintenance, and heavy machinery hookups.

Our team is trained to work on projects of all scales and complexities — offering precision, reliability, and code-compliant solutions at every stage.

💡 3. Code Compliance & Permits Made Simple

In Red Deer, as in most parts of Alberta, electrical work is regulated by safety codes and requires permits for most installations and upgrades. A licensed electrical contractor understands these requirements and handles the permitting process on your behalf.

This not only ensures that your project remains compliant with local laws but also protects you from future legal or insurance-related issues. Inspections are part of the package — so when Bryant’s Electrical Ltd. signs off on a project, you can rest assured that it meets or exceeds all safety and quality standards.

💵 4. Cost-Effective in the Long Run

Many people mistakenly believe that hiring a professional contractor is expensive. But when you factor in the risks, repairs, and damage associated with unlicensed work, the difference is clear. Licensed contractors save you money by doing things correctly the first time.

In addition to preventing costly errors, certified professionals also offer:

Accurate assessments and material estimates

Warranties and service guarantees

Energy-efficient upgrades that lower your utility bills

Reliable troubleshooting, preventing repeated service calls

Bryant’s Electrical Ltd. offers transparent quotes, no hidden fees, and competitive pricing — because we believe in value, not shortcuts.

🧑‍🔧 5. Proper Tools, Equipment & Technology

Today’s electrical work is more advanced than ever before. From smart lighting systems to programmable panels and high-speed industrial motors, modern systems require up-to-date tools and training.

A licensed contractor comes equipped with:

Specialized tools for diagnostics and testing

Safety gear and protective equipment

Access to quality parts and certified materials

Software for designing and simulating complex electrical networks

Bryant’s Electrical Ltd. invests in state-of-the-art tools and continuous education to stay ahead of the curve. Whether it’s a panel inspection or a building-wide power overhaul, we’re ready with the right equipment for the job.

🏠 6. Residential Electrical Projects You Can Trust

Homeowners often face a wide range of electrical tasks — from installing a new ceiling fan to upgrading the entire electrical panel. These tasks may seem simple, but without the right knowledge, even basic wiring can become a safety issue.

When you work with Bryant’s Electrical Ltd., you get:

Clean and safe installations

Friendly, respectful technicians

Efficient service that minimizes disruption

Advice on energy-efficient upgrades and smart home devices

Whether you’re building your dream home or renovating a century-old property, we bring a balance of modern technology and traditional craftsmanship to every job.

🏢 7. Commercial Electrical Expertise for Growing Businesses

As businesses in Red Deer evolve, their electrical needs become more complex. Whether you’re setting up a new office, expanding a warehouse, or upgrading an outdated system, you need a commercial electrician who understands scalability and energy management.

Bryant’s Electrical Ltd. delivers commercial solutions such as:

Data cabling and network power

Emergency lighting and security systems

Lighting layout and design for customer-facing environments

Tenant improvements for property managers

Electrical troubleshooting and code corrections

We prioritize minimizing downtime and staying on budget, so your business operations run smoothly — now and in the future.

⚙️ 8. Reliable Power for Industrial Applications

Industrial electrical projects demand a deeper level of planning, precision, and safety. These systems often involve complex machinery, heavy-duty circuits, and sensitive automation networks.

That’s where Bryant’s Electrical Ltd. shines. Our industrial services include:

High-capacity transformers and switchgear installation

Conveyor and motor control wiring

Control panels, PLCs, and SCADA systems

Equipment relocation and power analysis

Electrical maintenance programs

We understand that downtime is costly, so we work efficiently, maintain open communication, and schedule services to fit your production needs.

🔄 9. Flexible Maintenance & Long-Term Support

Electrical systems need attention beyond installation. With ongoing maintenance and regular inspections, you can prevent problems before they occur, extend equipment lifespan, and ensure continued safety.

We offer customized maintenance programs tailored to your property type and usage levels. This includes:

Scheduled inspections

Load testing

Circuit tracing and labeling

Panel cleaning and tightening

Compliance assessments

Bryant’s Electrical Ltd. is more than a contractor — we’re your long-term electrical partner.

🚨 10. Ready When You Need Us Most

Perhaps the biggest advantage of working with a licensed contractor is having someone you can rely on in an emergency. Power failures, sparking outlets, and overloaded circuits can occur at the worst times — and when they do, you need help fast.

At Bryant’s Electrical Ltd., we provide 24/7 emergency services to homes, businesses, and industrial sites. As your trusted emergency electrician Red Deer, we respond quickly, diagnose the issue accurately, and make safe, reliable repairs on the spot. Your safety and peace of mind are our top priorities — any time, day or night.

Conclusion

Hiring a licensed electrical contractor in Red Deer isn’t just a smart move — it’s essential. With years of experience, in-depth knowledge, and a commitment to excellence, Bryant’s Electrical Ltd. stands out as a trusted partner for residential, commercial, and industrial electrical needs.

Whether you’re planning a renovation, expanding your business, or dealing with an unexpected electrical issue, don’t leave it to chance. Choose a team that values safety, reliability, and customer satisfaction above all. Call Bryant’s Electrical Ltd. today — and let us light the way forward.

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Unmanned Ground Vehicles Market Growth Explained: From Battlefield to Industry

Unmanned Ground Vehicles Market Overview: Advancing the Frontier of Autonomous Land-Based Systems

The global Unmanned Ground Vehicles market is undergoing a paradigm shift, driven by transformative innovation in artificial intelligence, robotics, and sensor technologies. With an estimated valuation of USD 3.29 billion in 2023, the unmanned ground vehicles market is projected to expand to USD 6.35 billion by 2031, achieving a CAGR of 9.7% over the forecast period. This momentum stems from the increasing integration of UGVs into critical applications spanning defense, commercial industries, and scientific research.

As a cornerstone of modern automation, unmanned ground vehicles markets are redefining operational strategies in dynamic environments. By eliminating the need for onboard human operators, these systems enhance safety, efficiency, and scalability across a wide array of use cases. From autonomous logistics support in conflict zones to precision agriculture and mining, UGVs represent a versatile, mission-critical solution with expanding potential.

Request Sample Report PDF (including TOC, Graphs & Tables): https://www.statsandresearch.com/request-sample/40520-global-unmanned-ground-vehicles-ugvs-market

UGV Types: Tailored Autonomy for Diverse Operational Needs

Teleoperated UGVs: Precision in Human-Controlled Operations

Teleoperated unmanned ground vehicles market’s serve vital roles in scenarios where human judgment and real-time control are indispensable. Predominantly employed by military and law enforcement agencies, these vehicles are integral to high-risk missions such as explosive ordnance disposal (EOD), urban reconnaissance, and search-and-rescue. Remote operability provides a protective buffer between operators and threats, while ensuring tactical accuracy in mission execution.

Autonomous UGVs: Revolutionizing Ground Operations

Autonomous UGVs epitomize the fusion of AI, machine learning, and edge computing. These platforms operate independently, leveraging LiDAR, GPS, stereo vision, and inertial navigation systems to map environments, detect obstacles, and make intelligent decisions without human intervention. Applications include:

Precision agriculture: Real-time crop health analysis, soil diagnostics, and yield monitoring.

Warehouse logistics: Automated material handling and inventory tracking.

Border patrol: Persistent perimeter surveillance with minimal resource expenditure.

Semi-Autonomous UGVs: Optimal Balance of Control and Independence

Semi-autonomous systems are ideal for hybrid missions requiring autonomous execution with operator intervention capabilities. These UGVs can follow predetermined paths, execute complex tasks, and pause for remote validation when encountering ambiguous conditions. Their versatility suits infrastructure inspection, disaster response, and automated delivery services, where adaptability is paramount.

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Technological Framework: Building Smarter Ground-Based Systems

Navigation Systems: Real-Time Terrain Mastery

Modern UGVs integrate layered navigation systems incorporating:

Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS)

Inertial Navigation Units (INU)

Visual Odometry

Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM)

This multifaceted approach enables high-precision route planning and dynamic path correction, ensuring mission continuity across varying terrain types and environmental conditions.

Advanced Sensor Suites: The Sensory Backbone

UGVs depend on an array of sensors to interpret their environment. Core components include:

LiDAR: For three-dimensional spatial mapping.

Ultrasonic sensors: Obstacle detection at short ranges.

Thermal and infrared cameras: Night vision and heat signature tracking.

Multispectral imaging: Agricultural and environmental applications.

Together, these sensors empower unmanned ground vehicles market’s to perform with superior situational awareness and real-time decision-making.

Communication Systems: Seamless Command and Data Exchange

Effective UGV operation relies on uninterrupted connectivity. Communication architectures include:

RF (Radio Frequency) transmission for close-range operations.

Cellular (4G/5G) and satellite links for beyond-line-of-sight control.

Encrypted military-grade communication protocols to safeguard mission-critical data.

These systems ensure continuous dialogue between unmanned ground vehicles market’s and control centers, essential for high-stakes missions.

Artificial Intelligence (AI): Cognitive Autonomy

AI is the nucleus of next-generation UGV intelligence. From object recognition and predictive analytics to anomaly detection and mission adaptation, AI frameworks enable:

Behavioral learning for new terrain or threat patterns.

Collaborative swarm robotics where UGVs function as a coordinated unit.

Autonomous decision trees that trigger responses based on complex input variables.

Unmanned Ground Vehicles Market Segmentation by End User

Government and Military: Strategic Force Multipliers

UGVs are critical to defense modernization initiatives, delivering cost-effective force protection, logistical autonomy, and increased tactical reach. Applications include:

C-IED missions

Tactical ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance)

Autonomous convoy support

Hazardous materials (HAZMAT) handling

Private Sector: Driving Industrial Autonomy

Commercial adoption of unmanned ground vehicles market’s is accelerating, especially in:

Agriculture: Real-time agronomic monitoring and robotic farming.

Mining and construction: Autonomous excavation, transport, and safety inspection.

Retail and logistics: Last-mile delivery and warehouse automation.

These implementations reduce manual labor, enhance productivity, and streamline resource management.

Research Institutions: Accelerating Innovation

UGVs are central to robotics and AI research, with universities and R&D labs leveraging platforms to test:

Navigation algorithms

Sensor fusion models

Machine learning enhancements

Ethical frameworks for autonomous systems

Collaborative R&D across academia and industry fosters robust innovation and propels UGV capabilities forward.

Regional Unmanned Ground Vehicles Market Analysis

North America: The Epicenter of Defense-Grade UGV Development

Dominated by the United States Department of Defense and industry leaders such as Lockheed Martin and General Dynamics, North America is a pioneer in deploying and scaling UGV technologies. Investments in smart battlefield systems and border security continue to drive demand.

Europe: Dual-Use Innovations in Civil and Military Sectors

European nations, particularly Germany, France, and the UK, are integrating UGVs into both military and public safety operations. EU-funded initiatives are catalyzing development in automated policing, firefighting, and environmental monitoring.

Asia-Pacific: Emerging Powerhouse with Diverse Use Cases

Led by China, India, and South Korea, the Asia-Pacific region is rapidly advancing in agricultural robotics, smart cities, and military modernization. Government-backed programs and private innovation hubs are pushing domestic manufacturing and deployment of UGVs at scale.

Middle East and Africa: Strategic Adoption in Security and Infrastructure

UGVs are being integrated into border surveillance, oil and gas pipeline inspection, and urban safety across key regions such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa, where rugged environments and security risks necessitate unmanned solutions.

South America: Gradual Integration Across Agriculture and Mining

In countries like Brazil and Chile, unmanned ground vehicles market’s are enhancing resource extraction and precision agriculture. Regional investment in automation is expected to grow in parallel with infrastructure modernization efforts.

Key Companies Shaping the Unmanned Ground Vehicles Market Ecosystem

Northrop Grumman Corporation

General Dynamics Corporation

BAE Systems

QinetiQ Group PLC

Textron Inc.

Oshkosh Corporation

Milrem Robotics

Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace

Teledyne FLIR LLC

Lockheed Martin Corporation

These firms are advancing UGV design, AI integration, sensor modularity, and battlefield-grade resilience, ensuring readiness for both present and future operational challenges.

The forecasted growth is underpinned by:

Rising geopolitical tensions driving military investments

Expanding commercial interest in automation

Cross-sector AI integration and sensor improvements

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Conclusion: The Evolution of Autonomous Ground Mobility

The global unmanned ground vehicles market stands at the intersection of robotics, AI, and real-world application. As technological maturity converges with widespread need for unmanned solutions, the role of UGVs will extend far beyond today’s use cases. Governments, corporations, and innovators must align strategically to harness the full potential of these systems.

With global investments accelerating and AI-driven capabilities reaching new thresholds, Unmanned Ground Vehicles are not just an industrial trend—they are the vanguard of future operational dominance.

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[mariacallous]

On an island in the Singapore Strait, a thicket of apartment blocks peers mournfully over the sea. A corps of green-shirted gardeners dutifully tends the lawns and herbaceous borders along the roadside. A few cars slip along smooth roads to a commercial center with gleaming marble floors. Amidst the hundreds of closed shopfronts three restaurants are open—a fried chicken chain, a small café, and a gleaming and empty hot pot restaurant. Five duty-free shops are doing better business; some young men are stocking up on beer and Copper Dog whiskey at 11 a.m.

Welcome to Forest City: planned residents, 700,000; current residents, roughly 9,000. Launched in 2014 as part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, the mega-project is headed by once-real estate giant Country Garden, a behemoth that now sits on the edge of bankruptcy.

At first glance, the project seems yet another tale of a ghost-city built on the back of a Chinese real estate bubble—and then doomed by the COVID-19 pandemic and economic slowdown. Yet Forest City’s story is also a deeply Malaysian tale, involving property-speculating sultans, nationalist politicians, and the country’s complex relationship with Beijing and its own ethnically Chinese minority.

Building a new city to lodge hundreds of thousands of residents on four new artificial islands in the Singapore Strait was always an ambitious venture. But the main market was not locals, but rather speculative buyers from the People’s Republic of China. When sales opened in December 2015, buyers flooded in, many of them buying “pre-sales” of uncompleted apartments. “You’d have buses coming over from Singapore every day filled with people who just landed,” said Tan Wee Tiam, head of research at KGV International Property Consultants. “There were over 1,000 agents in the sales hall, and it still wasn’t enough. … You felt like you were in China.”

Buyers were often looking for not a permanent residence but an investment that could also be a potential holiday home, or accommodation for children who were headed to study in Singapore. Some were reportedly even offered the opportunity to buy a flat in China and get one free in Forest City, said Christine Li, head of research in the Asia-Pacific for Knight Frank.

Yet this reliance on the Chinese buyers also left the project brutally exposed to changes in Chinese policy. The first blow came in 2017, when the Chinese government suddenly imposed capital controls preventing individuals from moving more than $50,000 out of the country annually. The minimum price of a Forest City apartment sits at around $75,000 and can be as much as $3.5 million. Then came the pandemic years which froze international travel—and stamped hard on Chinese real estate and growth.

Yet, Forest City’s staff seem to be holding out hope. Shane Lim, a hire from Singapore, showed me around and assured me that the place is working to attract buyers from across the world, including the Middle East, Indonesia, and Thailand. Still, he estimated that about 70 percent of his colleagues in the sales team are from China.

Halfway through my tour, a Malaysian man calling himself Ozzy introduced himself and his two wives. Now living in the United States, he’s searching for a place to buy in Malaysia that he can use to visit his daughter in Singapore and rent out when he’s away. Looking around, though, he’s unconvinced.

“Look at how empty this place is,” he said. “I’d only be able to rent it out for one or two months a year. … When I visited in 2018 this place was packed. Now there’s no one here. It’s like it’s haunted.” Lim stared at his shoes until Ozzy moved off. He then firmly assured me that the sales hall is busier on weekends.

A wet Wednesday afternoon might not be a peak sales period, but it is hard to escape the reality that the putative new city is barely lived in. Surveying one of the towers I descend from the 34th floor to the first, looking for signs of occupancy—a pair of shoes at the door, furniture seen through the windows that face the corridor, or even just curtains drawn over said windows. The place is eerily well maintained but empty. Just 25 of the 390 flats show any signs of current occupancy.

I met a single resident, a Malaysian Indian woman who said she lived in Forest City with her husband. Declining to give her name, she informed me a neighboring tower is busier. That would not be hard to believe. Some floors in this tower were completely empty with flats whose doors open to the touch, revealing light-filled marble interiors into which dead leaves have blown. Others had notices of a residents’ meeting dated October 2022 still taped to the door.

According to Li, there are signs that buyers may be slowly coming back. But she also suggested that Country Garden might have aimed too high, used to China’s experience of breakneck speed urbanization, supported by strong government support for infrastructure development. That policy created plenty of “ghost cities” in China itself—but until the recent real estate crisis, also huge profits.

Forest City has also suffered from being a political football since its launch, something Country Garden may well not have anticipated. “I did notice Chinese developers tend not to focus on the political climate,” Li said. “They are not used to the idea of general elections, change of government, and change of policies overnight.”

Despite its vast scale, the first time locals heard about Forest City was in 2014, when fisherman woke up one day to find barges dumping sand off the coast. Newspapers dug into the story, revealing that Country Garden’s main partner was none other than the sultan of Johor state, Ibrahim Ismail.

The tie made sense. Many businesses take on Johor royals as partners, benefiting from the influence they wield in the state. The Malaysian government is also bent on transforming southern Johor into a new economic hub, the Shenzhen to Singapore’s Hong Kong. The city was made a duty-free zone. When further investigations also revealed rushed environmental reviews, it took diplomatic protests from Singapore for the central government to intervene and ensure the proper process was followed.

However, things began to shift when the Malaysian government’s grip on power loosened. Rocked by the world’s largest corruption scandal, the China-linked 1Malaysia Development Berhad, voters turned against it. And at 93 years old, former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad exited retirement to lead an opposition filled with former opponents, previously imprisoned under his watch, against a government coalition he once led for 22 years.

Forest City became one of Mahathir’s favorite targets. Inveighing against government corruption and waste, he accused the government of planning to sell out Malaysia to foreigners. Most provocatively, he claimed that the thousands of mainly Chinese buyers of Forest City apartments would be allowed to settle, become Malaysian citizens, and vote in its elections. In a country where ethnically Chinese make up 23 percent of the citizenry—and are often stereotyped as wielding undue political influence due to their wealth—the claim was explosive.

After his shock triumph in the 2018 elections, then-Prime Minister Mahathir followed through on his threats declaring that foreigners would not be allowed to buy property in Forest City. Despite legal challenges, the announcement apparently hit Forest City sales hard.

Five years and a series of dizzyingly complex political maneuvers later, the current Malaysian government is led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. His support is mainly built by ethnic minority-backed parties that triumphed in 2018. To secure his grip on power he needs two things. The first is economic growth. The second is increased support from Malay voters, to which end he has courted the sultans who act as power brokers in their states and take turns acting as Malaysia’s head of state. Perhaps none is more influential than the sultan of Johor, who started his five-year tenure in February this year.

In this context, Anwar seems to have rediscovered the charm of Chinese investment, and Forest City. He has repeatedly praised the Belt and Road Initiative, and in August last year he announced Forest City would be designated a special financial zone with residents offered multiple-entry visas, fast-track entry for those working in Singapore, and a flat income tax rate of 15 percent.

The sultan of Johor has also suggested reviving a proposed high-speed rail link between Malaysia’s capital of Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, with an extra stop at Forest City. And who knows what will happen. After, all the $10.5 billion Melaka Gateway project—launched under the Belt and Road Initiative and apparently scrapped in 2020—is also back underway, after finding new support from the state and federal governments. The developer behind the project recently acquired a major new shareholder, the sultan of Johor.

But the heyday of Chinese investment in Malaysia may well not be coming back. Ten years since China launched the Belt and Road Initiative, it has begun to pull back sharply on its overseas investments. China’s own economic slowdown and business wariness about the increasingly capricious regulatory environment is part of the story. But, the large number of projects gone sour also appears to have made Chinese investors more wary.

Meanwhile, Malaysia is struggling not to get left holding the bag. Should Country Garden go bankrupt, it’s uncertain what will happen to Forest City. At that point the Malaysian government could face the unpalatable option of a potential bailout by the Chinese government, leaving a chunk of Malaysian land in Beijing’s hands. Alternatively, it could step in itself—becoming the proud proprietor of what the developers still proclaim to be “A Prime Model for Future Cities.”

[amrutmnm]

Airborne Optronics Market Share Analysis: Leading Players & Regional Insights

The Airborne Optronics Market is experiencing rapid expansion, fueled by increasing demand for advanced electro-optical systems in military, commercial, and urban air mobility applications. The market, valued at USD 1.4 billion in 2020, is projected to reach USD 2.5 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 12.7%. As defense forces, security agencies, and commercial aviation sectors adopt cutting-edge imaging and surveillance technologies, airborne optronics is becoming an integral part of modern aircraft and UAV systems.

Technological advancements, rising investments in defense modernization, and the growing use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for surveillance and reconnaissance are among the key factors driving the market forward. Additionally, the expansion of urban air mobility (UAM) platforms, including air taxis and autonomous cargo drones, is expected to increase the demand for advanced airborne imaging and detection systems.

The Impact of COVID-19 on the Airborne Optronics Market

The COVID-19 pandemic had a notable impact on the Airborne Optronics Market, leading to disruptions in supply chains and temporary slowdowns in aircraft production. In 2020, aircraft orders and deliveries declined, affecting demand for airborne optronics. Industry experts estimated that the pandemic resulted in a 7–10% impact on production and services worldwide.

Despite these challenges, recovery began in early 2021 as aerospace manufacturers resumed operations. The increased reliance on UAVs for autonomous surveillance, border security, and ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance) missions contributed to the resurgence of demand for airborne optronics. Post-pandemic, investments in next-generation imaging sensors and AI-driven surveillance systems are expected to accelerate market growth.

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Technological Innovations Reshaping the Airborne Optronics Market

Modern airborne optronics systems are evolving with advancements in multispectral imaging, AI-based analytics, and high-resolution electro-optical sensors. These innovations are enhancing the capabilities of aircraft, UAVs, and airborne platforms for defense and commercial applications. The development of miniaturized electro-optical systems through nanotechnology is allowing for integration into small drones and lightweight aerial vehicles, improving efficiency without compromising performance.

Multispectral and hyperspectral imaging technologies are also advancing, allowing airborne systems to detect and analyze objects with greater precision across multiple wavelengths. This enhanced imaging capability is crucial for applications in border security, environmental monitoring, and military reconnaissance. As a result, the multispectral segment is expected to experience the highest growth during the forecast period due to its affordability and adaptability in UAV-based applications.

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in airborne optronics is transforming the way data is processed and analyzed. AI-powered imaging systems can automatically detect, classify, and track objects, providing real-time intelligence for military and commercial operators. These advancements are making airborne surveillance more efficient and reducing human intervention in complex decision-making scenarios.

Opportunities Driving the Airborne Optronics Market

The rapid development of urban air mobility (UAM) platforms presents a significant growth opportunity for the Airborne Optronics Market. The demand for autonomous aerial transportation, including air taxis, air ambulances, and cargo drones, is rising. The urban air mobility market is projected to expand from USD 2.5 billion to USD 4.9 billion by 2025, creating a strong demand for highly advanced airborne sensor technologies. Ensuring safe navigation, obstacle detection, and precise landing in urban environments will require state-of-the-art electro-optical systems, further boosting market demand.

Another major opportunity lies in the increasing deployment of UAVs in the military sector. UAVs are being integrated with high-resolution electro-optics and infrared (EO/IR) sensors to conduct surveillance operations, border security, and battlefield intelligence missions. The growing need for autonomous surveillance solutions and drone-based reconnaissance is expected to drive continued investments in airborne optronics technologies.

As the market for commercial drones expands, various industries are exploring applications beyond surveillance, such as infrastructure inspections, environmental monitoring, and emergency response. Drones equipped with airborne optronics are increasingly being used in commercial settings to provide real-time imaging, terrain mapping, and asset monitoring, further widening the scope of market opportunities.

Challenges in the Airborne Optronics Market

Despite its growth potential, the Airborne Optronics Market faces several challenges, particularly regarding weather-related inefficiencies in electro-optical sensors. Airborne electro-optics systems are highly sensitive to environmental conditions such as fog, haze, smoke, and dust, which can obscure visibility and limit the accuracy of imaging and targeting systems.

In battlefield scenarios, airborne optronics systems must operate in unpredictable environments where visibility conditions change rapidly. Factors such as smoke from explosions, dust clouds, and atmospheric interference can reduce the effectiveness of EO/IR sensors, making it challenging to maintain consistent surveillance. Addressing these limitations through enhanced sensor technology, adaptive imaging algorithms, and multi-sensor integration is essential for improving system performance in extreme conditions.

Another challenge is the increasing threat of cybersecurity risks associated with airborne optronics systems. As military and commercial aircraft become more dependent on digital imaging and real-time data processing, the potential for cyber attacks, hacking, and electronic warfare interference is rising. Ensuring the security of real-time surveillance data and sensor networks is a critical concern for both defense agencies and commercial operators.

Regional Market Insights: North America Leading Growth

North America is currently the largest regional market for airborne optronics, driven by strong defense spending, technological leadership, and a growing fleet of commercial and military aircraft. The United States remains a dominant player, with major defense contractors and aerospace companies actively investing in next-generation electro-optical systems. Companies like Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, L3Harris Technologies, and Collins Aerospace are at the forefront of innovation in the airborne optronics sector.

In Europe, nations such as France, Germany, and the UK are focusing on modernizing their defense and surveillance capabilities. The presence of leading European companies, including Thales SA and Safran, is contributing to the region’s market expansion. Meanwhile, the Asia-Pacific region is experiencing growing demand for airborne optronics, particularly in countries like China, India, and Japan, where investments in UAV technology and military surveillance systems are rising.

The Middle East, Africa, and Latin America are emerging markets for airborne optronics, with increasing investments in border security, counter-terrorism, and urban surveillance applications. These regions are expected to witness steady growth as governments and private sector players explore new airborne imaging and reconnaissance solutions.

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Future Outlook for the Airborne Optronics Market

The Airborne Optronics Market is expected to witness strong growth, driven by advancements in imaging technology, increasing defense budgets, and the rising demand for UAV-based surveillance. The integration of AI, multispectral imaging, and adaptive sensor technologies will continue to shape the future of airborne surveillance and reconnaissance.

As defense agencies, security forces, and commercial operators seek highly efficient and reliable airborne imaging solutions, companies investing in next-generation electro-optical systems will remain at the forefront of market growth. The continued expansion of urban air mobility and autonomous aircraft systems is expected to open new opportunities for airborne optronics technology, ensuring its relevance in the evolving aerospace industry.

[dkaufmandevelopment]

Unlocking New York City’s Potential: The Rise of Office-to-Residential Conversions

Post-pandemic, the great hope for office-to-residential conversions in New York City was that they would address two critical challenges facing commercial real estate: the surplus of office space due to hybrid/work-from-home norms and the affordable housing crisis across the five boroughs.

A Shift in Perspective

Initially, this hope seemed to fall short due to several factors, including the physical limitations of older office buildings—windows and floor plates not conducive to residential use—and zoning complexities. However, over the past year, a positive shift has occurred. Government initiatives, such as New York City’s Office Conversion Accelerator Program (launched last year), the new 467-meter state tax exemption for conversions (with benefits tied to timing and geography), and Mayor Eric Adams’s proposed City of Yes zoning overhaul, are instilling optimism among developers. They now see a path to profitable and productive conversions that contribute to housing solutions.

A Promising Surge

To gauge the growth of office-to-residential conversions, consider this: between 2010 and 2020, New York City witnessed 34 such transformations, according to the Department of City Planning. However, in just one year since the Accelerator program’s announcement, 69 building owners have expressed interest in potential conversions. This surge could mark a pivotal moment in addressing the city’s dual challenges.

Streamlining the Process

The Office Conversion Accelerator Program plays a crucial role. It provides owners undertaking conversions of at least 50 residential units with a central contact within city government. This streamlined approach eliminates the need for separate communication with various departments—City Planning, Buildings, Housing Preservation & Development, Standards and Appeals, and the Landmarks Preservation Commission—to ensure compliance with codes and zoning regulations.

Momentum Building

Recent industry news reflects this momentum. GFP Real Estate and TPG Real Estate recently submitted a Buildings Department application to convert 222 Broadway—a 31-story, 750,000-square-foot office building—into 798 apartments. The estimated cost of this transformation stands at $43.6 million. The project, purchased from DWS in June for $150 million, lists CetraRuddy as the architect.

In summary, New York City’s office-to-residential conversions are gaining traction, offering a glimmer of hope for both the real estate market and affordable housing. As the logjam loosens, developers and city officials collaborate to create a more vibrant and inclusive urban landscape.

[asestimationsconsultants]

How Commercial Estimators Accurately Determine Project Costs

Accurately determining project costs is one of the most crucial responsibilities of a commercial estimator. In construction, the success of a project—whether it’s a large office building, a shopping mall, or an industrial facility—depends heavily on how well the costs are predicted before work begins. An estimator must account for a wide range of variables, including materials, labor, equipment, permits, and unforeseen challenges. This complex task requires a combination of technical knowledge, experience, and the right tools to ensure accuracy. In this blog, we’ll explore how commercial estimators accurately determine project costs and the key factors they consider during the estimating process.

1. Understanding the Scope of the Project

Before any costs can be estimated, a commercial estimator must first have a thorough understanding of the project scope. This means reviewing detailed architectural plans, drawings, and specifications that define the scope of work. It’s essential for the estimator to identify and comprehend every element of the project, including building dimensions, materials, design features, and site-specific requirements.

Estimators often meet with project owners, architects, and contractors to clarify any ambiguities in the plans. Misunderstanding or overlooking certain aspects of the project can lead to underestimation, which can be detrimental to a project’s budget. Therefore, it is critical for estimators to engage in careful discussions with all stakeholders to ensure they have all necessary information.

2. Performing a Detailed Takeoff

A critical part of determining project costs involves the takeoff process. Takeoff refers to the act of measuring quantities from the project plans, which could include the number of square feet, linear feet, or cubic yards of materials required. A takeoff essentially helps estimators calculate the quantity of each material needed for the project.

For instance, if a building requires concrete for its foundation, the estimator will determine how many cubic yards of concrete are needed based on the foundation’s dimensions. This process extends to every aspect of the construction, from the amount of steel for framing to the number of windows to be installed. Accurate takeoff is vital because it serves as the basis for all further cost estimations.

3. Material Cost Estimation

Once quantities have been determined through the takeoff, the next step is estimating the cost of materials. This is often one of the most challenging parts of commercial estimating due to the fluctuating prices of materials. Factors such as location, time of year, and market conditions can impact material costs.

Commercial estimators need to stay up to date with material prices and ensure they use accurate pricing data for every component of the project. They may consult industry databases, supplier quotes, or historical data to determine the current price of materials like steel, concrete, drywall, and roofing materials. Additionally, the estimator must consider delivery costs, potential material wastage, and storage requirements.

4. Labor Cost Estimation

Labor costs are another major factor in determining the total cost of a construction project. Estimators must calculate the amount of labor needed for each phase of the project, taking into account factors such as crew size, hourly rates, and the expected time required to complete tasks.

Labor rates can vary depending on the type of work being done, the region, and union regulations, so estimators need to ensure they account for all these variables. Additionally, they must consider factors such as overtime, the skill level of workers, and productivity rates, as they can influence overall labor costs.

Estimators may consult labor union agreements, wage surveys, or historical project data to accurately estimate the labor costs for specific tasks. Proper labor cost estimation also involves factoring in potential labor shortages or delays, which can increase costs.

5. Equipment and Tool Costs

Construction projects also require a variety of tools and equipment, ranging from cranes and bulldozers to hand tools and scaffolding. Estimators need to calculate the cost of renting or purchasing this equipment, including transportation and maintenance costs.

In some cases, estimators may need to account for equipment downtime or the wear and tear of machinery. For larger projects, specialized equipment may be needed, and estimating these costs can become more complex.

If a project requires equipment that is not readily available, the estimator may need to include additional costs for mobilization and demobilization. These costs can have a significant impact on the overall budget, especially for long-term projects.

6. Contingencies for Unforeseen Costs

No project is free from unexpected challenges or changes. A key aspect of accurate commercial estimating is accounting for these uncertainties with contingency plans. Estimators typically include a contingency percentage—often ranging from 5% to 15%—to account for unforeseen circumstances that could arise during construction.

These contingencies can cover a wide range of issues, from delays caused by weather to price fluctuations in materials or labor. Estimators must ensure that they don’t underestimate these risks, as failing to include sufficient contingencies could lead to project cost overruns.

7. Using Estimating Software and Tools

Modern commercial estimating relies heavily on specialized estimating software and tools to enhance accuracy and efficiency. Estimating software like ProEst, Buildertrend, or Procore allows estimators to input quantities, prices, and project data, and generate detailed cost breakdowns.

These tools streamline the process by automating calculations, helping to avoid human error. They can also access databases with up-to-date material costs, labor rates, and other relevant data, ensuring that the estimator has accurate pricing information. Many of these platforms also integrate with project management software, allowing for real-time updates and collaboration among all project stakeholders.

8. Accounting for Overhead and Profit Margins

Another important aspect of commercial estimating is ensuring that overhead costs and profit margins are incorporated into the estimate. Overhead costs can include things like administrative expenses, insurance, office supplies, and project management costs. These costs must be factored into the overall project estimate to ensure that the construction company remains profitable.

Similarly, estimators must add a reasonable profit margin to the estimate. This margin varies based on the type of project, the level of competition, and market conditions. Adding an appropriate profit margin ensures that the contractor can meet their financial goals while still providing a competitive bid.

9. Bid Preparation and Review

Once all costs are estimated, the final step is preparing the bid. A commercial estimator will create a detailed, organized proposal that includes a breakdown of all costs, including labor, materials, equipment, overhead, and contingencies. This bid is presented to the client for review and negotiation.

During this phase, the estimator may also need to review the bid with other team members or stakeholders to ensure that it aligns with the project’s budget and scope. Adjustments may be made if necessary, particularly if changes arise during the negotiation phase.

Conclusion

Accurately determining project costs is a complex process that requires attention to detail, industry knowledge, and the right tools. Commercial estimators must consider numerous factors, from material and labor costs to contingencies for unforeseen events. By performing a detailed takeoff, staying up to date with pricing data, and utilizing advanced estimating software, estimators can provide accurate, reliable estimates that help ensure the success of construction projects. This precise and thorough approach ultimately helps clients and contractors manage costs, avoid overruns, and complete projects on time and within budget.

[pcttrailsidereader]

The Ever-Changing Length of the PCT

The most recent edition of the PCT's "Trail Dirt" tackled the mystery of the PCT length . . . it has been a topic that has been a curiosity also explored on this website -- https://pcttrailsidereader.com/post/618834872879939586/it-looks-authoritative-and-permanent-but-the The midpoint looks so official but as this article explains, the length of the trail is constantly changing . . . hence moving the midpoint. However, the marker stays put.

Easy, 2,650 Miles, right? Well… not quite.

By Galen Keily

The question of the PCT’s length comes up often, with guidebooks, phone apps, and other sources across the internet offering varying figures. In recent years, PCTA has come a long way in better tracking and calculating distance. While we regularly reference the rounded figure of 2,650 miles as shorthand for the trail’s length, our current best estimate places it at approximately 2655.8 miles. It’s complicated because the length actually varies year by year, and homing in on highly accurate mileage for a trail that spans thousands of miles can pose significant challenges. We know that trail mileage matters a lot to PCT trail users. Read on to discover some of the complexities involved in determining the true length of the PCT.

Northern Terminus, Photo by: Ryan Weidert

It Moves!

Sometimes, the trail gains a mile or two, or sometimes, the trail shaves off miles (you’re welcome thru-hikers!) You might be thinking… how does this happen, isn’t the trail already on the ground? While true, PCTA, alongside managing agencies and dedicated trail crews, continually refines and optimizes the trail’s route. These efforts range from minor adjustments to larger-scale relocation projects aimed at enhancing the overall trail experience. For instance, routine maintenance often involves realigning sections of the trail to improve sustainability, such as adding switchbacks or adjusting trail tread within the existing corridor. These alterations might end up making the trail a bit longer or shorter, typically on the order of hundreds of feet. Pretty small potatoes when looking at a trail that crosses thousands of miles. Other times, the PCT undergoes bigger relocation projects based on a process called Optimal Location Reviews (OLR). These relocations can be significant and can take years to complete. These projects aim to relocate the PCT to a location better suited to providing a natural setting, scenic beauty, and safe public access, among other things. As a result of these projects, the trail’s length may fluctuate by several miles. But they also end up making the trail safer and more enjoyable for all.

The Sierra Buttes Relocation – Old decommissioned PCT shown in dashed black line, current PCT in maroon.

What’s so hard about miles?

Calculating distance across such a large geographic extent is challenging. Even minor inaccuracies that are repeated hundreds of thousands of times compound errors, resulting in significant discrepancies in overall mileage. For example, if each point in our PCT dataset were off by 1ft, the margin of error would be over 200 miles. Additionally, the translation from a three-dimensional Earth to a two-dimensional map necessitates “projecting” data in GIS (Graphical Informational System) software, which can introduce different types of accuracy loss. However, advancements in technology offer us promising avenues for improvement, such as using LiDAR (laser scans of the earth) to more precisely capture and map changes to the trail.

A little bit about the data

PCTA’s current iteration of PCT mapping data is built upon data that was donated to the organization from the Halfmile Project. You may have heard of Halfmile, he and his team are kind of a big deal. The resulting data from this project’s multi-year effort was the best, most accurate data for the PCT of its time. Volunteers in the project mapped thousands of miles of trail with survey-grade custom and commercial GPS units and spent tremendous amounts of time analyzing, processing, and curating the results.

Halfmile, using his iPhone to control the Long Distance Geo Logger. The blue GPS unit is in the lower black side pocket of his pack. You can see coiled cable right above it.

Building on this legacy, PCTA now builds upon that same highly accurate data from Halfmile, revised to account for re-routes and trail reconstruction that have happened since PCTA assumed control of the data. We maintain our PCT Centerline (the line data for the trail’s location) and Mile Markers (points every tenth or half mile), with new versions released on an annual basis, usually in January. The data is displayed on our Interactive Map and made available on our PCT Data webpage, freely available for download in a variety of formats. By fostering an environment of transparency and accessibility, we empower trail users, app developers, and agency partners alike to utilize this standardized dataset, facilitating seamless communication and navigation along the trail.

Graceland takes an emotional moment at the Northern Terminus after an adventure of a lifetime. Photo by: James Townsend

Conclusions

As we continue to monitor changes, refine our modeling of the PCT, and offer it to users in new ways, we realize that our data remains imperfect. Digitally representing the complexities of the natural world always is. Despite this, the Association’s renewed prioritization of data management, built upon the invaluable foundation set by the Halfmile project, marks significant progress in this work. We recognize that our path toward data accuracy is ongoing and that we’re by no means at the finish line (approx. 2,655.8 ), but we’re always improving, collaborating, and working to celebrate the intricacies of the PCT in this unique aspect of our work.

Author: Galen Keily

[beardedmrbean]

It seems a long way from the misery of Gaza's shattered buildings. Situated a short walk from the Golden Horn, an estuary of the Bosphorus in bustling Istanbul, AG Plaza boasts terraces, pools and commercial space, and is designed to attract tech companies that want to benefit from the city's Commerce University campus.

Yet the two places are indeed linked. The glistening project in Turkey's cultural capital was built by a company controlled by what the U.S. Treasury Department describes as "Hamas elements."

The AG Plaza in Istanbul is just one example of how, according to the U.S. Treasury Department, It reveals extensive new links between companies and individuals that the U.S. says are funding Hamas operations.

By examining business records and cross-referencing them with the sanctions lists, Newsweek's investigation shows how Hamas is using some of its key personnel to set up such companies around the Middle East and elsewhere to run its financial empire—often in places where, one expert said, it may find tacit approval for such operations. They include businesses in the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Algeria, Saudi Arabia and Sudan, and may even reveal how the group is expanding into Western Europe.

It also illustrates that while the unprecedented aerial and ground assault on Gaza, which Israel says is necessary to ensure Hamas' destruction, may paralyze the militant group there, it seems unlikely to stop the flow of funds from abroad.

This task—cutting off Hamas funding at source—appears to have become an urgent priority for the Biden administration, which on January 5 announced it is offering a reward of up to $10 million for information that could dismantle the group's economic foundations.

The Rewards for Justice Program aims to disrupt the broader network that sustains Hamas, including targeting any source of revenue, major donors, financial facilitators and financial institutions that facilitate transactions for the group.

The program also focuses on businesses or investments owned or controlled by Hamas or its financiers, as well as front companies engaged in procuring dual-use technology and criminal schemes that financially benefit the organization.

The program reflects the difficulty of targeting such funding. Hamas' web of interconnected companies, which has also enriched senior Hamas figures to a degree unimaginable for the ordinary people of Gaza, is remarkable in its size and complexity.

Newsweek found that one Yemeni business administrator is the joint owner of Hamas' UAE property company, which owned an office block worth $150 million; is the co-founder of a Hamas-linked, publicly traded Turkish construction company; owns 20 percent of a Hamas front company in Saudi Arabia; and is on the board of another Hamas-linked Sudanese company. Separately, company records show an accountant from the West Bank is central to four major construction and real estate companies in three countries: Turkey, Sudan and Saudi Arabia.

The network appears to be growing. A wealthy Sudanese businessman who had close ties to Osama bin Laden, the late Al-Qaeda leader, and who is described by the U.S. Treasury Department as a "Hamas financier," set up a Hamas-linked company in Spain last December, corporate filings show.

In a press release on May 24, 2022, the U.S. Treasury Department estimated that the Hamas-linked construction empire was worth $500 million in total and said that a publicly traded Turkish company—the same company that developed the AG Plaza in Istanbul—was 75 percent-owned by Hamas-connected members in 2018. It alleged that the same company planned to secret away $15 million in shares for senior Hamas figures that same year.

The U.S. placed companies and executives on its Hamas sanctions list in 2022 and during three rounds of sanctions imposed on Hamas after the October 7 attack on Israel. That attack killed around 1,200 people, and militants took some 250 others hostage, the Associated Press reported. As of January 9, 2024, Israel's air, ground and sea assault in Gaza had killed more than 22,400 people, two-thirds of them women and children, the AP said, citing the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry. The offensive has devastated large parts of the Gaza Strip, displaced nearly 85 percent of its population of 2.3 million, and left a quarter of its residents facing starvation, according to the United Nations.

"In addition to the funds Hamas receives from Iran, its global portfolio of investments generates vast sums of revenue through its assets, estimated to be worth hundreds of millions of dollars, with companies operating in Sudan, Algeria, Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates, and other countries," the U.S. Treasury said in a statement when it updated its Hamas sanctions list on October 18, 2023.

"The companies in Hamas' portfolio have operated under the guise of legitimate businesses and their representatives have attempted to conceal Hamas' control over their assets.

"This investment network is directed by the highest levels of Hamas leadership and has allowed Hamas senior officials to live in luxury while ordinary Palestinians in Gaza struggle in harsh living and economic conditions."

The Israeli government also says that construction companies are a vital part of the Hamas finance model and has mirrored the U.S. sanctions list. In an online statement on October 29, the Israeli embassy in the U.S. said that Moussa Abu Marzouk, deputy chair of the Hamas Political Bureau, was worth $3 billion, while senior leaders Khaled Mashal and Ismail Haniyeh were each worth about $4 billion.

The reason that Hamas has turned to property is clear, experts say. Stephen Reimer, a senior research fellow at the U.K.'s Royal United Services Institute, told Newsweek that "building and then selling real estate is a handy way for Hamas to obfuscate its funds."

Reimer, an expert in terrorism financing at RUSI's Center for Financial Crime & Security Studies, said that "financial crime regulation of the construction, property development and real estate industries is fairly weak globally," meaning that Hamas-connected developers "can put funds into building apartments and then selling units to buyers, who would have no way of knowing the provenance of the funds that went into building their home."

In other words, ordinary homeowners are unaware that their purchases have helped to fuel the growth of a militant organization responsible for the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust.

Turkey

On the surface, Hisham Younis Yahya Qafisheh's resume makes him an unlikely plutocrat, let alone militant "element." Born on September 1, 1956, in Hebron in what was then Jordan and which would later become the West Bank, he graduated in accounting from King Abdulaziz University, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in 1978. He started his business life as an accountant in the branch of a French company in Saudi Arabia and worked as a finance manager at the Dar Al Eiman hotel company in Jeddah between 1987 and 2005. Arabic is his native language, and he speaks English.

Yet this CV, included in documents that the Turkish company Trend GYO submitted to the Turkish Department of Finance in 2018 as part of its public offering requirements, does not highlight two crucial parts of his life story.

First, the Ticaret Sicil Gazetesi trade registry publication in Turkey printed a notice on March 25, 2021, which corrected Qafisheh's personal data. He had assumed a new Turkish name and obtained Turkish citizenship. This could help him to avoid scrutiny and travel more easily.

Second, according to a U.S. Treasury statement when it placed Qafisheh on its sanction list the following year, he served as deputy head of Hamas' investment office and has played an important role in "transferring funds on behalf of various companies linked to Hamas' investment portfolio." It had been investigating his involvement in Hamas-linked companies in three countries.

"Qafisheh was involved in managing the operations or held key roles in several companies controlled by Hamas," the Treasury Department added.

One of those is the fashionable-sounding Trend GYO, which advertises plush, middle-class apartment blocks and business plazas in its Turkish brochures and website. The company has also set up a Trend REIT, or real estate investment trust, for investors who want to buy into its property developments.

Turkish business records reviewed by Newsweek show that, as of September 2023, Trend is 55 percent publicly traded, meaning it raises money from the public and investors.

According to its own records, Trend GYO has completed 12 major projects throughout Turkey, including AG Plaza at Istanbul Commerce University, one of its most recently completed and largest projects, and a series of apartment blocks in the city of Bursa in northern Turkey that include the Anda Park Sultanbeyli, Anda Park Ertuğrul, Anda Park Özlüce, Anda Park Balat-1, Anda Park Balat-2 and Anda Park Millet projects.

In total, the company says it has built over 500,500 square feet of business and residences over the past 16 years.

Among Trend GYO's six upmarket residential blocks in Bursa is "Trend Boulevard," which the company is encouraging investors to buy into through its investment trust. The 34-unit apartment complex Andapark Ertuğrul offers "the key to a peaceful life with its modern architecture and a green field" in "the most modern district of Bursa," the advertising states. Behind this glossy façade lies a truth that it does not want to advertise.

"As of 2018, Hamas elements held about 75 percent of the issued capital at Turkey-based company Trend GYO. Additionally, Hamas planned to privately issue more than $15 million of Trend GYO's shares to senior officials in the investment portfolio," the U.S. Treasury Department said when it placed Trend GYO on its sanctions list in May 2022.

Corporate governance filings reviewed by Newsweek show that Qafisheh, the accountant who now has Turkish citizenship, had 13 percent of the shares; a billionaire Yemense businessman and politician, Hamid Abdullah Hussein Al-Ahmar, had 17 percent; and the company's deputy chairman, Yemeni national Sahel Mabrouk O. Mangoush, had 30 percent.

Qafisheh is the most significant and is instrumental in both running Hamas-linked construction companies in the Middle East and transferring their funds to Hamas, the U.S. Treasury Department says.

According to the U.S. Treasury Department, among those helping to disguise Hamas involvement in Trend GYO is Musa Dudin, a former suicide-bomb coordinator with close links to the Hamas leadership in Gaza. Dudin was jailed for life but was released in 2011 as part of an Israeli exchange of 1,027 Palestinian prisoners for the kidnapped Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit.

The U.S. Treasury Department said that Dudin was trying to cover up Hamas involvement in the company by transferring shares to other people.

"Musa Muhammad Salim Dudin is a West Bank-based member of Hamas' Political Bureau and Investment Office official and is responsible for negotiations to free Hamas members in prison. Dudin has publicly represented and spoken on behalf of the terrorist organization," it said in a press release to announce its sanctions against Dudin and other Trend GYO-linked officials on October 18, 2023.

It said that "Dudin attempted to obfuscate Trend GYO's continued affiliation with Hamas by transferring ownership to other parties. Dudin has also worked directly with designated Hamas senior leader Yahya Ibrahim Hassan Sinwar. Additionally, Dudin has previously received tens of thousands of dollars from Political Bureau Deputy Chief Salih Al-Aruri. Dudin has used these funds to purchase a variety of weapons for Hamas that were subsequently used in deadly terrorist attacks that resulted in the deaths of Israeli soldiers." The U.S. placed Sinwar on its sanctions list on August 27, 2015, and Al-Arouri on September 10, 2015. Al-Arouri was assassinated in an alleged drone attack in Beirut on January 2.

In May 2022, Trend GYO was placed on the U.S. sanctions list by the Treasury Department, which listed the company "as part of Hamas' investment portfolio" and "a key component of Hamas' global asset holdings which had previously been estimated to be worth over $500 million."

Although the then chairman, Hamid Al-Ahmar, is not on the U.S. sanctions list, Trend GYO's public offering documents in 2018 state that he is chair of Al-Quds International Foundation, a Lebanese organization that is on the U.S. sanctions list as a Hamas front. Al-Ahmar has frequently spoken about his support for Hamas.

There is evidence of major changes in share ownership from Trend's filings with the Turkish Department of Finance. Trend's latest corporate accounts, filed for September 30, 2023, and reviewed by Newsweek, show that 55.4 percent of the company is publicly owned, compared with 45.74 percent at the end of 2022. The largest private shareholder is Alaeddin Senguler, with 22.19 percent of the company; followed by Arwa Saleh M. Mangoush with 12.07 percent; and Gulsah Yigidoglu with 10.34 percent. All three were placed on the sanctions list in November for "having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support" to Hamas.

One of the three, Arwa Mangoush, a 37-year-old Saudi national, was born in Jeddah and is a female relative of Trend's co-founder Saleh Mangoush, who transferred all his shares to her.

According to Trend GYO public offering documents at the Turkish Department of Finance, Saleh Mangoush was born on November 28, 1957, in Hadhramaut in eastern Yemen. Like Qafisheh, he studied at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, having graduated from the Faculty of Business Administration in 1983. He started work life as a cashier at Al Ahli bank in Saudi Arabia in 1979, moving up to be the general manager's special secretary, a position he kept until 2004. His native language is Arabic and he speaks English fluently, the document states.

According to Turkish journalist Abdullah Bozkurt, who has investigated Trend GYO for the Swedish news website the Nordic Monitor, the company is both hiding money for Hamas and generating income for its operations.

"The reviews I have conducted so far definitely indicate both. The company develops real estate which is a very lucrative market to make money in Turkey. Its shares are partly traded in the stock exchange so it raises money from the public and investors as well," he said.

For Nicholas Ryder, a law professor and terrorism financing expert at Cardiff University in the U.K., Hamas' use of property companies fits a pattern.

"Property companies could prove to be a useful funding mechanism because the global property market has proven to be a safe investment for both terrorist groups and organized criminal gangs. Additionally, the property sector, via mortgage fraud, has also been used to finance acts of terrorism and there have been several related terrorist financing convictions in America," he told Newsweek.

Newsweek sought email and phone comment from Trend GYO on November 21 and December 1 and email comment from Saleh Mangoush and Hisham Qafisheh on December 18.

Trend GYO has previously denied supporting Hamas or any other organization, saying it is "impossible for it do so." It said it was established with foreign capital and is a profit-oriented institution subject to regular audit by Turkey's Capital Markets Board that acts in accordance with the principle of transparency.

United Arab Emirates

UAE business records reveal that Saleh Mangoush, Trend's co-founder, set up Itqan Real Estate JSC, in Sharjah, the country's third most-populous city, in 2004. The company is listed as being involved in construction and design. It owned UAE office blocks worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

2022 corporate records reviewed by Newsweek show that Saudi national Mangoush, who is listed as "general manager," owns 49 percent of the company. This is consistent with UAE rules that, until recently, stipulated that all companies must be 51 percent owned by UAE citizens, who receive a monthly payment and may have no connection to the day-to-day running of a company. Itqan was "among several commercial companies controlled by Hamas' covert investment portfolio," according to the U.S. Treasury sanctions list statement in May 2022.

"In mid-2019, Hamas investment portfolio managers considered selling one of Itqan's highest-value assets, valued at $150 million," it added. That asset is believed to be a UAE office block the company purchased, although the details are not listed by the U.S. Treasury Department.

However, while Itqan was a major concern on the Sharjah property market for years, there may have been a crackdown. After Itqan was listed on the U.S. sanctions list, it was listed as "inactive" on company records. Newsweek attempted phone and email contact with Itqan Real Estate JSC on November 21 and December 18. The Itqan phone number no longer appears to be working and the emails bounced. Its website also appears to have been removed.

The UAE government, which called the October 7 attack on Israel a "serious and grave escalation" to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, has taken a much tougher view of Hamas than the Turkish government. The UAE launched a major crackdown on the Muslim Brotherhood after the 2011 Arab Spring and placed 94 alleged members of a Muslim Brotherhood-linked group on trial in 2013.

Saudi Arabia

According to the Trend GYO public offering documents, Saleh Mangoush, founder of both Trend in Turkey and Itqan in the UAE, is also founder of Anda Company.

Mangoush said in the 2018 Trend public offering documents that he owns 20 percent of Anda Company and is its general manager. He also lists several other Saudi companies he founded, including one with interests in gold and jewelry, hotel management, packaging, car spare parts and contracting.

The U.S. Treasury Department said that Anda is "among Hamas' larger investments in real estate and construction." Anda was placed on the U.S. sanctions list in May 2022. It also said that Anda Company was managed by Mangoush's fellow Trend GYO board member, the accountant Hisham Qafisheh. Newsweek sought email comment from Anda Company and Saleh Mangoush on November 22 and December 18.

Sudan

Sudan-based multimillionaire and Hamas financier Abdelbasit Hamza Elhassan Mohamed Khair "has longstanding ties to terrorism financing, including historic ties to al-Qaida and Osama bin Laden-linked companies in Sudan," according to a statement from the U.S. Treasury Department when it placed Khair on its sanctions list on October 18, 2023. He is the CEO and owner of Sudan-based company Zawaya Group, which was also placed on the U.S. sanctions list on October 18.

According to the U.S. Treasury Department, Kahir also owns the Western-sounding Larrycom Investment Company, a Sudanese firm in which Hamza is a top executive. Zawaya Group and Larrycom were also put on the U.S. sanctions list on October 18.

Qafisheh, the former chair of Trend GYO, is also heavily involved in the Sudan operations. In Trend GYO's 2018 public offering documents, Qafisheh states that he began investing in Sudan in 2000 and, from 2010 onwards, has been on the board of two of Khair's Khartoum companies: Agrogate Holding, an infrastructure and mining company, and Al Ruwad Real Estate Company, both of which were placed on the sanctions list in November 2023.

In his submission, Qafisheh told the Turkish Department of Finance that Ruwad started real estate investments in Turkey in 2006, using a partnership. The document said that, through Ruwad, Qafisheh took part in "the feasibility and construction of many residences, offices and commercial buildings in Turkey." In 2014, he became the chairman and remained in that position in 2018, the document said.

Through its sanctions list statement, the U.S. Treasury Department confirmed Qafisheh's claim that he is on the board of Agrogate Holding and Chairman of Ruwad.

Qafisheh "interviewed and hired candidates for Agrogate leadership and had a direct line of communication to the company board of directors," according to the statement. Agrogate has been a major player in the Sudanese construction business for over a decade. In 2009, Zawaya Group was awarded a Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) contract for the Dongola Argeen Highway Project, a 40-year plan to build a 223-mile highway connecting Sudan and Egypt, at an estimated cost of $500 million. Zawaya Group established Agrogate Holding to carry out the project.

Ruwad was established in 2010 by merging several Hamas companies based in Sudan, the U.S. Treasury Department said. Qafisheh "made hiring and firing decisions at Al Rowad and was also involved in the company's financial dealings," it said.

Newsweek sought email comment from Larrycom; Zawaya Group; Agrogate Holding; and Ruwad on November 18 and December 1.

Spain

Spain is at the center of what may be a bold development in the Hamas financing strategy. Osama bin Laden's friend, Abdelbasit Khair, is the CEO of Spanish company Zawaya Group for Development Investment Sociedad Limitada, which was placed on the U.S. sanctions list on October 18. There is evidence that Hamas' decision to move to western European companies is a new development, possibly enabling it to avoid detection in the Middle East.

Spanish company records reviewed by Newsweek show that the Spanish Zawaya Group was established in Valencia, Spain, on December 19, 2022. The company's financial reports are not yet available. Newsweek sought email comment from Zawaya Group on December 1 and December 15.

Algeria

The U.S. also links Hamas to Sidar Company, which was established in Algeria in 1998, according to company records reviewed by Newsweek. The company works in construction and is headquartered in Algiers. "Sidar Company, Anda Company, and Agrogate Holding were among Hamas' larger investments in real estate and construction. Hamas Investment Office leadership actively managed Sidar Company, a real estate development company," the U.S. Treasury Department said.

Perhaps reflecting the covert nature of the company's finances, Sidar's financial records do not appear to match the U.S. claim that it was among Hamas' larger real estate and construction investments. Company records show it is listed as having four employees with 2022 revenue of 106,414,226 Algerian dinar, equivalent to $790,504. Newsweek sought email comment from Sidar Company, and from two of its company managers, on December 1 and December 15.

'Tacit Support'

Despite the complex nature of the Hamas-linked businesses, the roots of the network lie in support for the organization globally, or support for the Palestinian cause in general. Timothy Wittig, author of Understanding Terrorist Finance and a fellow at Oxford University, told Newsweek that Hamas has sought out countries where it knows its property companies will have support in the business community.

He said it was common in terrorism financing for "sympathetic businesspeople and political and community leaders to align efforts to provide mutually beneficial financial support to 'the cause.'"

"This has long been true for the Islamist movement and Muslim Brotherhood, where there is an appealing quid pro quo offering blacklisted groups a financial lifeline and their business partners a privileged position in peripheral yet lucrative markets," he said.

Wittig said that Hamas' financial success in some countries "may be an indicator of tacit and indirect state support."

"It's a way to financially support Hamas without doing so directly—which would have more international political costs due to the sanctions," he said. "By allowing Hamas to do business in your country, governments can have their cake and eat it too."

[jasonhouck]

Understanding the Core Services of a Newport Beach Plumbing Company

When people think about Newport Beach, the stunning coastline and surfing spots may immediately come to mind. However, behind those attractions lies an intricate network of water and sewage systems that make everyday life seamless and comfortable. At the heart of ensuring efficiency and functionality of these systems are the professionals from a Newport Beach plumbing company.

The Essential Role of Plumbers

In a region as populous and dynamic as Newport Beach, reliable plumbing services play a critical part in maintaining comfort, hygiene, health, and even safety. Experienced plumbers can address complex concerns related to water heating systems, pipelines, drains, septic tanks and more – tasks that would otherwise be risky or challenging for ordinary people.

Broad Range of Services

A seasoned Newport Beach plumbing company won't just specialize in mending leaking sinks or unclogging toilets. The breadth of their services is usually wide-ranging - from preventative maintenance to extensive repair or large-scale installation projects.

For instance, homeowners who find deleterious substances in their tap water can reach out to these companies for water quality solutions. They assist clients with installing water softeners or filtration systems to ensure safe and clean drinking water.

Similarly, homes experiencing issues with their hot water supply can rely on them for efficient fixes. These experts discern whether your heating system entails repairs or replacements by thoroughly diagnosing it before suggesting required solutions.

They're also well-versed in mitigating concerns directly tied to California's climatic features like installing sewer lines safer against seismic activities.

Emergency Plumbing Solutions

When critical plumbing issues arise at inappropriate times – such as late-night pipe bursts or blocked drains causing flooding – it is crucial to have immediate access to professional help. A responsible Newport Beach plumbing company understands that swift response to emergency situations determines mitigation success. With round-the-clock service availability, they ensure relief from urgent plumbing complications without a stressful wait.

Work Ethic and Business Approach

Experienced Newport Beach plumbers not only offer technical expertise but are committed to delivering quality customer service. Valuing transparency, they provide clients with clear, comprehensible estimates before starting any work to prevent surprise costs at the end of a job. They respect customers’ properties by leaving it clean after service. 

Trustworthy plumbers in Newport Beach also prioritize safety by strictly adhering to professional standards and local codes during operations. This adherence ensures the longevity of their work while keeping residents safe – an essential factor to consider when choosing your plumbing partner.  

Wrapping Up: The Hampton Bay Plumbing Company Impact

The utility and versatility of services from a reliable Newport Beach plumbing company cannot be over-emphasized. These businesses help preserve the integrity of both residential and commercial buildings in the area, ensuring comfortable and efficient living for inhabitants.

From providing scheduled repairs and maintenance, handling large-scale installations, offering disaster-proof solutions according to local dynamics to being available during emergencies - these professionals make significant contributions in keeping Newport Beach flowing smoothly every day.

All said, when picking a Newport Beach plumbing company, remember that their range of services ought to cover your specific needs alongside servicing with integrity driven by industry standards for more sustainable results.

ePIPE - Pipe Restoration Inc. Address: 2926 W Pendleton Ave, Santa Ana, California, 92704 Phone: (714) 888-7758

[bryantselectricalltd]

Electrician Red Deer — Trusted Electrical Services by Bryant’s Electrical Ltd.

In Red Deer, finding a dependable and skilled electrician is crucial for any electrical project, whether it’s for home improvements, commercial upgrades, or large-scale industrial installations. Electrician Red Deer services offered by Bryant’s Electrical Ltd. provide Red Deer residents with comprehensive solutions that prioritize safety, efficiency, and quality. As a trusted name in the region, Bryant’s Electrical Ltd. has earned a reputation for delivering exceptional service and technical expertise to handle a wide range of electrical needs.

Residential Electrical Services in Red Deer

For homeowners, maintaining a safe and functional electrical system is essential. Bryant’s Electrical Ltd. offers a full spectrum of residential electrical services, from minor repairs to complex installations. Whether you’re looking to upgrade outdated wiring, install a new lighting system, or set up a home automation solution, Bryant’s team has the experience and equipment needed to do the job safely and efficiently. The team works closely with homeowners to provide tailored solutions that fit each property’s unique requirements and ensure every project complies with current safety codes.

In addition to repairs and installations, Bryant’s also provides electrical inspections, helping homeowners identify potential issues before they become costly problems. Their skilled technicians understand the unique electrical demands of modern homes and provide solutions designed to optimize energy usage, improve safety, and enhance comfort.

Commercial Electrical Solutions for Red Deer Businesses

Reliable electrical systems are vital for the daily operations of any business. Bryant’s Electrical Ltd. supports Red Deer businesses by offering professional commercial electrical services that keep workplaces running smoothly. From office buildings and retail spaces to restaurants and warehouses, their team is equipped to handle a variety of commercial environments.

Whether it’s installing energy-efficient lighting, setting up power systems for new equipment, or performing regular maintenance to prevent electrical issues, Bryant’s Electrical Ltd. prioritizes safety, efficiency, and minimal disruption to business activities. With years of experience, their team understands the importance of complying with commercial regulations and codes and works to ensure each job is completed to the highest standards.

Industrial Electrical Expertise in Red Deer

Industrial environments require specialized electrical knowledge due to the scale and complexity of their systems. Bryant’s Electrical Ltd. provides expert industrial electrical services for factories, manufacturing plants, and other high-demand facilities in Red Deer. With a strong focus on reliability, durability, and safety, Bryant’s team can handle everything from high-voltage installations to equipment wiring, system upgrades, and safety checks.

Industrial facilities often operate on a 24/7 schedule, so Bryant’s offers flexible scheduling and tailored service to ensure minimal downtime. Their technicians are trained to follow stringent safety protocols and have extensive experience working with the unique electrical requirements of industrial operations.

Why Choose Bryant’s Electrical Ltd.?

Bryant’s Electrical Ltd. has become a leading choice in Red Deer for electrical services due to its commitment to professionalism, safety, and customer satisfaction. The team prides itself on transparent communication, accurate estimates, and timely service, which has helped them earn the trust of countless residential, commercial, and industrial clients.

Bryant’s team also prioritizes staying up-to-date with industry advancements, ensuring they can deliver the latest energy-efficient solutions, smart technologies, and compliance-focused practices. Every technician at Bryant’s is certified and trained to meet the specific electrical needs of each client, providing peace of mind with every project.

24/7 Emergency Electrical Services

Electrical emergencies can arise at any time, posing risks to both property and personal safety. Bryant’s Electrical Ltd. offers 24/7 emergency services throughout Red Deer, ensuring their clients have access to immediate assistance for urgent issues such as power outages, electrical faults, and circuit failures. With a reliable team ready to respond day or night, Bryant’s provides fast solutions to restore safety and functionality.

Whether you need a trusted partner for routine maintenance, installation services, or specialized electrical work, Bryant’s Electrical Ltd. is here to help. As a commercial electrician in Red Deer, they are well-equipped to handle complex projects, ensuring businesses in the region can operate efficiently with safe, high-quality electrical systems.