Navigating Labor Shortages: How Volumetric Mixers Help Fill the Gap

The Construction Industry’s Labor Challenge

The construction industry has long faced workforce shortages, but in recent years, the problem has become even more severe. A combination of factors—including an aging workforce, fewer young workers entering the trades, and increasing demand for new projects—has led to a shortfall of skilled laborers. This issue is particularly critical in the concrete industry, where precise material handling and timely delivery are essential to maintaining productivity and ensuring project success.

With fewer skilled workers available, contractors are looking for ways to do more with less. This is where volumetric concrete mixers step in as a game-changing solution. These advanced mixers not only simplify operations but also reduce the need for large teams while maintaining high productivity and quality.

How Volumetric Mixers Address Labor Shortages

1. Reduced Workforce Requirements

Traditional drum mixers require a larger crew to batch, transport, and pour concrete effectively. The logistics involved in delivering ready-mix concrete can be complex, often necessitating multiple workers to manage different stages of the process. In contrast, volumetric mixers streamline operations by allowing a single operator to batch, mix, and pour concrete on demand.

With a ProAll volumetric mixer, one operator can drive the truck, set up the mix, and control the pour—all from a single control panel. This drastically reduces the number of workers needed on-site, which is a huge advantage in a labor-strapped industry.

2. On-Demand Mixing Eliminates Waste and Inefficiency

One of the biggest challenges with traditional ready-mix concrete delivery is that once the batch is mixed, it must be used quickly before it starts to set. If workers are delayed or if a job requires an adjustment in mix design, this can result in wasted material and costly delays.

Volumetric mixers, however, produce fresh concrete on-site and on-demand, meaning there’s no rush to use up a batch before it hardens. This flexibility not only reduces material waste but also minimizes the need for extra workers to handle last-minute adjustments or deal with excess material.

3. Automation and Simplified Operation

Modern volumetric mixers, such as those from ProAll, feature advanced control systems that make them easier to operate than ever before. The ProAll Commander 2.0 system allows operators to adjust mix proportions with just a few taps on a touchscreen.

By automating many of the processes that previously required manual input and oversight, volumetric mixers significantly lower the barrier for entry. This means that even workers with less experience can quickly become proficient in operating the equipment, reducing reliance on highly skilled (and harder-to-find) personnel.

4. Multi-Purpose Equipment Reduces the Need for Specialized Labor

A single volumetric mixer can handle a wide variety of mix designs, from standard concrete to specialty blends like high-strength or fiber-reinforced mixes. This means contractors don’t need to hire specialists for different concrete applications.

Instead of coordinating multiple ready-mix deliveries for various mix types, a volumetric mixer allows one operator to adjust the mix design on the fly, adapting to project needs with minimal extra labor.

5. Improved Scheduling and Job Site Efficiency

With traditional ready-mix deliveries, contractors must carefully time their orders to ensure that concrete arrives when needed. Delays can result in wasted material and increased labor costs as workers wait for the next batch.

Volumetric mixers eliminate this problem by allowing contractors to produce the exact amount of concrete needed, exactly when it’s required. This leads to better project scheduling and reduced downtime, making it possible to complete more work with fewer workers.

The Growing Demand for Efficiency in Construction

With infrastructure projects ramping up globally, the need for efficiency in construction has never been greater. Cities are expanding, road networks are being improved, and new commercial buildings are being constructed at a rapid pace. However, without enough skilled workers to support this growth, companies must find ways to maximize their resources.

Addressing Workforce Gaps with Smart Equipment

Equipment that automates or simplifies complex processes can help bridge the gap created by labor shortages. Volumetric mixers are an excellent example of how technology can reduce workforce dependency while maintaining high-quality output. By leveraging the latest advancements in automated material dispensing, digital control systems, and real-time monitoring, these mixers allow companies to continue operating efficiently, even with fewer workers available.

Training the Next Generation of Workers

Another advantage of volumetric mixers is that they are easier to operate than traditional concrete batching systems. Many older workers in the industry are retiring, leaving a gap that needs to be filled by younger employees. However, younger workers are often reluctant to enter physically demanding trades.

Volumetric mixers, with their user-friendly interfaces and automated features, make it easier for new employees to learn and operate the equipment. This helps companies attract new talent and retain employees who might otherwise be intimidated by traditional concrete production methods.

Real-World Applications: Volumetric Mixers in Action

Utility and Infrastructure Projects

Infrastructure work often involves tight schedules and unpredictable job sites. When using traditional concrete delivery methods, workers often have to wait for a ready-mix truck to arrive, which can disrupt the entire project timeline. Volumetric mixers solve this issue by providing instant concrete production, ensuring that projects stay on track even when conditions are unpredictable.

Residential and Commercial Construction

For small to mid-sized contractors struggling with labor shortages, volumetric mixers offer a way to stay competitive. Instead of relying on external suppliers for ready-mix deliveries, they can control their own concrete production, reducing delays and the number of workers required on-site.

Remote and Hard-to-Reach Locations

Projects in rural or remote areas face even greater labor challenges, as finding experienced concrete workers in these locations can be difficult. A volumetric mixer allows contractors to bring their own concrete production facility to the site, eliminating the need for large teams or extensive transportation logistics.

The Financial Advantage of Volumetric Mixers in a Labor Crisis

Beyond the operational benefits, volumetric mixers also provide a significant financial advantage for contractors facing labor shortages. Here’s how:

• Lower Labor Costs – Since volumetric mixers require fewer operators, labor expenses are reduced, allowing contractors to reallocate funds to other project needs.
• Elimination of Standby Costs – With ready-mix trucks, delays often mean paying workers to stand around waiting for concrete to arrive. Volumetric mixers eliminate this issue by producing concrete as needed, on demand.
• Reduced Waste and Material Costs – Because volumetric mixers only produce what’s required, they eliminate over-ordering and wasted material, saving money on every pour.
• Greater Flexibility in Workforce Management – With simplified operation and automation, training new workers becomes much easier, allowing contractors to fill labor gaps with less-experienced employees.

A Smarter Solution for a Changing Industry

The labor shortage in the construction industry isn’t going away anytime soon, but technology is making it easier to adapt and overcome. Volumetric mixers, like those from ProAll, provide a scalable, efficient, and cost-effective solution that allows contractors to continue delivering high-quality concrete without relying on large teams of skilled workers.

By investing in volumetric mixing technology, businesses can future-proof their operations, reduce dependency on hard-to-find labor, and stay competitive in an evolving industry.

If your company is struggling with labor shortages but still needs to meet high production demands, a ProAll volumetric mixer could be the key to keeping your projects on schedule and your business profitable. Contact us today to learn how volumetric mixing can help you navigate today’s construction challenges and prepare for the future.