Ready Mix Production in Colorado Drops 6%: What It Means for Builders and Contractors

The construction industry in Colorado has seen steady growth over the past decade, driven by residential expansion, commercial development, and ongoing infrastructure projects. However, recent data from the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA) indicates that national ready mix production rates are down approximately 6% compared to last year.

While this statistic is reported on a national scale, it raises important questions for Colorado: Will this decline affect local contractors, builders, and infrastructure projects? What steps can Colorado construction professionals take to minimize potential disruptions? In this blog, we’ll explore the implications of this decrease in ready mix production and provide actionable tips for managing projects effectively.

Understanding Ready Mix Production Rates

Before diving into the impact, it’s important to understand what ready mix production entails. Ready mix concrete is produced in a batching plant according to specific mix designs and delivered directly to construction sites. It’s a cornerstone of construction, used for everything from residential foundations to commercial buildings and roadways.

According to the NRMCA Market Research, the overall production of ready mix concrete in the United States has decreased by roughly 6% compared to the same period last year. Factors such as economic uncertainty, supply chain disruptions, and labor shortages have contributed to this trend.

For Colorado, a state experiencing consistent growth in residential and commercial development, understanding these changes is crucial. A smaller supply of ready mix could influence project timelines, costs, and planning decisions for builders and contractors.

Factors Behind the 6% Decline

Several key factors contribute to the decline in ready mix production nationally, and many have direct implications for Colorado:

Economic Uncertainty

Inflation and rising interest rates have caused some investors and developers to slow down large-scale construction projects. As a result, the demand for ready mix concrete has temporarily dipped. Colorado contractors working on multi-million-dollar residential or commercial developments may notice tighter scheduling windows for deliveries and increased cost considerations.

Material Supply Challenges

Supply chain issues remain a persistent challenge. Cement shortages, increased transportation costs, and delays in raw material shipments can reduce the output of ready mix plants. In Colorado, which relies on both in-state production and imports from neighboring states, this can create regional disparities in availability.

Labor Availability

The concrete industry is labor-intensive. From plant operators to delivery drivers and on-site pour teams, skilled labor shortages can slow production. Colorado contractors may find that peak construction seasons are especially sensitive to these shortages.

Weather & Seasonal Variations

Colorado’s weather patterns, including heavy snowfall in winter and early spring freezes, can impact the production and delivery of ready mix concrete. Even minor weather events can affect scheduling, which, combined with decreased production, could create project delays.

Tip for Colorado contractors: Keep a seasonal production calendar and place orders ahead of peak periods to avoid potential delays and cost increases.

How This Impacts Colorado Construction Projects

Residential Construction

Homebuilders across Colorado may experience longer lead times for foundation pours, slab installations, and other concrete-intensive components. In rapidly growing areas like Denver, Aurora, and Colorado Springs, planning ahead is critical to avoid delays that can affect sales timelines.

Commercial Projects

Office buildings, retail centers, and multi-family developments may see slight delays or require adjustments in procurement planning. Commercial developers should maintain close communication with local ready mix plants to confirm delivery windows.

Infrastructure & Public Works

Roads, bridges, and municipal projects are often highly time-sensitive. A lower supply of ready mix could impact public works timelines, especially during high-demand seasons. Contractors involved in city or county projects should account for potential scheduling bottlenecks and adjust contracts accordingly.

Actionable Insight: Flexibility and proactive planning are essential. Contractors should consider building buffer periods into project timelines to accommodate potential supply shortages.

Opportunities Despite Lower Production

Even with production down, there are strategies for maintaining efficiency and mitigating potential disruptions:

Focus on Efficiency

Optimizing pour schedules, batching techniques, and material storage can help maximize the available ready mix supply. Colorado contractors can leverage technology to schedule deliveries during off-peak traffic hours or coordinate multiple projects in the same area to reduce logistical constraints.

Advanced Planning

Ordering concrete in bulk during high-production months, such as late spring or early summer, can offset slower periods during winter or shoulder seasons. Pre-planning also allows contractors to lock in pricing before potential cost spikes due to reduced supply.

Alternative Materials

Blended or supplementary cementitious materials can be used to supplement traditional ready mix concrete. Options like fly ash, slag cement, and silica fume can help maintain structural integrity while alleviating dependency on traditional ready mix production.

Sustainability Edge

Colorado contractors can gain a competitive advantage by adopting eco-friendly concrete mixes. Reduced production nationally may accelerate interest in alternative and sustainable concrete options, aligning with state incentives and green building initiatives.

Colorado-Specific Trends & Data

Colorado’s construction market is unique. Cities like Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins, and Colorado Springs have experienced consistent growth in residential and commercial development. However, regional production and plant capacity can vary:

• Denver Metro
  • Typical Ready Mix Production: High
  • Notes: Multiple local plants, but high demand during peak seasons.
• Colorado Springs
  • Typical Ready Mix Production: Medium
  • Notes: Growing residential market, dependent on deliveries from local plants.
• Northern Colorado (Fort Collins/Boulder)
  • Typical Ready Mix Production: Medium
  • Notes: Supply can fluctuate based on seasonal demand and transportation logistics.
• Western Slope
  • Typical Ready Mix Production: Low
  • Notes: Limited plant availability, may require delivery from distant facilities.

While the 6% national decline may not translate identically to Colorado, localized effects are likely. Contractors should monitor supply trends and maintain proactive communication with local ready mix suppliers.

Tips for Builders & Contractors in Colorado

1. Build Flexibility Into Project Timelines: Allow extra days for concrete delivery and placement to mitigate potential delays.
2. Maintain Supplier Relationships: Regular communication with local ready mix plants ensures priority scheduling when demand is high.
3. Track Pricing Trends: Reduced production can lead to temporary cost increases. Staying informed allows contractors to budget effectively.
4. Explore Alternative Sourcing: Identify secondary suppliers or plants in neighboring areas to maintain project continuity.
5. Leverage Technology: Use scheduling and project management software to optimize delivery times and resource allocation.

By implementing these strategies, Colorado builders can continue to meet project deadlines, maintain quality standards, and manage costs effectively—even in a tightening ready mix market.

Staying Ahead in a Changing Market

The 6% decline in national ready mix production may influence Colorado construction projects in subtle but important ways. While supply remains robust in many areas, planning, efficiency, and proactive supplier coordination are critical to avoiding delays and cost overruns.

Colorado contractors and builders who anticipate these trends, optimize project schedules, and explore sustainable or alternative concrete solutions will maintain a competitive edge. Understanding market shifts and acting early ensures that construction projects stay on track, costs remain manageable, and quality standards are met. Contact us today with questions.