Skanska Secures $69 Million Contract
Skanska, the Swedish construction powerhouse, has landed a significant $69 million contract to build a state-of-the-art health sciences facility in the United States. The deal, awarded by Durham Tech Community College, underscores the company’s growing footprint in educational infrastructure projects. This development comes at a time when the demand for skilled healthcare professionals surges across the nation, particularly in regions like North Carolina’s Research Triangle. Skanska’s team will break ground soon, aiming to deliver a facility that supports vital training programs and fosters innovation in health education.
The announcement highlights how construction firms actively contribute to addressing workforce shortages in healthcare. By investing in such projects, companies like Skanska secure revenue and contribute to building community resilience.
Project Details
Skanska will construct a three-story building spanning about 7,400 square meters in Durham, North Carolina. The facility will house specialized programs in Nursing, Surgical Technology, Anesthesia Technology, Respiratory Therapy, Clinical Research, and Occupational Therapy. It features allied health and simulation laboratories, modern classrooms, areas for student collaboration, and administrative offices designed to enhance learning experiences.
Construction is scheduled to commence in September 2025, with completion anticipated for November 2027. This timeline allows for careful planning and execution, ensuring the project meets high standards of quality and safety. Skanska’s role as the primary contractor involves overseeing all aspects of the build, from foundation work to final finishes. While specific sustainability features aren’t detailed in the contract, Skanska’s track record suggests a focus on energy-efficient designs and eco-friendly materials, aligning with industry trends toward greener buildings.
This contract adds to Skanska’s third-quarter order bookings in the US, reflecting steady growth in its portfolio. Recent wins, like a $249 million deal for the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and a $91 million school replacement project in Washington, show the company’s versatility across infrastructure types.
Skanska’s Expertise in US Construction
Skanska traces its roots back to 1887 in Sweden, where it started as a concrete manufacturer. Today, it stands as a global leader in construction and development, with operations in Europe, the US, and beyond. In the United States, Skanska began in 1971 with a subway project in New York and has since grown into the group’s largest revenue generator. The company operates through three main units: USA Building, USA Civil, and commercial development, serving clients in sectors like healthcare, education, and transportation.
What sets Skanska apart is its commitment to innovation and safety. The firm employs thousands across the US, delivering projects that blend cutting-edge technology with practical solutions. For instance, their work on hospitals and universities demonstrates expertise in creating spaces that support advanced education and research. This latest contract fits perfectly into Skanska’s strategy of targeting high-value educational builds, which often lead to long-term community benefits.
Durham Tech’s Role in Community Education
Durham Tech Community College, the client behind this project, plays a crucial role in North Carolina’s educational landscape. Founded to provide accessible, high-quality training, the college serves nearly 20,000 students annually through over 100 degree and certificate programs. It focuses on pathways for university transfer or direct employment, making it a vital bridge for residents seeking career advancement.
Located in Durham, a city known for its vibrant tech and health sectors, the college emphasizes learner-centered approaches in a supportive environment. Programs in health sciences are particularly popular, addressing regional needs for qualified professionals. This new facility will expand Durham Tech’s capacity, allowing more students to enroll in hands-on training that prepares them for real-world challenges.
Boosting Healthcare Education and Workforce
Health sciences education holds immense importance in Durham, North Carolina, a hub within the Research Triangle known for medical innovation and research. Institutions like Duke Health collaborate with local schools to tackle workforce shortages, as seen in recent partnerships funding early college programs. The new facility at Durham Tech will directly contribute by training students in critical fields, helping to fill gaps in nursing and therapy roles amid national shortages.
Experts note that such education promotes individual health literacy and strengthens community well-being. By integrating simulation labs, the building will enable realistic practice, improving graduate readiness. This aligns with broader trends where community colleges partner with industry to produce job-ready talent, especially in healthcare, which faces ongoing demands from an aging population and evolving technologies.
Economic and Community Impact
This $69 million project promises substantial economic ripples in Durham. Construction will create jobs, from skilled laborers to engineers, boosting local employment during the two-year build. Once complete, the facility could attract more students to the area, stimulating related businesses like housing and services.
For the community, it means better access to trained healthcare workers, potentially improving local health outcomes. In a region where Duke University and other institutions drive innovation, this addition reinforces Durham’s status as a health education leader. Skanska’s involvement also highlights foreign investment in US infrastructure, fostering international ties in construction.
Looking Ahead
As Skanska moves forward with this contract, eyes will be on how it integrates modern construction techniques to meet deadlines and budgets. The project exemplifies how targeted investments in education can yield long-term dividends for society. With completion in 2027, Durham Tech’s new health sciences facility stands to empower generations of healthcare professionals, ensuring North Carolina remains at the forefront of medical advancement.
In a world where healthcare challenges persist, initiatives like this remind us of the power of collaboration between builders, educators, and communities. Skanska’s win is more than a contract—it’s a step toward a healthier future.
