BVM Caribbean May

31 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 10, ISSUE 5 A. L . CONSTRUCT ION LTD. A.L. Construction is well-equipped to supply the specific needs of the Belizean construction market, offering a comprehensive range of products and services tailored to the region. “We have the hardware stores in three branches, and we try to have everything in the store that people need for their day-to-day construction,” Loewen shared. The company also operates a concrete plant, a block factory, and an aggregate department catering to residential and commercial clients. The company’s services are vital for the Placencia area, which has become an attractive destination for retirees and residential homeowners. Loewen explained, “It’s an attractive environment for the residential homeowners, which makes it very family-oriented.” The region sees steady demand for residential construction as people build secondary homes in this idyllic location. The popularity of the area among expatriates, as well as locals, has led to a thriving market for secondary properties. This demand has given A.L. Construction a strong foothold in the local market, allowing the company to provide essential services for a wide range of clients. As Loewen emphasized, “Residential is the key focus” for the business, demonstrating the company’s commitment to meeting the unique needs of the Belizean construction industry. A.L. Construction has ambitious plans, focusing on upgrading and expanding its facilities. When asked about the company’s anticipated capital upgrades and expansions for 2023 and 2024, Loewen said, “ We plan to expand in every area of our business. But we work strictly on cash flow to grow as fast as possible. There’s unlimited room for growth for us, for sure.” The company is not only anticipating growth but actively preparing for it. One of their main priorities for the coming years is to improve their stores’ inventory and buying power. Loewen stated, “Our store improvement would be one of our goals for the next few years, to improve our stores’ inventory and buying power.” A.L. Construction’s plans for expansion and upgrades demonstrate the company’s commitment to adapting and staying ahead in Belize’s rapidly changing construction industry. As they continue to grow, they are well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of their residential and commercial clients, ensuring a bright future for the company and its communities. Despite these optimistic plans, A.L. Construction faces challenges in employee retention and attracting skilled workers, an issue that is becoming increasingly common across the industry. According to Loewen, “I have lost a lot of good employees that have gone to the U.S. across the border... that has hurt our employee sourcing a little bit.”