Skanska’s U.S. Construction Business Drives Record New Orders in Q3
Swedish construction company Skanska has reported another record quarter for new project orders, with strong demand for data centers, semiconductor facilities, and infrastructure projects in the United States.
The company secured 68 billion Swedish krona (approximately $6.94 billion) in new orders during the third quarter of 2026, matching the record it set in the previous quarter. The results reflect continued demand for large-scale construction projects, particularly in the U.S. market.
According to the company’s third-quarter financial report, U.S. projects accounted for 46.9 billion krona, representing approximately 70% of its total new orders.
Data center and semiconductor construction played a major role in this growth. These projects contributed 22.7 billion krona, or roughly one-third of the company’s new orders during the quarter.
Data Centers and Semiconductor Projects Lead Demand
Data center construction continues to be an important source of work for Skanska as demand for digital infrastructure grows across the United States.
The company is also seeing opportunities in semiconductor facility construction, another area requiring specialized construction capabilities and significant investment.
Skanska CEO Anders Danielsson said the company expects public infrastructure and data center projects to remain important parts of its business.
However, the company is taking a selective approach when bidding for new contracts. Danielsson explained that Skanska evaluates whether it has the right workforce, subcontractors, resources, and client relationships before committing to a project.
This approach is particularly important for data center construction, where access to reliable subcontractors, including electrical contractors, can affect a project’s successful delivery.
Skanska Plans to Expand Its U.S. Infrastructure Operations
Alongside its strong data center business, Skanska is looking to increase its presence in the U.S. civil construction market.
The company has identified Florida, Utah, and Arizona as potential growth areas for its infrastructure operations. Although Skanska already has building operations in these states, it is looking to expand its civil construction activities.
Danielsson noted that teams in neighboring states have started pursuing infrastructure opportunities in these newer markets. However, the expansion is expected to happen gradually.
The company’s plans reflect the growing importance of U.S. infrastructure investment and the opportunities available to contractors with the resources and experience to handle large projects.
Infrastructure Funding Remains Important to Construction Outlook
Changes in U.S. political leadership following the midterm elections have raised questions about future infrastructure spending and construction investment.
However, Danielsson said he expects traditional infrastructure investment to remain a priority, based on Skanska’s more than 50 years of experience working in the U.S. under different administrations.
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) had previously been extended through December 11. Danielsson also expressed optimism about efforts to advance the proposed Build America 250 Act to maintain infrastructure funding.
Data center development, however, also faces challenges at the local level. Some municipalities are considering restrictions or temporary bans on new data center construction.
Danielsson pointed out that local government support and permitting decisions are important for these projects. Developers must work with local authorities to identify suitable locations and secure the necessary approvals.
Skanska Reports Higher Operating Income and a Record Backlog
Along with its strong order intake, Skanska reported improvements in its construction business during the third quarter.
The company’s overall operating income reached 2.1 billion krona, representing a 52% increase compared with the same period last year.
Its construction operations generated 2.3 billion krona in operating income, up 29.2% year over year.
However, impairment charges of 369 million krona in the residential development business affected the company’s overall operating income.
Skanska also reported a record project backlog of 328.3 billion krona, reflecting the large volume of contracted work awaiting completion.
The latest results highlight the continued strength of data center construction and infrastructure investment in the U.S. market. With plans to expand its civil operations and maintain a selective approach to new contracts, Skanska is positioning itself to pursue further opportunities in these sectors.
Important: The article above is independently rewritten, but the underlying financial figures and reported statements remain attributed to their original sources. Verify the figures against Skanska’s financial report before publication.
