{
  "id": 2594146,
  "title": "Byggenæringen i krise: – Selger maskiner for å ha råd til lønn",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/22/byggen-ringen-i-krise-selger-maskiner-for-a-ha-rad-til-l-nn",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-22T14:58:50.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "E24 Norway",
    "slug": "e24-norway",
    "url": "https://e24.no/naeringsliv/i/pBVe01/byggenaeringen-i-krise-selger-maskiner-for-aa-ha-raad-til-loenn"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The construction industry is facing a severe crisis, with many companies opting to sell their machinery to pay workers' wages, according to the Maskinentreprenørforbund (MEF). Despite a decline in bankruptcy statistics, the situation remains dire, with numerous firms choosing early retirement rather than waiting for eventual insolvency. MEF's head of membership, Sverre Huse-Fagerlie, reveals that businesses are selling construction equipment to stay afloat, indicating a desperate struggle to maintain operations. The construction market has worsened over the past year, with job opportunities concentrated around large contractors and major projects. However, many members fear downsizing, as they simply do not have enough work to keep them afloat. This crisis is particularly acute in northern regions, where specialized craftsmanship may be lost due to inability to sustain operations. While bankruptcy rates have decreased overall, the number of closures and insolvencies has risen, negatively impacting employment levels. Fagerlie emphasizes that the industry faces significant challenges, including new regulations and reporting requirements, which place additional burdens on businesses. The construction sector's future remains uncertain, with many anticipating a prolonged downturn until demand for construction services rebounds.",
  "summary": "Mens antallet konkurser går ned, har markedet blitt enda svakere, mener byggetopp.",
  "key_points": [
    "Construction industry in crisis due to machinery sales for worker wages",
    "MEF head Sverre Huse-Fagerlie reports businesses selling equipment",
    "Crisis worsens in northern regions with potential loss of specialized craftsmanship"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}