The supply of cement, concrete and medium-size structural beams is getting tighter. The non-residential construction sectors in Canada and the U.S. are poised for several years of growth, says analyst Claude Proulx at BMO Capital Markets. "Unlike residential construction, which has experienced almost 15 years of strength, North American non-residential construction is only in its first years of recovery after going through a severe recession from the end of 2001 to the beginning of 2004." The last three non-residential construction up-cycles lasted nine, seven and six years, respectively, he says, "potentially implying several years of growth ahead."