The rapid expansion of data center construction in North America is beginning to create an unexpected opportunity for mass timber, as surging demand for structural steel pushes prices higher and stretches delivery schedules. Skanska says steel prices have increased by around 25% over the past year, while lead times have more than doubled to roughly 55 weeks. The contractor links much of the pressure to the wave of new data centers and semiconductor facilities now competing for structural steel, fabricated components and other metals. The shift is beginning to change discussions with developers. Mass timber, still a relatively ...