Smith-Midland Aims for $100M in Backlog as Barrier Rentals and Data Center Demand Fuel Growth
Smith-Midland Corp. (NASDAQ:SMID) reported a 19% increase in its backlog to $57.4 million during the second quarter of 2026, with management targeting approximately $100 million through expanded sales efforts. The company is capitalizing on growing demand for highway safety barriers and utility infrastructure projects driven by state mandates like California’s MASH-compliant barrier deadline set for January 1, 2027. The firm has also seen strong growth in its recurring-revenue barrier rental business, expanding from about 10 miles of barriers to over 150 miles. Additional demand is coming from data center construction and utility vault projects in Northern Virginia. Management emphasized margin improvements through lean manufacturing practices and cost controls as part of their strategy. Smith-Midland’s product portfolio includes proprietary offerings such as J-J Hooks, Easi-Set, SoftSound noise walls, and SlenderWall systems. The company is also developing a new limited-deflection barrier design that could offer lower installation costs but requires further crash testing before commercialization.
Topics: backlog growth barrier rentals data centers MASH compliance