New research expects the demand for bricks, blocks, and precast concrete to increase as confidence in UK construction returns…
Between 2012 and 2014 the bricks, blocks, and precast concrete market saw a significant growth of around 25 per cent.
According to a new report from AMA Research, 2015 is expected to reach an 11 per cent increase. Furthermore, the company said it forecasts recovery to pre-recession levels will be possible by 2017.
Figures revealed that bricks accounted for around 30 per cent of the total market in 2014. It is expected that strong growth seen between 2013-15 will continue into 2016, with experts predicting increases of over 10 per cent.
Jane Tarver, of AMA Research said: “The total market for bricks, blocks, concrete precast and natural stone products is likely to continue on its relatively strong path of growth in the medium term with good growth in housebuilding and returning confidence in the private commercial sector likely to underpin value growth.”
The brick market suffered during the recession, as construction demand slowed. In the years following the sector saw stocks fall, with stocks of bricks reaching more than one billion in 2009 and falling to 500 million by 2012. In October 2014, stocks had reached a low of 323 million.
However, the figures published by the Office for National Statistics in August revealed the brick manufacturing sector had started to bounce back, with production seeing a small growth over the last year.
Sales for precast concrete blocks also saw a rise in demand and sales grew in 2013 after a period of decline. Signs of growth were also seen in 2014 and 2015. The report revealed there was a nine per cent growth in precast concrete structural building products in 2014, and suggested similar growth would be seen by the end of this year. Crosswall panels are estimated to account for around 20 per cent of the share, while flooring, stairs, landings, and balconies have a combined share of over 35 per cent of the precast concrete market.
Additionally, the report said there was a growth of natural stone products used in building applications of around 10 per cent in 2014.