Bright future for ready-mixed concrete industry

Despite the current concerns about the housing market, industry forecasters are expecting the ready-mixed concrete market to increase until 2010. According to BDS Marketing, the market, after a small decline in 2005, recovered by 2% in 2006 and, demand for ready-mixed concrete is expected to rise by a further 2% in the current year.

This is due to strong growth in the private commercial sector and the need for more health and education buildings. However, BDS are forecasting a slightly lower growth in 2008 as a result of higher interest rates and the difficult conditions in the housing market. In the longer term there will be stronger growth in 2009 and 2010, as demand picks up at Olympic developments.

BDS’ annual report – entitled ‘Estimated market shares of ready mixed concrete companies’ – has also identified 25 planning consents granted for new or replacement plants in addition to 20 outstanding planning applications for new developments.

The survey also found that despite losing some market share in recent years, CEMEX are still the UK’s largest ready-mixed concrete company, followed by Tarmac and Hanson. Collectively, these three leading firms provide more than 60% of all ready-mixed concrete in the UK.

For further details of the report, contact BDS Marketing.