BDS Marketing & Research Ltd’s latest report on the block paving industry shows that demand for concrete block paving in Great Britain increased again in 2002 and is now estimated at over 22 million m2.
Recent increases in the market have been small, however, suggesting that block paving may be reaching natural market penetration after 20 years of almost continuous growth. BDS forecast some further growth over the next few years, with the market approaching 25 million m2 by 2006.
According to the report, Marshalls are the largest block paving manufacturer in the country, with a market share of 44%, while the top five companies –– Marshalls, Tarmac, Aggregate Industries, RMC and Brett –– between them are estimated to have 80% of the market. Aggregate Industries have recently opened a new works and, in a full year, are expected to become the second largest block paving manufacturer ahead of Tarmac.
Since publication of BDS’s last block paving report two years ago, no major acquisitions have occurred, although the consultancy has identified major investment at four works that, in a full year, will add 10% to total industry capacity.
Much of the recent investment has been in the South-East, a region which BDS previously identified as having a shortfall of block paving capacity. This position has now changed, with the South-East currently thought to be only a small net importer of block paving. The East Midlands, meanwhile, continues to be the largest exporter.
The report, entitled ‘Estimated outputs of concrete block paving plants’, estimates the outputs and shares of all works and companies in the industry.
