Rise of the volumetrics
Latest industry report shows major growth in ready-mixed concrete delivered by volumetric lorries
AT a time when traditional concrete supplied from static batching plants has been badly affected by the recession, there are now almost 200 companies supplying concrete from an estimated 500+ volumetric lorries across the UK, according to the latest annual report on the industry by BDS Marketing Research Ltd.
BDS believe that volumetric concrete now represents nearly 10% of the industry and, if the sector is taken as a whole, supplies more concrete than the fifth largest supplier of batched concrete.
The report concludes that volumes for batched concrete companies fell by around 30% in 2009, and that the major companies closed nearly 60 plants over the past year, while a further 18 smaller companies ceased production.
BDS also estimate that CEMEX regained the number one spot during 2009, although the volume difference between CEMEX and Tarmac in second place is small. Hanson are the third largest producers, followed by Aggregate Industries and Lafarge. Together, BDS estimate that these top five companies represent 67% of the total concrete industry.
CEMEX continue to be the largest supplier in the South East, East Midlands, East Anglia, Yorkshire and Wales, while Tarmac are thought to be the leading producer in the West Midlands, northern England and Scotland. Hanson are the largest concrete supplier in the South West.
The consultancy says it expects to see a slight recovery in concrete markets during 2010 but forecasts a decline in both 2011 and 2012. Although some recovery is expected in the private sector, BDS do not believe this will outweigh the effects of a decline in public sector workloads. However, the consultancy does forecast stronger growth in 2013, as most of the public sector cuts will have worked through the system by then and the private sector should be growing strongly at this time.
Further information about the BDS annual report entitled: ‘Estimated market shares of ready-mixed concrete companies in Great Britain’, contact BDS Marketing.
