Volumetric companies take 10% of concrete market

First time volumetric concrete has reached this level of market penetration, say BDS Marketing

FROM extensive research of more than 400 companies supplying concrete in Great Britain, BDS Marketing estimate that volumetric concrete now represents over 10% of the total concrete market. The research consultancy believes this is the first time that volumetric concrete has reached this level of market penetration.

In their annual report on the ready-mixed concrete industry, entitled ‘Estimated market shares of ready-mixed concrete companies in Great Britain’, BDS Marketing have identified 195 companies now supplying volumetric concrete.

Commenting on the report, its author, Andy Sales, said: ‘Penetration of volumetric concrete differs around the country. There is a higher penetration of volumetric concrete in the North West and East of England. However, it is below the national average in Wales.’

He added: ‘The development of volumetric concrete has been by independent companies, but we are now also seeing major companies entering the sector.’

BDS estimate that the total concrete market in 2014 exceeded 22 million cubic metres for the first time since 2007, and the consultancy is expecting further growth for the foreseeable future, helped by greater house building activity together with planned infrastructure projects.

Analysis by BDS suggests that Hanson are the largest ready-mixed concrete company, with CEMEX, Tarmac, Hope and Aggregate Industries making up the top five. Together, these five firms now represent more than 60% of the market. Hanson are thought to be the largest company in southern England, Wales and the North West, while CEMEX are the largest company in the East of England.

The BDS report estimates the market shares of all companies in the industry, by county, regionally and nationally. As well as a three-year forecast, the report identifies plants and companies that have both closed and opened over the past 12 months.

BDS identified around 25 concrete plants that have closed in the past year, together with a similar number that have opened. The number of plants in the industry is expected to rise as the consultancy has identified more than 30 planning consents for new plants in the last 12 months.

For further details of the report, contact Andy Sales at BDS on tel: (01761) 433035; email: andy.sales@bdsmarketing.co.uk; or visit: www.bdsmarketing.co.uk