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The
bathroom and kitchen pods market has an estimated value of £190
million at manufacturer selling prices in 2007.
In
2008, the market for bathroom and kitchen pods is expected to show
some growth and is forecast to be around £228 million at
manufacturers selling price, which represents an increase of around
20% compared to 2007. This growth rate is unlikely to be repeated in
2009, when growth is expected to drop to 9%. By 2012, the market
value is estimated to be around £345 million at MSP.
In the
longer term, it is anticipated that the major potential for growth
lies in the domestic residential sector, in particular social and
affordable housing. The current downturn in the housing market may
emphasise this evolution as building costs come under stricter
control. The pods market is dominated by prefabricated bathroom
pods. The market for prefabricated kitchen pods has seen some growth
in recent years with the development of social and affordable
housing but still only accounts for around 10% of the total pods
market. |
The majority of pods are manufactured from either concrete
(37%), steel frame or glass reinforced plastic GRP. Each material has its
own advantages and disadvantages. Concrete pods are heavy, typically
weighing 2-3 tonnes, but they offer the possibility of greater structural
rigidity and high quality finishes. Steel framed pods offer a light weight
solution whilst maintaining rigidity. GRP pods are very light weight and
so have less structural rigidity but offer advantages in terms of hygiene
and leak resistance.
The leading players in the UK
prefabricated bathroom and kitchen pod market in 2007 are RB Farquhar,
Saniflex, EJ Badekabiner, Gateway Pods and Off-Site Solutions, with a
combined volume share of around 30%. Other companies include a number of
importers such as Ensuite Solutions, European Ensuites, Baudet and Europod
plus manufacturers such as Buchan Concrete Solutions and OEP Raterad.
There are also a growing number of new players entering this market
including Kondor Pods, Elements Europe, Connection (NI) and Hemway Pod It.
Around 40% of prefabricated pods are imported from outside the UK.
Key application areas for
prefabricated bathroom and kitchen pods include education (23%), defence,
healthcare, hotels and domestic residential housing.The market for
bathroom and kitchen pods in the domestic residential sector is greatest
in social housing, in affordable housing schemes and in flats/apartment
blocks.
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