AMA
Research has published the second edition review of the ‘UK Pipes
and Fittings Market’ report. Available to purchase for £625 from
www.amaresearch.co.uk, this report reviews the UK pipes and
fittings market, including domestic and light commercial plumbing
pipe systems, rainwater goods and soil & waste products.
The
UK pipes and fittings market is worth an estimated at £729 million
at manufacturers selling prices in 2008. 2009 estimates indicate a
decrease of 12%, reflecting the continued impact of the UK
economic recession on the housing and construction market.
The
report provides an analysis of the major trends in the pipe and
fittings market, addressing the size of the market in overall
terms, also for the different applications areas of plumbing pipe
systems, rainwater goods and soil and waste products and an
assessment of the material mix used in the market.
The
plumbing pipe systems sector accounts for some 66% of the industry
as defined in this report. Within this sector there has been a
consistent shift away from copper pipe and fittings, which have
traditionally dominated these markets. Flexible plastic pipe
systems have now obtained a reputation for reliability, with
improvements in manufacturing technology and ongoing material
development. Push-fit and press-fit fittings are also more
popular, with considerable savings made on installation time.
The
rainwater goods and soil & waste sector accounts for some 34% of
this industry. Around 69% of rainwater goods are estimated to be
PVC, with aluminium about 21% and cast iron taking the remaining
10%. There is an increasing demand for metal guttering both in
commercial and residential developments. Materials such as
aluminium and cast iron are now regularly used on higher
specification housing, flats and apartments, warehouse conversions
etc. Soil and waste products continue to be dominated by PVC
products, with 87% share.
One
key factor in the development of the market has been the quite
remarkable switch from housing to flats over the last 7-8 years,
from around 19% of total completions in Great Britain in 2000 to
over 48% in 2008. Furthermore, the Government forecast that about
5 million new homes will be needed in Britain over the next 20
years to keep up with soaring demand. This will influence the
nature and type of plumbing, rainwater and drainage pipe and
fittings used, with a reduced demand for rainwater goods driven by
the increased number of flats and apartments, while there may well
be increased demand for waste pipe and fittings.
Growing off-site and other modern manufacturing methods are likely
to influence the greater use of push-fit and modular products. A
continued reduction in on-site skill levels will also drive the
change to easier installation, leading to greater levels of
flexibility of application amongst both pipes and fittings. The
shift to greater use of modern methods of construction will also
be driven by the increased demand for greater numbers of flats and
smaller properties, again with mixed implications for the
different sectors of the pipe and fittings market.
In
addition, there is now a greater focus on sustainability and the
environment throughout the production and distribution chain.
Pipes and fittings manufacturers are looking for materials and
processes that are not harmful to the environment and that will be
available for future generations to use.
AMA’s report provides an insight into future prospects for the
pipes and fittings market, and states that although the market is
likely to remain depressed in 2009/10, it should develop
positively in the medium to longer term. This growth will be
stimulated by a number of key factors, including the Government’s
sustained investment in health, education and leisure, as well as
a return to growth in the new build sector.
