AMA
Research has published a new report covering the plant hire
market. Available for purchase at £650 from www.amaresearch.co.uk,
the report provides a comprehensive analysis of the structure of
the market and provides details of the key players within the
market. The main product sectors are analysed including the
product market sizes, trends and the market shares of the key
players. The report also provides forecasts of market prospects to
2014.
The plant hire market is a fragmented sector
valued at £2.18 billion within the report definition. Supplier
involvement varies, with most players operating in limited product
sectors due to the high number of specialist operators, with a few
larger companies active in most sectors. Suppliers such as Finning/Hewden,
Speedy and A-Plant supply into most key sectors, whereas Ainscough,
Aggreko, Hydrex and Lavendon are more specialised. As a result,
market shares can be fragmented reflecting differing product and
customer strengths.
The core product sectors of the UK plant hire
market are earth moving, lifting, pumping/crushing/screening, road
making, compressors/generators/lighting and portable
accommodation/heating/cooling/drying/general equipment.
Earthmoving and lifting are the largest sectors accounting for a
combined share of around 75% of the market.
The market experienced steady growth to 2007,
supported by the performance of construction industry as well as
public spending projects such as those in the infrastructure
sector. During the more difficult trading conditions of 2008, the
market declined by -3%, with the greatest impact on the market
occurring during the second half of the year. The continuing
decline in the economy, entering recession in 2009, adversely
affected the plant hire market that experienced a fall in value by
a further -22% during the year.
The different sectors making up this market
perform differently reflecting their end-use sectors. Many sectors
of the market have been adversely impacted by the cancellation or
postponement of major projects. However there are regional
opportunities such as road construction and the Olympics
infrastructure.
The plant hire market grew to a market size of
£2.9 billion in 2007. However, the difficult trading conditions in
2008/09 impacted on the market resulting in a decline in value to
£2.18 billion, with prospects showing signs of improvement in
2010. The market is anticipated to reach a market size of £2.26
billion by 2014, assuming the general economy has recovered during
this period.
