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 AMA
Research has published the first edition review of the ‘UK Pipes and Fittings
Market’ report. Available to purchase for this report reviews the UK pipe and
fittings market, including domestic and light commercial pipe and fitting
plumbing, rainwater and soil & waste products.
The UK plumbing and rainwater pipe and fittings market for
domestic (and light commercial) central heating and water systems, was worth
an estimated £752 million at manufacturers selling prices in 2006.
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 products, soil and
waste products and rainwater goods and an assessment of the material mix
used in the market.
The Heating and Potable water market sector has seen a
period of growth because of the strength of the building and construction
industry. The water and heating supply sector accounts for some 72% of the
industry as defined in this report. There has been a
consistent shift from copper pipe and fittings, which had traditionally
dominated these markets. Plastic plumbing has now obtained a reputation for
reliability, and there have been improvements in material technology.
The Rainwater goods and soil & waste sector accounts for
some 28% of this industry and has also seen growth reflecting the strength of
the building and construction industry. Over 80% of rainwater products are
estimated to be PVC, with cast iron about 6-8% and aluminium taking the
remaining 12-14%. Cast aluminium is at the top end of the rainwater market and
tends to be used in prestigious developments.
One key factor in the development of the market has been
the relatively stable volumes in the housebuilding sector and within this there
has been a quite remarkable switch from housing to flats over the last 5-6
years, from around 19% of total completions in Great Britain in 2000 to over 45%
in 2006. 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.
These forecasts suggest that the annual rate of household growth in England to
2026 will now need to be 223,000 compared with the 209,000 calculated in 2003.
This will influence the nature and type of plumbing, rainwater and drainage pipe
and fittings used over the next few years, 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 implications for the different sectors
of the pipe and fittings market.
AMA’s report provides an insight into future prospects for the
pipe and fittings market, and states that although the market is not likely
to experienced significant growth in 2007/08, it should develop positively.
This growth will be stimulated by a number of key factors, including the
government’s sustained investment in health, education and infrastructure, as
well as higher growth in the new build sector.
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