Difficult Times for Concrete Paving Suppliers

Despite plant closures in recent years, UK suppliers of both block paving and paving slabs continue to operate below full capacity. Industry marketing specialist, BDS Marketing Research Ltd, estimates that the market for paving has dropped by more than 45% during the recession. Despite 17 works having stopped production, the output from these plants is much less than the fall in demand over the same period.

The same problem affects producers of concrete block paving. In this sector, seven works have closed in recent years, but remaining sites continue to struggle.

Both block paving and paving have been affected by the decline in private sector building, and increasingly, from a fall in public sector demand as well. Paving manufacturers have also had to face increased competition from imported paving and the development of recycled paving products.

In its latest published report on both sectors, BDS estimates that Marshalls continues as the largest concrete block manufacturer in the country, producing the most in five out of ten economic regions. Brett, Aggregate Industries, Plasmor and Cemex are the other market leaders, and these five companies represent over 85% of the market. BDS has identified a total of 12 companies in the industry, operating some 29 works.

In the concrete paving sector, BDS lists around 70 works operated by 50 companies. Here, Marshalls and Aggregate Industries are the leading players, having two thirds of the market between them.

BDS Marketing & Research Ltd
Lonsdale House
Single Hill
Shoscombe
BA2 8LZ UK

T: 01761 433035
F: 01761 434579