Block paving market increases

Demand for concrete block paving in Great Britain increased again in 2002 and is now estimated to stand at over 22 million m², according to the latest report on the block paving industry from BDS Marketing & Research.

The report, Estimated outputs of concrete block paving plants, claims Marshalls is the largest block paving manufacturer in the country with a market share of 44%. The top five - Marshalls, Tarmac, Aggregate Industries, RMC and Brett - between them are thought to have 80% of the market.

Aggregate Industries has recently opened a new works, and in a full year, BDS expects it to become the second largest block paving manufacturer.

Since publication of the last report two years ago, no major acquisitions have occurred in the industry. However, BDS has identified major investment at four works that in a full year will add 10% to total industry capacity.

Much of the recent industry investment has been in the South East. Previously, BDS identified the South East as having a shortfall of block paving capacity. The position has now changed, with the South East thought to be only a small net importer of block paving.

East Anglia and the North West are also importing regions, with East Midlands being the largest exporter of block paving.

Recent increases in the block paving market have been small. This suggests to BDS that block paving may be reaching its natural market penetration after 20 years of virtual continuous growth. 

The consultancy is forecasting some further growth over the next few years, and by 2006 predicts a market approaching 25 million m2.