CPA reveals firms unsure of sales growth

Construction product manufacturers have mixed feelings about the third quarter.

The latest Construction Products Association (CPA) trade survey shows three-quarters of light side firms anticipate a further rise in sales, but just a quarter of heavy side firms expect an increase.

CPA economics director Allan WilŽn said: "The slowdown in sales growth has resulted from a weakening in private sector construction activity, at a time when the industry remains concerned by the slow pace at which promised government investment is feeding through to work on site."

Other key findings of the survey show around 60% of firms have seen their unit costs rise over the past year, as raw material prices and wages have risen.

Price increases have been generally modest with only 7% of firms reporting increases in excess of 5%.