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Product category: Building Industry Research and Materials Testing
News Release from: AMA Research | Subject: Pipes and Fittings Market' report - UK 2007
Edited by the Buildingtalk Editorial Team on 06 September 2007

Pipes and Fittings Market' report - UK
2007

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AMA Research has published the first edition review of the 'UK Pipes and Fittings Market' report.

Available to purchase for GBP625, this report reviews the UK pipe and fittings market, including domestic and light commercial pipe and fitting plumbing, rainwater and soil and 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 GBP752 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 and 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.

AMA Research's "Pipe and Fittings Market - UK 2007" report is available in hard copy or electronic format for GBP625 and can be ordered online or by calling 0242 235724.

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