Palmer Report Shows Significant Growth

Despite the gloomy forecast for the construction industry, aluminium continues to gain momentum as the specifiers choice for new and refurbishment projects. These are the results from recent independent research carried out by Palmer Market Research in the Aluminium Commercial Glazing Markets in Great Britain - 2008 edition.

At the recent Council for Aluminium in Building members meeting at the Lowry in Manchester, Robert Palmer presented an outline of the report. ‘One of the biggest growth areas of recent years has been the housing sector. In 2007, excluding shopfronts, apartment blocks accounted for 14% of the total aluminium framed glazing market in the UK. Considering other materials which are available, this equates to almost half of all the apartment blocks completed in 2007. This has in turn, seen aluminium re-emerging in the public eye as a high value and high quality product for new and refurbished housing stock.’

The report goes on to say that growth in the use of aluminium fenestration in the last three years has topped 14%, a growth of almost 5% per year. This growth has been achieved despite increases in the cost of aluminium and, during the same period, the installed value has risen by 45% to £2.7 billion in 2007.

Curtain walling, which was once exclusive to commercial office development, has seen a big increase in the residential sector with 14% of the total installed value in high rise apartments during 2007.

Aluminium continues to evolve with high performance thermal breaks and excellent sustainability characteristics. With slim lines and a multitude of colours available, it remains the number one choice for the specifier. The report suggests that from 2008 and beyond, there will be a slow down, but refurbishment projects are on the increase and aluminium continues to be regarded as a low maintenance and sustainable product.

Fur further details on the availability of the report please contact Julie Harley at the Council for Aluminium in Building offices on 01453 828851 or by visiting the Palmer Market Research website at http://www.palmermarketresearch.co.uk