Building Products Industry Feeling Market Pressure: Principia Study Sees Bright Spot in Masonry Veneer Category.EXTON, Pa. -- Although the general economic climate for the majority of building and construction products has softened over the past 18 months, the masonry veneer Masonry veneer walls consist of a single non-structural external layer of masonry work, typically brick, backed by an air space. The innermost element is usually structural, and may consist of wood or metal framing or masonry. industry is one product that has witnessed exciting changes with plenty of growth potential yet to occur over the next several years. The $1 billion veneer veneer (vənēr`), thin leaf of wood applied with glue to a panel or frame of solid wood. The art of veneer developed with early civilization. category that began as a cottage industry cottage industry: see sweating system. has grown rapidly in recent years in both residential and commercial construction. A new market study by Principia prin·cip·i·um n. pl. prin·cip·i·a A principle, especially a basic one. [Latin pr  ncipium; see principle.] Partners is the first comprehensive study to provide clarity and crucial
insights on the residential and commercial markets for these products in
North America North America, third largest continent (1990 est. pop. 365,000,000), c.9,400,000 sq mi (24,346,000 sq km), the northern of the two continents of the Western Hemisphere. .
Jim Morton, a Senior Partner at Principia explains "We are very excited about conducting this in-depth business assessment. There are many applications for these products and Principia is best positioned to analyze the numerous opportunities for this industry. Masonry veneer products are highly versatile - they have evolved into highly aesthetic and exceptionally low maintenance products with a dizzying array of choices. At nearly half the cost of quarried stone and traditional brick, this "defy-the-eye" category is growing as availability increases." In addition to traditional exterior cladding The plastic or glass sheath that is fused to and surrounds the core of an optical fiber. The cladding's mirror-like coating keeps the light waves reflected inside the core. The cladding is covered with a protective outer jacket. See fiber optics glossary. , residential applications also include interior accent walls, chimneys, mantels and more. Other exterior uses include retaining wall facing, outdoor fireplaces, and any application where an architectural stone or brick appearance is an asset. Masonry veneer is widely used in commercial facades, foundation facings, archways, courtyards, entrance pillars and other decorative applications. Products have also penetrated lobbies and interior spaces at retail stores and a wide range of non-residential structures. Mr. Morton continues "Two companies dominate masonry veneer, followed by a second tier of regional producers who are growing apace. As the category grows, members of the newly formed Masonry Veneer Manufacturers Association (MVMA MVMA Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association MVMA Michigan Veterinary Medical Association MVMA Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association MVMA Maryland Veterinary Medical Association MVMA Manitoba Veterinary Medical Association (Canada) ) face competition from traditional brick and quarried thin-cut stone suppliers as well as producers of materials like polyurethane and polypropylene that also simulate the look of natural stone and brick. Leaders in vinyl, stucco stucco (stŭk`ō), in architecture, a term loosely applied to various kinds of plasterwork, both exterior and interior. It now commonly refers to a plaster or cement used for the external coating of buildings, most frequently employed in , precast concrete precast concrete Concrete cast into structural members under factory conditions and then brought to the building site. A 20th-century development, precasting increases the strength and finish durability of the member and decreases time and construction costs. and cementitious ce·men·ti·tious adj. Of or relating to a chemical precipitate, especially of carbonates, having the characteristics of cement. [From Latin caement siding are eyeing the category as are multinational producers of aggregates and brick." Unlike most exterior cladding materials, manufactured stone and brick veneer have flowed through a variety of one-step channels. These channels are diverse, including distributors serving masonry contractors, stucco applicators, vinyl installers and fiber cement siding Fiber cement siding (FCS) is a building material used to cover the exterior of a house. Fiber cement is a composite material made of sand, cement and cellulose fibers. In appearance, FCS most often consists of overlapping horizontal boards, imitating wooden clapboard; other contractors. Masonry veneer products are also found at brick and block yards, hardscaping centers, hearth and home stores, landscape supply yards, as well as drywall and ceiling distributors. Principia's study will serve as an important baseline analysis for forecasting and business planning purposes by existing and new industry participants. Using 2007 as the baseline, the study will analyze the drivers and trends of the masonry veneer market by region, distribution channel, market segment and material type, and will provide forecasts covering the next five years. The study will provide insights into current and future products and competitive positioning, and will help companies anticipate unmet customer needs. Key issues to be addressed include: * Changing trends in product substitution * Channels of distribution to key markets and regions * Supplier strategies and approaches to market Results of the report will provide subscribers with critical market data and analyses essential for planning purposes including: * Up-to-date assessment of the masonry veneer residential and commercial markets * Assessment of the major products * Identified product development needs and channel opportunities * Market share review for producers * Profiles of over 30 companies active in the business * Strategic insights into this dynamic industry Principia Partners is a leading international strategy consulting firm Noun 1. consulting firm - a firm of experts providing professional advice to an organization for a fee consulting company business firm, firm, house - the members of a business organization that owns or operates one or more establishments; "he worked for a , and has extensive experience in building products and plastics industries. In particular, the Firm has closely monitored the market for building products over the past 10 years through various research efforts. For more information, visit the Industry Reports section of the Publishing portion of the company's web site at www.PrincipiaConsulting.com. A prospectus of this study is also available by calling John Pruett at 800/378-8330, extension 247. |
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