Segmental concrete pavement project activity nears double-digit growth

Sources: Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI), Chantilly, Va.; CP staff

Gross sales for segmental concrete pavement contractors in the U.S. and Canada increased 8.8 percent in 2016 over the prior year, according to the 2017 ICPI Contractor Industry Survey, prepared from responses that Columbus, Ohio, market researcher Industry Insights obtained from 218 small, mid-size and large companies.

“The 2015 ICPI study of concrete paver manufacturers reported a 14.5 percent increase in the number of pavers sold in the U.S. and Canada,” says ICPI Chairman Matt Lynch (Oldcastle Architectural). “This year’s survey of contractors also shows significant progress. It’s great to see that the overall industry is enjoying consistent growth and that homeowners and other end users understand the benefits of concrete pavers and slabs.”

Among other key 2017 ICPI Contractor Survey findings:

  • 69.1 percent of respondents required crews to review and participate in a formal, documented safety program, an increase of 4.1 percent from 2015;
  • The greatest challenges confronting contractors include recruiting, hiring and retaining quality employees, increasing overhead costs and competition; and,
  • Average wages increased by 3.0 percent for 2016 payrolls, while 2017 levels are pacing a 3.2 percent jump.

The study also includes overall data on the specific systems contractors use to monitor and reduce crew member exposure to respirable silica, plus promotion and certification trends. In addition to reporting overall data, results are also grouped based on respondents’ length of construction season, gross sales, and number of employees during peak project activity. The 59-page 2017 ICPI Contractor Industry Survey is available for purchase by visiting www.icpi.org/shop.