Sources: National Concrete Masonry Association, Herndon, Va.; CP staff
Year-over-year concrete masonry unit sales for 2017 increased 2.6 percent in the U.S. and 1.9 percent in Canada, according to gray or architectural block and masonry veneer data collected from 44 producers operating 210 plants, and analyzed in the inaugural National Concrete Masonry Association CMU Sales Survey.
“This overall survey is not only definitive, it’s more than encouraging,” says NCMA Masonry Committee Chair Gary Hensley (Adams, an Oldcastle Company). “Altogether, it not only shows the demand for the various concrete masonry products, but a spike in value. Anyone in the industry will feel a boost according to this research.”
More than 85 percent of U.S. production was gray block versus 50 percent for Canada. Survey authors also estimate 2016-2017 shipments climbing from 1.09 billion to 1.12 billion units in the U.S., and 98.9 million to 100.8 million in Canada. The category with the largest gain was masonry veneer, which experienced a 2.9 percent sales increase in 2017 against prior-year figures. The complete NCMA 2018 CMU Sales Survey is available for purchase through the NCMA Bookstore. Member producers can contact the association, 703/713-1900 or www.ncma.org, for details on publication discounts and other purchase options.
Related article
Bullish hardscape product growth forecast bears on solid ground