According to the Construction Products Association’s latest State of Trade Survey for the second quarter of 2015, construction product manufacturers’ sales increased for the ninth consecutive quarter, driven by growth in all key areas of the UK market, together with a rise in export demand.

A balance of 78% of heavy side firms and 73% of light side firms reported that sales were up during the second quarter of 2015, compared to a year earlier. Sales to overseas markets also helped to boost business with exports increasing for 20% of heavy side firms and 40% of light side firms.

In addition, 89% of heavy side firms and 47% of light side firms increased employment in the year to Q2

Looking ahead to the rest of the year, 78% of heavy side product manufacturers and 50% of light side product manufacturers reported that they anticipate a rise in sales over the coming year.

CPA economist, Rebecca Larkin, said: “The construction recovery has broadened beyond private house building to the commercial, industrial and infrastructure sectors, which has increased demand for construction products and led to a sustained period of growth among manufacturers.  

She continued: “In contrast to Q1, which saw a decline in export sales, domestic strength was also boosted by an increase in sales to overseas markets.

“Manufacturers anticipate that this dual source of rising demand will continue to drive sales over the next 12 months.”