The positive-thinking comes despite a shrinking of sales in the first quarter due to the severe cold weather.
The CPA’s latest State of Trade Survey shows that manufacturers are anticipating a catch-up in sales during the second quarter as improving weather kick-starts infrastructure and housing projects.
Product improvement was highlighted in the survey as a key investment priority for construction product manufacturers, with 53% of heavyside and 65% of lightside companies reporting increased spending over the last 12 months.
E-business investment grew, while spending on machinery and equipment fell. Some 48% of lightside and 64% of heavyside companies intended to increase e-business spending.
