The BWF said the most striking conclusion from the second quarter survey was the dissipation of the guarded optimism of the early part of the year.
Nine per cent of respondents reported a quarterly growth in sales (Q1: 9%), but this was forecast to be much higher as 37% had been expecting to increase their sales when asked in the first quarter survey.
The fall in optimism has resulted in a divide between surveyed companies as to the performance in the third quarter, with the same number forseeing an increase as those predicting a decline.
The BWF said the figures were not disastrous, with areas of growth reported. “But there appears to be growing frustration that the industry is continuing to exist hand-to-mouth,” said BWF policy executive Matt Mahony.
The survey indicates many of the same problems and issues exist for joinery manufacturers – high energy, raw material and fuel costs.
BWF members reported they are planning to make capital investments to remain competitive, including in e-business and manufacturing equipment, while maintain spending levels on product improvement.
