Buoyant growth has been predicted for prefabricated buildings during the next five years, driven by expanding demand from the defence, health, housing and institutional accommodation sectors.
Volumetric and semi-finished sectors together are now estimated to be worth £1.4bn a year, according to AMA Research, with annual growth running at 10%. AMA said acquisitions and mergers are likely as companies seek to establish themselves in particular sectors or materials.
The market is split at 65% for volumetric off-site completed units and 35% for semi-finished. The largest component of semi-finished buildings comprise timber frame units with a market share by value of about 45%. Volumetric remains primarily steel, but timber’s share is growing.
AMA said the semi-finished sector is growing rapidly fuelled by the activities of companies such as Stewart Milne and Robertson Timber Kit, while many smaller timber frame operations are also becoming involved.
