Masonry Magazine August 2016 Page. 48
Special Report
asonry Finds Positive
Indicators Pointing to Growth
Oldcastle APG Invests in Future of Masonry
DESPITE A SERIES OF CHALLENGES AND A SHADOW OF UNCERTAINTY ABOUT THE MASONRY SECTOR IN PAST YEARS, new technologies (including integrated wall systems), a higher level of aesthetics in manufactured stone veneers and a resurgence in the desire for mixed material looks, all bode well for the industry. Manufacturers are noting an optimistic uptick in masonry demand as well, validated by research group IBISWorld, which projects an annual growth rate of
5.8
percent by 2020, from $23 billion in 2015. The number of industry operators is expected to increase at an average annual rate of 3.8 percent to 49,788. This rising demand will also boost employment, which is forecast to increase at an average of
6.0
percent per year over the next four years to 197,084 workers.
Performance wall systems, like the lnsulTech ICMU and EnduraMax, deliver innovative masonry solutions that expedite installation time, help meet code and expand the portfolio offering of masonry professionals.
Coupled with advancements in both production and performance of their products, masonry manufacturers such as Oldcastle APG are bullish on the industry, with reason. Masonry contracting -using brick, block and concrete -accounts for an estimated 68.4 percent of industry revenue, the highest revenue-generating service in the masonry profession.*
While the masonry industry faces a number of daily challenges, such as sourcing new jobs, meeting deadlines, finding quality labor, reducing callbacks, and increased competition, there are promising solutions from dedicated partners like Oldcastle APG, who can keep them ahead of the rising demand for masonry materials that include wall systems, manufactured stone and advanced mortar formulations. The ability to embrace all of these solutions will help ensure the future ofmasonry.
From retail and hospitality to senior living facilities, the demand for structures that blend in well with the commu�nity, as well as feel more like home, has increased. Buildings are also now warmer and less institutional, as facades of stone around the foundation, in entryways and foyers and even interiors serve as an economical accent.
While solid block remains an economical way to build, the exteriors lend themselves to more thoughtful designs where masonry serves as the perfect accent. It's also a growing trend for block construction in new buildings like hospitals, schools and retail to rely on high-performance wall systems to meet codes, save energy and manage moisture. These systems often feature a masonry unit as the final exteriorlayer.
As part of a commitment to making substantial investments in these new products for a more sustainable industry, Oldcastle APG recently launched a stand-alone consolidated
46 I MASONRY � August 2016 � www.masoncontractors.org The Voice of the Masonry Industry