Solid growth

CHANTILLY, Va. – New home construction, acceleration in sales of existing homes, a rebound in construction spending in the public sector and an increase in commercial construction all contributed to a steady growth year in 2015 for the U.S. and Canadian segmental concrete pavement industry.

Respondents of the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute survey included 29 manufacturing companies representing 141 paver-producing machines reported growth averaging 14.1 percent over last year. For the U.S., the annual industry sales survey indicated a 15.4 percent increase and Canada at 8.9 percent.

Segmental paving product sales includes interlocking concrete pavers greater than or equal to 60mm, concrete pavers less than 60mm, permeable interlocking pavers, concrete grid pavers, paving slabs and other concrete products including patio stones.

Concrete paver sales (as defined by ASTM) saw an increase in the United States of 15.2 percent in segmental concrete paving production in 2015 expanding from 516.9 million to 595.5 million square feet. In Canada, segmental concrete paver (defined by CSA) production increased by 10.6 percent from 85.3 million to 94.3 million square feet. The total 2015 U.S. and Canadian segmental paving market grew 14.5 percent and is estimated at 690 million square feet.

ICPI Chairman Matt Lynch said that the increase in 2015 sales, “demonstrates continued demand for pavement systems with versatile design options, low maintenance and environmental benefits. The construction industry is experiencing an economic recovery that supports the expansion of our market share in residential and commercial applications.”

At 78.2 percent of all sales, the residential market continues to be the primary driver for segmental concrete pavement sales. Commercial sales, which includes municipal and industrial, claimed an increased share over last year by 1 percent or nearly 22 percent of the total market in 2015.

Interlocking concrete pavers continue to be the most popular of all segmental paving products in North America. The residential market continues to be the primary driver for segmental concrete pavement sales in North America. However, there has been an increase in commercial market sales over last year.

Permeable interlocking concrete pavement continues to be a high growth product as a means to meet national, provincial, state and local regulations to reduce stormwater runoff. A significant increase in PICP residential sales likely can be attributed to the increasing popularity of municipalities issuing stormwater credits/reimbursements to property owners who reduce their impermeable surfaces with PICP.

ICPI’s industry sales survey represents the most accurate and up-to-date sales information available for the segmental concrete pavement industry in North America. The 2016 survey reports on 2015 sales data and estimates annual paver sales from a composite average to the universe of paver manufacturers. The survey was conducted by Industry Insights, specializing in surveys for trade and professional organizations.

The complete survey results, will be available for $99 plus shipping and handling. ICPI members receive a discount. To order, visit the ICPI Online Store at www.icpi.org/shop.