NEWSROUND


Product sales growth eases as costs start to bite


Construction product manufacturers reported an eighth straight quarter of sales growth in Q2, according to the Construction Products Association’s State of Trade Survey. Combined with another quarter of broad and accelerating cost inflation, expectations have been dampened for the year ahead, however. Key survey findings


include: A balance of 30% of heavy side firms and 17% of light side firms reported that construction products sales rose in Q2 compared with the previous quarter. Sales balances weakened from 43% (heavy side) and 50% (light side) in Q1 30% of heavy side


manufacturers anticipate a fall in sales in Q3, whilst 17% of light side firms expect an increase, the lowest balance since the first national lockdown in 2020 Q2 Costs for fuel, energy, raw materials and wages & salaries rose for all heavy side manufacturers and are expected to increase over the next year.


Rebecca Larkin, CPA senior economist, said: “Construction product manufacturers have reported escalating


inflationary pressures across fuel, energy, raw materials, and wages. Added to this, there are early reports that higher costs further down the supply chain for transport, insurance, reverse charge VAT, and the removal of the red diesel rebate are starting to be reflected in lower confidence and delayed decision-making for new construction projects.”


6 CEMEX bags new packaging line


CEMEX UK’s Rugby Cement plant has opened a new state-of-the-art bagging line. Two new lines are now working alongside a recently installed paper bagging line, utilising the very best technology that exists globally, to pack 25kg of cement into weatherproof bags. The new bagging line investment is part of the company’s bolt-on investment strategy and allows CEMEX to reinforce availability and service for packed products in the UK market.


The new weatherproof


packaging solution meets growing demand from builders for robust packaging solutions, to reduce


Export Minister visits Roman


Roman Showers, welcomed Andrew Griffith, the new Minister for Exports to its headquarters in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham. The visit involved a tour of Roman’s 400,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facilities, including Roman’s three factories, showroom and testing facilities. All Roman’s manufacturing takes place at their headquarters in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham. Roman has three manufacturing plants; for shower enclosures, bath screens and wetrooms; for solid surface fabrication of basins, vanity


the potential for damaged bags and wasted product. The new high-strength packaging ensures the integrity of the product is uncompromised and clearly labelled for maximum visibility. This solution also helps to free up additional shed capacity for stockists, as the new all-weather packaging can be stored indoor or outdoor, alongside linked products such as bricks, blocks and sand. In transit there is now no requirement for the bags to be protected with additional plastic waterproof sheeting. Graeme Barton, National Sales Manager Packed Cement, CEMEX UK comments: “CEMEX


units and bathroom structures with case goods and furniture integrated into designs; and for moulding solid surface shower trays. The international market leader also has established subsidiaries in Ireland and Malaysia.


can now meet the demand from the market in peak months with greater confidence. In turn our stockists can meet their customers’ requirements by supplying what they need in a format that works better for them. Our merchants and end-users are already seeing the immediate benefits of the new packaging by reporting fewer breakages in branch and onsite – which helps to cut down on waste.”


Bruno opens Buttles


new display Buttle’s Timber and Builders’ Merchant has opened a dedicated Outdoor Living and Landscaping Display in Leighton Buzzard with the help from former World


Heavyweight Champion, Frank Bruno.


Flexseal becomes Fernco


Specialists in drainage and sewer repairs Flexseal, rebranded as Fernco from August 1.


The move will allow both Flexseal, based in Barnsley, and US firm Fernco to continue their commitment to delivering innovation in the market, in


particular developing products which support net zero carbon. Lee Pashley, managing director at Flexseal, said: “Our brand has been built over 30 years of experience and knowledge in the industry and has played a vital role in shaping the way contractors repair and refurbish drainage and sewer pipelines across the globe.


“It is an exciting new chapter for Flexseal as we move forward.”


Ian Church, managing director of Buttle’s said “Landscaping has become a big part of our business, and we now offer a huge range of options. From paving to aggregates, and fencing to decking, we have solutions for every landscaping project. With no other landscaping centre in Leighton Buzzard the new display is exactly what was needed. It allows our customers to show how projects and designs can come to life.”


The family-owned merchant also handed over a cheque for £2000.00 for the Frank Bruno Foundation, raised by staff in Buttle’s branches.


www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net August 2022


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