There is a Black Hole at the heart of UK window statistics. Many more tonnes of PVC go in to extruders than come out as windows and doors. Does it all go to waste? Or are we making more windows and doors than published figures indicate? Where does it all go?

The PVC-U Window Profile and the PVC-UE Cellular Foam Profile Industry in the UK & Ireland are the latest reports from Michael Rigby Associates. Both reports hold detailed information on the window and foam markets in 2002, as well as depth analysis of growth forecasts from 2003 - 2007.

New to these editions:

'The Black Hole' - a new section in the Window report that carefully calculates the total UK production of windows, doors, conservatory window units, conservatory roofs and cills.

The Cellular Foam Profile report looks at twin wall board for the first time.

Both reports also hold key information on companies' consumption and use of raw material, who's growing and who's not, numbers of extrusion lines, production yields, financial performance of key players and an updated environmental review.

Last year both the window and foam market saw increases in volume compared with the previous year. The window market expanded 8% in tonnage processed compared with 2001. Year on year value was also up. The foam market saw an increase of 7%.

Window market forecasts reflect increasing levels of saturation and most players expect prices to fall notably by 2007. In contrast the foam market is expected to grow at a healthy rate with a forecast volume in 2007 some 22% higher than 2002.

The reports are essential reading for anyone who works with PVC-U window systems or PVC-UE cellular foam building products, or related markets. They can be used to help prepare business and marketing plans, make sales forecasts and take sensible and informed decisions.

For more information on these reports or to purchase a copy, please contact Lucia Di Stazio on 01453 521621.