A new report on the PVC rainwater market, the most comprehensive to date, finds that new growth sectors and new manufacturers have caught traditional suppliers by surprise.

Builders’ Merchants Miss Out

Traditionally builders' merchants have dominated what was a low growth, mature market and currently supply 27,000 tonnes of PVC rainwater product to traditional users. The three main distribution channels are builders' merchants, DIY stores and plastics distributors. The threat has come from roofline replacement PVC fascias and soffits which has been growing rapidly and is forecast to continue expanding. Roofline installers by-pass merchants and buy their plastic rainwater supplies from plastics distributors who are growing fast.

The total installed value of the UK market was £708,100,000 in 2000, supplied by twelve PVC manufacturers, the top three of which account for 50% of total sales value.

New Manufacturers of PVC Rainwater Systems

The new growth sector has attracted a new set of manufacturers who have thrived while traditional suppliers have made little progress.

Roofline the Key

<%=ldquo%>The growth of roofline,<%=rdquo%> says Mike Rigby, <%=ldquo%>caught the traditional manufacturers flat footed, but they are now waking up to the threat and starting to fight back. Builders' merchants appear to be taking longer to wake up to the loss of volume, and the threat of further leakage to competing channels. This could be a significant oversight, as roofline is destined to be a large market.<%=rdquo%>

Priced at £6,425+VAT, the UK & Ireland Rainwater Report contains: 154 pages in 2 volumes 46 tables 47 charts 8 detailed routes-to-market maps highlighting the different distribution channels and their importance The report is based on an extensive programme of original research in all sectors of the market. It covers industry volumes and values, routes to market, manufacturers (including rankings, ratings, profiles and perceptions) and manufacturing (including capacity, productivity, costs and yields). Detailed product range analyses, segments, pricing, discounts and forecasts are also featured. Further information from Lucia Di Stazio, tel (01453) 521621

Order the report online - click here