Fabricators Forecast a Positive Year for Windows
On balance 34% (the difference between 42% who sold more and 8% who sold less) of window fabricators increased sales in February compared with January 2006. Mid-sized companies (net 60%) did best but large (40%) and small firms (20%) also reported growth.
By region, those in the North (net 47%) were ahead with none of the firms interviewed reporting a drop.
Year-on-year a net 14% of fabricators saw sales rise in February 2006 compared with February 2005 (see Cahrt 1). Mid-sized firms (33%) sold more compared with 10% of small companies. However, large firms (20%) reported a drop. A net 19% of those in the North and South saw sales rise but on balance there was no change for the Midlands.
Forecasts:
A net 37% of manufacturers expect to sell more in March than in February 2006. Both small (47%) and large companies (40%) are more certain than mid-sized firms (14%). By region, the North (53%) is most positive but firms in the South (31%) and Midlands (23%) are also hopeful. Similarly a balance of 14% of manufacturers expect to sell more in March 2006 compared with March 2005. Small companies (net 20%) are most bullish. Firms in the South (net 30%) and North (17%) anticipate sales growth but 15% of those in the Midlands forecast lower sales.
Confidence:
A net 18% of fabricators are more positive now about the overall prospects for the window market than three months ago. Large companies (net 40%) are more positive than mid-sized (27%) or small firms (10%). Fabricators across the country are optimistic.
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The monthly tracker survey is produced by Michael Rigby Associates and sponsored by WHS Halo in conjunction with The Fabricator. The aim is to keep a finger on the market pulse between regular quarterly reports, and to monitor fabricators' views and expectations of market movements. The survey covers a representative sample of 50 window fabricators. Telephone interviews took place between the 10th and 15th March 2006 across a balanced spread of size of firm, geographical area and type of fabricator. For survey details or further information contact Lucia Di Stazio, Michael Rigby Associates on 01453 521621. © Copyright Michael Rigby Associates 2006 |
