KIRKLEES manufacturers supplying construction companies have a unique opportunity to gain a competitive edge, it is claimed.
Robin Watson, regional director of the Manufacturing Advisory Service, said: “At a time when every manufacturing business is looking to both move up the value chain and seek out new markets, the building industry presents an opportunity for a huge and varied number of manufacturers.
“Building and construction regulations are changing significantly – with insulation and energy usage requirements increasing. As time moves on, these regulations will apply to more and more buildings, particularly domestic housing, and will become increasingly challenging to address.
“Not only that, but existing buildings will also come under added pressure to become ‘greener’ to meet the challenges of the Carbon Reduction Commitment and the UK’s legally binding framework of carbon cuts.
“Changes such as replacing glazing and upgrading old boilers will eventually have to meet the same requirements as for new buildings. Display Energy Certificates, which publicly demonstrate the energy usage of a building, are becoming mandatory in many cases. In fact, linking business rates to DEC performance ratings is being proposed by the Carbon Trust as a new measure for the not so distant future.”
Mr Watson said manufacturers should recognise the growing market resulting from changing conditions.
For example, modular construction techniques – where large elements of buildings are produced in a factory rather than on-site – would become more significant.
In addition, a vast number of “spin-out” industries would benefit, such as those companies making sealants, heating, ventilation and triple glazed units.
He said: “The sophistication of construction technology is increasing rapidly to include the production of innovative energy efficient products such as solar panels, photo-galvanic cells, ducting systems for air recirculation and control systems for heating and lighting.
“Manufacturers supplying into the construction industry need to be up to speed now, ensuring they are best placed to exploit these opportunities.”
