Price pressure keeps fittings growth low
2nd February 2016

The market for door and window fittings increased by around 2% in 2015, following similar annual growth rates in 2013 and 2014, with a recovery in volumes partially offset by downward pressure on prices and margins, according to a new report from AMA Research.

The market is also very fragmented in terms of product range, specification standards and routes to market, with product applications ranging from high specification commercial applications to retro-fit traditional style fittings.
Locks and handles represent the two major product sectors, together accounting for over 50% of the fittings market. The locks market has remained relatively flat in recent years due to the slowdown in the economy and in the replacement window sector in particular, while the switch to electronic systems has impacted the market in some commercial applications.

Door closers were estimated to account for around 15% of the market in 2015 having grown in recent years. The majority of door closers are fitted into the non-residential sector with the private commercial and public buildings being key end-users, and the sector has particularly benefited from the introduction of higher specification products in recent years, with legislation such as the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) helping to boost demand.

In terms of supply structure, the market has seen some degree of consolidation over recent years, with the emergence of several major groups, though there are still many successful companies operating in specialist niche sectors.
Jane Tarver of AMA Research said: “For 2016 and beyond, forecasts for the total door and window fittings market indicate modest but positive growth, based on improving housing and construction markets - though growth will be constrained by price pressure and strong competition. In addition, further changes to building regulations and standards are likely to provide continuing opportunities for higher specification products into the medium-term and beyond”.

Door and Window Fittings Market Report – UK 2015-2019 Analysis, published by AMA Research, can be ordered online at www.amaresearch.co.uk