‘Polarised’ fittings market grew 3% – AMA
February 2018

The UK market for door and window fittings grew by around 3% in 2017, lower than in 2016, but in line with slowing growth rates for the construction market as a whole and stimulated by greater demand for higher specification products, according to new figures from AMA Research.

Within the overall figure, mechanical locks have lost some share to electronic locks, and door closers now account for an estimated 15%, having shown stronger than average growth.

Higher security standards play a significant role in product development and improvement, and there is some evidence of growing demand for automation in doors and windows which may drive development in the market going forward.

Standard white hardware is declining in popularity, with finishes such as brushed chrome, brass, burnished bronze and nickel becoming more popular in the domestic sector.

In terms of supply, the UK door and window fittings market has seen a slowing of merger and acquisition activity in the last two years, following significant consolidation of suppliers in previous years, although the industry remains highly fragmented. 

The organisation adds that polarisation is a feature of the market, characterised at one end by high value, high specification products and low cost, basic product ranges at the other end with the lower value sectors experiencing significant downward pressure on average prices due to increasing penetration from imports, which continue to play a significant role in the market.

“For 2018 and beyond, forecasts indicate marginal but positive growth, based on improving housing and construction markets - although growth will be constrained by price pressure and strong competition” said Fiona Watts of AMA Research.

Key drivers for growth are likely to be the trend to trade up to higher specification products, particularly those which offer added security features and are aimed at the commercial sector. Another major main driver for growth will be improving output levels in the private commercial construction sector and continued growth in the housing market.

The ‘Door and Window Fittings Market Report – UK 2018-2022’ report is published by AMA Research, The report is available now and can be ordered online at www.amaresearch.co.uk or by calling 01242 235724.