Decline in GB asphalt plant market in 2020, says BDS report

According to a new report by BDS Marketing Research (BDS), the asphalt plant market in Great Britain experienced a decline in 2020. Last year's dip in plant sales comes after the market grew by almost 25% during the middle part of the last decade, BDS notes.
Asphalt Plants, Equipment & Applications / July 19, 2021
By Guy Woodford
According to a new report by BDS Marketing Research (BDS), the asphalt plant market in Great Britain experienced a decline in 2020. Pictured is an Astec Industries' DBX HR asphalt plant

BDS says COVID-19 pandemic disruption accounts for some of the weakening in the market. The business market research consultancy states that the effects of the build-up to and final act of leaving Brexit and two General Elections towards the end of the decade also contributed to market contraction. BDS estimate the asphalt market in Great Britain to have been 25 million tonnes in 2020 compared to 27 million tonnes in 2018 and 2019.

In continuing its reporting on the asphalt industry over the last 30+ years, BDS has recently published the 2021 Asphalt Plants Directory (GB) incorporating an Analysis of GB Asphalt Plants. Findings suggest there are now nearly 300 operating asphalt plants in Great Britain, up 8% on figures identified in previous years. The fourth edition of the directory includes information for operating asphalt plants in England, Wales and Scotland. Directory information includes site name, site address, operating company, year of installation, name of manufacturer and capacity (tonnes per hour) of plant if installed after 2000. A concise analysis of GB asphalt plants contributes an overview and understanding of the data provided to support the directory.

The latest report recognises both major and independent producers of asphalt and the percentage of the plant ownership held by specific operators. The report identifies the GB asphalt market is concentrated amongst five key producers - Tarmac, Aggregate Industries, Breedon, Hanson and Cemex.

Within the analysis section of the report, BDS review the plant age, size and capacity, and identify changes in the asphalt plant market over the last 20 years. Since 2001, over 100 asphalts plants have been installed throughout Great Britain, with 15 new asphalt plants becoming operational within the previous five years.

According to BDS data, the majority of currently operating asphalt plants were installed during 1980 – 2010. Installation of asphalt plants started to increase from 1980 reaching a peak in 1998 and then falling again after this date.

Details for all currently operating asphalt plants in Great Britain can be found in the BDS Asphalt Plants Directory. To find out more about the Asphalt Plants Directory (GB) incorporating an Analysis of GB Asphalt Plants or to purchase a copy of the report, email [email protected] 

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