Compared to sales in 2017 and 2018, the overall sales of concrete masonry units (CMU) increased 2.8% in the United States and 1.0% in Canada, according to a study released by the National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA). For manufacturers, more than 89% of reported production in the United States was gray block as compared to nearly 50% of production in Canada.
The 2019 NCMA CMU Sales Survey is second year for this industry sales survey for concrete masonry units. In total, 47 individual companies provided data for the survey, all of which were manufacturers. The producers that responded represent 206 plant locations across the United States and Canada. Data was submitted in three different categories of CMU products: the aforementioned gray block, architectural block, and concrete masonry veneer.
The category with the largest growth year over year was concrete masonry veneer, which experienced a 4.7% increase in sales in the United States and Canada. Increases in sales from 2017 were also seen for gray block and architectural block as well.
“With the CMU Sales Survey in its second year, it is providing important data to the industry and the association,” said Gary Hensley, Adams an Oldcastle Company and NCMA Masonry Committee chair. “We continue to see increasing sales of concrete masonry products throughout North America, a very encouraging trend for all involved in the industry. The survey provides essential information, through annual updates that demonstrates what we are doing as an industry is working or that we need to make incremental changes to increase wall share.”
It is estimated that total production in the United States was 1.12 billion units in 2017 and 1.15 billion units in 2018. Estimated production in Canada was 100.8 million units in 2017 and 101.8 million units in 2018.
The complete survey is available for purchase through the NCMA Bookstore. Click here to buy it online. NCMA members should contact NCMA at (703) 713-1900 for member discounts and other purchase options.