Compared to sales in 2016 and 2017, the overall sales of concrete masonry units (CMU) increased 2.6% in the United States and 1.9% in Canada, according to a study released by the National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA). For manufacturers, more than 85% of reported production in the United States was gray block as compared to nearly 50% of production in Canada.
The 2018 NCMA CMU Sales Survey is first year for this industry sales survey for concrete masonry units. In total, 44 individual companies provided data for the survey, all of which were manufacturers. The producers that responded represent 210 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 2.9% increase in sales. Increases in sales in 2017 were also seen for gray block and architectural block as well.
“This overall survey is not only definitive, it’s more than encouraging,” said Gary Hensley, Adams, an Oldcastle Company and NCMA Masonry Committee Chair. “Altogether, it not only shows the demand for the various concrete masonry products, but a spike in its value. Anyone in the industry will feel a boost — according to this research.”
It is estimated that total production in the United States was 1.09 billion units in 2016 and 1.12 billion units in 2017. Estimated production in Canada was 98.9 million units in 2016 and 100.8 million units in 2017.