Bathroom and Kitchen PODs Market UK 2008-2012

A new AMA report provides a major review of the UK bathroom and kitchen pods Market.

The bathroom and kitchen pods market has an estimated value of £190 million at manufacturer selling prices in 2007.

In 2008, the market for bathroom and kitchen pods is expected to show some growth and is forecast to be around £228 million at manufacturers selling price, which represents an increase of around 20% compared to 2007. This growth rate is unlikely to be repeated in 2009, when growth is expected to drop to 9%. By 2012, the market value is estimated to be around £345 million at MSP.

In the longer term, it is anticipated that the major potential for growth lies in the domestic residential sector, in particular social and affordable housing. The current downturn in the housing market may emphasise this evolution as building costs come under stricter control.

The pods market is dominated by prefabricated bathroom pods. The market for prefabricated kitchen pods has seen some growth in recent years with the development of social and affordable housing but still only accounts for around 10% of the total pods market.

The majority of pods are manufactured from either concrete (37%), steel frame or glass reinforced plastic GRP. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages. Concrete pods are heavy, typically weighing 2-3 tonnes, but they offer the possibility of greater structural rigidity and high quality finishes. Steel framed pods offer a light weight solution whilst maintaining rigidity. GRP pods are very light weight and so have less structural rigidity but offer advantages in terms of hygiene and leak resistance.

The leading players in the UK prefabricated bathroom and kitchen pod market in 2007 are RB Farquhar, Saniflex, EJ Badekabiner, Gateway Pods and Off-Site Solutions, with a combined volume share of around 30%. Other companies include a number of importers such as Ensuite Solutions, European Ensuites, Baudet and Europod plus manufacturers such as Buchan Concrete Solutions and OEP Raterad. There are also a growing number of new players entering this market including Kondor Pods, Elements Europe, Connection (NI) and Hemway Pod It. Around 40% of prefabricated pods are imported from outside the UK.

Key application areas for prefabricated bathroom and kitchen pods include education (23%), defence, healthcare, hotels and domestic residential housing.The market for bathroom and kitchen pods in the domestic residential sector is greatest in social housing, in affordable housing schemes and in flats/apartment blocks.

AMA Research's ‘Bathroom and Kitchen PODs Market - UK 2008-2012’ report is available in hard copy or electronic format for £625 and can be ordered online at http://www.amaresearch.co.uk or by calling 0871 3103450.