Prefab
Some years ago, a study was published in which the productivity development of the construction sector was compared with the other industrial sectors. The study clearly showed that construction productivity hardly improved since 1950, while other industries significantly did. Also, it is a well-known fact that the profitability of construction, installation, and engineering companies is low. At the same time, the risk involved in construction projects is relatively high.
A key solution to become more profitable is to apply prefabricated elements and modules in projects and increase off-site production. On top of this, labour shortage is also a key driver for the growth of prefab and off-site construction in the last decade. The expectation is that prefab will continue to grow in the upcoming years.
How does prefab already impact the industry?
The impact of prefab and off-site construction on manufacturers and merchants is already visible:
- Different target groups to market the products to (new routes to markets).
- Alternative products applied in prefab causing product competition.
- A growing need for co-makers.
- Competitors starting prefab production.
- The decision-making process is simplified (decision power of architects, contractors, and installers on individual product and brand choices will be less).
What is next?
USP has been investigating prefabrication and off-site construction in the construction and installation market via dedicated research projects for sector organisations, manufacturers and merchants, and via our different European multiclient researches for more than a decade. From our researches among architects, contractors and installers, we know that the share of prefab will continue to grow in the upcoming years. This to improve profitability of the projects and as a necessity to deal with labour shortage.
How does USP help their customers with prefab studies?
With the topic prefab in mind, we help our customers to:
- Prefab market sizing and forecasting research (which segments? which products?)
- Product research to identify growth opportunities
- Identification of prefab and off-site producers in specific countries
- Needs and requirements research to become a co-maker of prefab producers
Latest news around prefab
We frequently publish news articles based on our latest market studies. Read our most recent articles about prefab below.
Contractors Anticipate Decrease in Prefab Usage Despite Labour Shortages and Digitalisation Trends
Context is key
To create an overview of market developments and provide context for client-specific researches, USP Marketing Consultancy has developed several monitors. We continuously research market developments and effects of key trends like labour shortage among architects, contractors, HVAC installers, electrical installers, painters and end-consumers, of which reports are published quarterly, semi-annually or annually.
Discover opportunities for your brand
Do you want to know how trends change your target groups’ demand, attitudes, perspectives and decision-making criteria, and whether your brand and products are answering their needs? Do you want to learn how you can make your customers’ lives easier whilst adding value to your brand? USP Marketing Consultancy specialises in various types of market research that can answer these questions, like customer satisfaction, driver analysis, customer journey, product development research, and many more.
Contact us
For more information about our expertise and research on building materials please contact the responsible partner below.
We look forward to help you.
Contact our expert:
Dirk Hoogenboom
