The UK construction industry has had a good 2018 so far but it is too early to celebrate, according the Construction Equipment Association (CEA).
Figures released by the UK equipment statistics exchange revealed sales of construction and earthmoving equipment in the UK grew by 5.7% in the first quarter of the year compared to the same three-month period in 2017.
Mini- and midi- (up to 10 metric tons) excavators proved to be the most popular machines and showed 8% growth in Q1, but the biggest growth area was for telehandlers with 27% more sales than Q1 2017.
The encouraging results were welcome, particularly given the wider economic circumstances but the CEA has warned that there are signs the upturn will not be indefinite.
The trade association highlighted the impact of Highways England’s spend on smart motorways as a factor in the continued weak sales of compaction rollers as such projects focus less on carriageway work and instead favour introducing new structures.
A CEA spokesperson said, “The results are encouraging against the background of a weak construction market in the first quarter of the year. However, while equipment sales remain on an upward trend on a quarterly basis, the levels of growth are showing a slowing momentum.”
May 11, 2018
