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News Release from: Plimsoll Publishing
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 19 May 2006
UK metal fabrication industry
performance improves
With 25 of the UK's largest metal fabricators companies - which appear to have a 'strong hold' on the fabrication market - are leading a resurgence in the industry, says a report.
25 of the UK's largest Metal Fabricators companies are leading a resurgence in the industry It may come as a surprise to many that the 'shoots' of recovery are showing in the UK Metal Fabricators industry
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 15 Jul 2003 at 8.00am (UK)
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This encouraging news however is down to only 25 of the UK's largest 100 companies, according to a new study by industry analysts Plimsoll Publishing.
The top 100 companies enjoy a dominant position in the market, accounting for 83% of the total metal fabricators sector, up from 78% four years ago.
As a group, they are gaining more control of the market.
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Yet look within these leading players and it is clear that a minority of 25 companies are responsible for this 'tightening grip'.
As an example of their success over the last 4 years, these 25 companies have established a strong hold on the market.
* In the last 4 years sales have increased by 54%.
* In the last 4 years profits have improved 179%.
* In the last 4 years staff levels have increased by 8%.
David Pattison, senior analyst, commented, "These 25 companies are setting themselves apart from the other major players, who look tired by comparison".
"You do not pull in financial results like this, over such a length of time, by accident".
"They are telling us something about the direction of the market, a sort of elite resurgence." The comparison with the other 75 of the Top 100 UK companies is stark, confirming Pattison's view.
At these 75 companies: * In the last 4 years sales did not increase at all.
* In the last 4 years profits have remained unchanged.
* In the last 4 years staff numbers have fallen by 6%.
The big question is where do these major companies go next? Pattison pointed to the analysis for the answer: "As any business leader knows, you need to understand your starting position before you can plan forwards".
"We have established exactly where these companies are now and even provided a best plan for moving each of them forwards based on their current financial performance." The future business plans place each of the UK's top 100 companies into one of three business scenarios.
* 25 companies, already in an excellent position, are primed for a period of growth.
An expansion plan for these ambitious companies puts their future market share well beyond their current performance.
* 60 companies have their work cut out to get their principal business on a firm financial footing.
A demonstrated strategy, if followed, shows how the values of these companies could double in a year.
* 15 companies are facing financial distress.
Their safest option is a period of consolidation where up to 500 jobs could be lost, essential if they are to come to terms with their latest position in the market.
The full 360 paged publication has analysed each of the UK's largest 100 companies, based on turnover, over their last 4 years of financial results.
It has assessed and compared their fundamental financial performances and presented the findings in an easy to read format.
Copies of the analysis are available for GBP 500.
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