Frost: Industrial Boilers Set for Growth in N. America
December 13, 2007 // Published as a news service by IHS
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Given rising fuel prices and growing concern over power shortages, products such as boilers gain significance in North American industrial applications.
According to Frost & Sullivan, this trend propels growth in the replacement and retrofit market for boilers as clients struggle with the high energy costs of old boilers and are encouraged to replace this equipment with new and more efficient industrial boilers.
Recent analysis from Frost & Sullivan of the North American industrial boilers markets found earned revenues of $254.4 million in 2006, with estimates to reach $282.5 million by 2012.
"Improvements in the economy influence growth in the North American industrial boilers markets," said Frost & Sullivan research analyst Jorge Moreno.
"Significant improvements in productivity and resilient consumer spending are key aspects of the economic recovery in North America."
Analysts said the potential for economic growth increases when change occurs in energy prices, productivity gains and global economic stability.
Business investment and net exports expect to become the main sources of growth. Consumer spending also expects to be a source of growth, but to a lesser extent. The increase in capital investments should have a significant impact, but will fall back gradually.
The market experiences a growing demand for modular boilers, which can benefit end-users in terms of convenience, reduced redundancy and the bottom dollar. Analysts said the demand creates a low margin, high volume business. This is partly driven by end-users that become more hesitant to rely on a single unit. Smaller units expect to grow in size to meet bigger demands.
Despite several positive trends, the increasing migration of manufacturing from North America restrains market growth. Analysts said North American process companies outsource to foreign countries to build plants due to cheaper labor, looser environmental regulations and less emphasis on plant safety.
"The boiler industry becomes a more competitive marketplace as the level of manufacturing in North America decreases from what it was several years ago," said Moreno. "Manufacturers that cannot survive on low prices or have not distinguished themselves from competition, struggle to stay in business and will likely fall prey to being bought out or may simply disappear."
Source: Frost & Sullivan.