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German Window Market Rebounding
After several years of declines, window sales in Germany are increasing, according to a recent report from Vienna-based Interconnection Consulting. Unit volume was up 6.4 percent in 2006 to 11.4 million, and will continue to increase over the next several years. In the coming years, the growth rate will be weaker, but remain in the positive range, the firm predicts. It is expected that 12.3 million window units will be sold by the year 2010.
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A sample of the 2007 IC Market Tracking Windows in Germany report, available from Interconnection Consulting's Web site. |
For the short term, new construction will account for much of the increased demand, due largely to changes in taxes and subsidies. The analysts see a return to traditional market patterns in Germany, however, with renovation activity driving the window market.
The most requested framing material continues to be PVC. The growth rates for this product will outrank those of other materials in the future, for its frequent use in renovation projects. With its low cost, it also fits today’s mindset of “the cheaper, the better,” according to Alexander Bonat, branch expert at Interconnection Consulting. “Nevertheless, lumber will continue to have a strong hold in the window market in the long run,” he continues. “The future of wooden windows does not lie in cheap construction, but instead with the architecturally demanding segment of customers. Not to be forgotten is also the demand of our growing population of customers who seek natural building materials.
The IC Market Tracking Windows in Germany report annually analyzes the market situation in the country. It contains market figures in quantity and value for the years 2000-2006, development forecasts up to 2009, as well as segmentation by four criteria: product/material groups, renovation/new construction, residential/non-residential and distribution channels as well as market shares of the biggest window manufacturers. The 550-page study is available for 2,990 € (about $4,100). More information about IC Consulting is available at http://www.interconnectionconsulting.com.
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