The revival of the residential construction sector is presenting strong opportunities for personal protective equipment (PPE) manufacturers in North America, according to new analysis from London-based research firm Frost & Sullivan. In Strategic Analysis of the North American Construction Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Market, researchers find that the increasing enforcement of safety regulations at construction sites is further fueling adoption, especially of fall protection and high-visibility protective clothing. As cost continues to edge out comfort, design and style as the primary decision-making factor among consumers, offering cost-effective products will help manufacturers capitalize on growing market demand, according to the study.
The report finds that the market earned revenues of $1.04 billion in 2014 and estimates this to reach $1.25 billion in 2019. This research covers above-the-neck protection (head, eye, face and hearing protection), respiratory protection, protective gloves, high-visibility protective clothing, protective footwear and fall protection.
“North American manufacturers are actively developing teams to educate end users and distributors on the benefits of PPE, thus propelling sales in an industry traditionally plagued by low safety awareness,” says Frost & Sullivan chemicals, materials, food and PPE Senior Research Analyst Aparna Balasubramanian. “Customer service and value-added features are evolving with PPE manufacturers providing on-site support as well as training on proper selection, usage, maintenance and replacement schedules.”
Although uptake is rising, construction companies in the region remain unwilling to equip employees with expensive equipment as the industry is characterized by a transient workforce, according to the study. Moreover, most well-established distributors sell private label products sourced either from Asian or regional vendors, leading to pricing pressures and limited profits, the study states.
In addition, the analysis notes the price-sensitive construction industry has typically been ignored in terms of product and technology innovation as well as industry-specific customization. The low degree of technical change restrains price and revenue growth.
“PPE market participants must tailor products to the requirements of the industry, while employing cost-efficient business practices to ensure that the end product remains competitive in terms of price,” suggests Balasubramanian. “Becoming a one-stop shop to meet the varied PPE needs of the construction domain will enable manufacturers to build a solid customer base and strengthen their footprint in the North American construction PPE market.”
The report finds that the market earned revenues of $1.04 billion in 2014 and estimates this to reach $1.25 billion in 2019. This research covers above-the-neck protection (head, eye, face and hearing protection), respiratory protection, protective gloves, high-visibility protective clothing, protective footwear and fall protection.
“North American manufacturers are actively developing teams to educate end users and distributors on the benefits of PPE, thus propelling sales in an industry traditionally plagued by low safety awareness,” says Frost & Sullivan chemicals, materials, food and PPE Senior Research Analyst Aparna Balasubramanian. “Customer service and value-added features are evolving with PPE manufacturers providing on-site support as well as training on proper selection, usage, maintenance and replacement schedules.”
Although uptake is rising, construction companies in the region remain unwilling to equip employees with expensive equipment as the industry is characterized by a transient workforce, according to the study. Moreover, most well-established distributors sell private label products sourced either from Asian or regional vendors, leading to pricing pressures and limited profits, the study states.
In addition, the analysis notes the price-sensitive construction industry has typically been ignored in terms of product and technology innovation as well as industry-specific customization. The low degree of technical change restrains price and revenue growth.
“PPE market participants must tailor products to the requirements of the industry, while employing cost-efficient business practices to ensure that the end product remains competitive in terms of price,” suggests Balasubramanian. “Becoming a one-stop shop to meet the varied PPE needs of the construction domain will enable manufacturers to build a solid customer base and strengthen their footprint in the North American construction PPE market.”