Houses and commercial buildings can obtain exquisite looks with the proper use of architectural glass for various purposes such as skylights, walkways, windows, doors, building frontages, room dividers and the likes.
The architectural glass manufacturing market offers various options of glass items for beautifying and performance usages and also complies with requirements for heating, energy saving and lighting.
According to an IBISWorld expert, Andrea Alegria, although glass has always been used in all kinds of buildings such as schools, hospitals, commercial establishments, residences, retail shops etc., the downtrend in the construction industry over the past five years has also impacted the architectural glass industry in the overall market. This may cause the industry’s earnings to drop to 1.96 billion dollars by 2012.
Although exports somewhat sustain the industry revenues, imports lower the benefit to the local suppliers. Fall in demand leading to weakening profits has forced industry participants to take drastic measures such as trimming the workforce, getting rid of underperforming units, and lowering manufacturing capacities, which brought a significant drop in the number of employees and firms in the industry during 2012. Principal participants in the industry have been able to sustain themselves in the market as they contribute considerable to the market share concentration due to which they have a strong hold in the market. Company acquisitions, which have enabled them to expand their markets locally and worldwide, have helped them stay afloat; so has continuous research that helps them come up with new improved products.
Subsequent to marginal improvement in 2011, with constructions picking up, a greater demand for the newer designs, innovative applications, and improved architectural glass products is expected.
Source: http://www.ibisworld.com