Clay Product & Refractory Manufacturing
Companies in this industry manufacture clay pottery, ceramics, plumbing fixtures, building materials, and refractory products. Major companies include Dal-Tile, Gerber Plumbing Fixtures, and Kohler (all of the US) as well as Kyocera, Shinagawa Refractories, and TOTO (all of Japan), Interceramic (Mexico), RHI Magnesita (the Netherlands), and Vesuvius (UK).
The global refractory market is forecast to have a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 5% by 2034 to occupy a market size of about $40 billion, according to Fact.MR. Worldwide demand for plumbing fixtures and fitting is expected to develop at a CAGR of about 8%, reaching about $150 billion by 2028, according to the Business Research Company. Urbanization and rising incomes in the developing world, along with recovering construction markets in North America and Western Europe, are the chief demand drivers for plumbing fixtures.
The US clay product and refractory industry includes about 1,100 establishments (single-location companies and units of multi-location companies) with combined revenue of about $8 billion.
Competitive Landscape
Demand is driven by industrial production of metals, glass, and other mineral-based products, as well as construction spending. The profitability of individual companies depends on efficient operations, as many products are considered commodities. Large companies enjoy economies of scale in purchasing and marketing. Small companies can compete effectively by developing new products with innovative features. The US industry is concentrated: the top 50 companies account for about 70% of industry revenue.
Imports, which primarily come from China, Mexico, Italy, and Japan, account for about 55% of the US market. Exports account for about 30% of US production. Top export markets for US manufacturers of clay and refractory products include China, Mexico, Italy, and Japan.
Products, Operations & Technology
Major product groups include clay floor (more than 15% of industry revenue), all wet and dry process porcelain products (some 10%), and vitreous plumbing
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