MASSIVE OPPORTUNITIES IN THE VOLUMETRIC CONCRETE MIXER MARKET
DON’T MISS OUT! MASSIVE OPPORTUNITIES IN THE VOLUMETRIC CONCRETE MIXER MARKET LIE AHEAD
The construction industry in the United States is poised for growth over the next decade and beyond. Whilst forecasts throughout 2019 and 2020 were cautious, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed in late 2021 has changed the industry’s outlook.
The law prioritizes rebuilding and upgrading roads and bridges, among other key projects. Whilst infrastructure projects of this magnitude benefit the entire construction sector, volumetric concrete mixers are uniquely suited to them. Mobile mixers excel at delivering high-quality, time-sensitive solutions to demanding customers. Put simply, there has never been a better time to invest in a fleet of volumetric concrete mixers.
THE U.S. CONCRETE INDUSTRY AT A GLANCE
For the past decade or so, the American construction industry was split firmly through the middle. Private sector construction spending outperformed the public sector by a ratio of 3:1. Despite the pandemic, spending grew steadily.
New construction projects built in 2020 were valued at $1.5 trillion. The figures are expected to remain the same for 2021; statistics are not yet available. By 2025, experts believe the industry will hit $1.8 trillion.
Concrete has been an integral part of the industry’s success. According to the Contractors Society of America, it remains the nation’s most popular building material. Nationwide, the Readymix concrete industry generated $38.5 billion in revenue in 2021. The sector’s growth is generally linked to the growth of the residential construction market.
Therefore, it is not surprising that residential construction accounts for 42% of the concrete market. Private, non-residential construction constitutes 31%. At this time, infrastructure, utilities, and public works only represent 22% of the market.
Experts predict that the entire sector will grow at a rate of 11% per year until at least 2025. Crucially, there is already an underserved market segment worth $578 million. This underserved market stretches across all segments of the concrete sector and presents a large part of the opportunity for volumetric concrete mixers.
Another consideration is the predicted growth of the concrete market’s infrastructure segment. The Biden administration has made sure of that with the passing of its infrastructure law. Volumetric concrete mixers are especially well suited to road and bridge construction.
Between the opportunities provided by an underserved market and increased investment in infrastructure projects, volumetric concrete mixers have a bright future ahead.
HOW VOLUMETRIC MIXERS HELP CONTRACTORS SEIZE THE OPPORTUNITY
A well-maintained infrastructure is at the center of economic development throughout the United States. According to the Portland Cement Association, “infrastructure is the foundation that connects that nation’s businesses, communities, and people, driving our economy and improving our quality of life.”
The Biden administration has made it clear that the building and re-building of roads, highways, and bridges will be a priority, alongside utilities such as wastewater systems. Another key feature of the President’s executive order is “investing public dollars efficiently and equitably, working to avoid waste.”
Volumetric concrete mixers are the ideal tool for those jobs. Their versatility allows them to outperform Readymix competitors. Contractors using mobile mixers benefit from cost savings because they can avoid wasting partial loads of Readymix concrete. Productivity on a given job site remains high as there is no need to wait for delayed concrete deliveries. Plus, mobile mixers are well suited to working in remote areas.
VOLUMETRIC CONCRETE MIXERS FOR ROADS AND HIGHWAYS
Roads and highways are among the priorities of the federal infrastructure initiative. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) estimates that every year, American roads require an investment of $170 billion annually. This amount would ensure sufficient funds to support adequate maintenance and repairs.
The Biden administration has allocated $52.5 billion to highways alone for 2022. This figure represents the largest federal investment in decades. Over the next five years, the administration will dedicate $350 billion to highway programs.
Contractors bidding for work as part of the infrastructure initiative will gain an edge over their competitors by using volumetric mixers. Mobile mixers can easily accommodate different concrete specifications on one single project.
Rather than waiting for several trucks to deliver several different mixes, one volumetric mixer can cover all requirements. As long as there is a steady supply of raw materials, changing the concrete mix is simple with the ProAll range of volumetric mixers. Each is fitted with the Commander control system, allowing operators to choose mixes with the help of a convenient control pad.
Once a specific mix has been poured, the operator re-programs the mixer, and – without delay – the new mix is ready for another part of the same project.
Minimizing downtime is crucial during road and highway construction. Lengthy road closures are worse than inconvenient. They can be detrimental to the affected communities and businesses located on that stretch of road. Because volumetric mixers can be ready to pour fresh concrete at any time, including overnight work. As a result, construction progresses more quickly and efficiently.
VOLUMETRIC MIXERS FOR BRIDGE PROJECTS
“Replacing, repairing, and rehabilitating bridges” is a key part of the federal infrastructure program. Up until the end of the past year, $12.8 billion was spent annually on bridges, according to FHWA figures.
The agency had previously stated that an annual investment of $20.5 was needed to clear America’s bridge backlog by 2028. At this stage, the federal government has pledged to spend over $27 billion on bridges across all 50 states and territories.
Some of the largest bridge construction and repair projects are in remote locations. Those locations are notoriously difficult to serve by premixed concrete trucks. Trucks may be delayed on route, jeopardizing the quality of the mix. The same delays can put the entire project behind schedule and increase costs.
Volumetric concrete mixers are well-suited to construction projects in remote locations. The equipment can be set up for a continuous pour on large projects. Contractors and operators only need to ensure a constant supply of raw materials. Depending on the model of mobile mixer, contractors can even create a mobile batch plant on a remote site.
Moreover, projects benefit from high-quality, fresh concrete, even in remote locations. Because volumetric mixers make and pour virtually simultaneously, there is no chance for the mix to deteriorate.
VOLUMETRIC MIXERS FOR SPECIALIST PROJECTS
Versatility is arguably the biggest advantage of volumetric mixers.
The Commander control system allows operators to achieve precise mixes, simply by programming the ratio of cement, aggregate, and water. For specialist projects, including wastewater treatment infrastructure, consistency of the concrete mix is critical.
Volumetric mixers allow contractors to achieve this consistency easily with a continuous pour. By not relying on several deliveries of premixed concrete, construction professionals can altogether avoid problems with inconsistent batches.
Mobile mixers are also capable of creating specialist mixes like shotcrete or pervious concrete, which are essential for stormwater projects.
REPAIR, REMODEL, RETROFIT
The opportunities in the volumetric concrete mixer market are not contingent on new building projects. In fact, because of their ability to pour precise amounts of concrete, volumetric mixers are well suited to projects focused on improving existing infrastructure.
By bidding on projects from this so-called “3-R Pyramid”, volumetric concrete contractors can differentiate themselves clearly from their competitors. They can take advantage of jobs looking for specialty contractors. Not all of those projects are easily served by Readymix contractors.
Whilst the construction industry is set for a period of growth, repairs, maintenance, and upgrades offer great sources of income during tougher economic times. Owning a volumetric concrete mixer gives your business the flexibility to benefit from the growth driven by infrastructure investment now. In addition, your company will have a versatile asset generate income for decades to come.
OVERVIEW OF INFRASTRUCTURE OPPORTUNITIES FOR VOLUMETRIC MIXERS
Versatility, cost-saving, and on-demand pouring are three of the advantages volumetric mixers have over conventional Readymix trucks.
When it comes to infrastructure projects, mobile mixers are better suited to a range of construction jobs, including:
- Small loads for utility projects
- Rapid repairs where “time is money”
- Emergency, after-hours repairs
- Repair projects calling for slower pours
- Setting up temporary mobile batch plants on remote sites
- Auger cast piles for deep foundations
- Pervious concrete or shotcrete for stormwater products
- Street cuts and duct banks for utility projects
FINAL THOUGHTS
Purchasing a volumetric concrete mixer is a large investment for many construction contractors. However, they are the tool of choice if your business is looking to take advantage of the unique opportunities in the concrete industry right now.
The combination of a large, underserved market segment and serious federal infrastructure investment is a guarantor for growth for years to come. Volumetric concrete mixers allow you to seize this chance to make headway and expand your business.
If you’re looking for support in developing a business plan to take advantage of this exciting market trend, contact us today to get in touch with one of our expert consultants at Concrete Business Solutions by ProAll.
