Builders Merchants Journal – BMJ Publishing to Builders Merchants and the UK merchanting industry for more than 95 years
Brick stocks are at an all-time low, according to brick producer Michelmersh, which saw brick prices rise by 13.5% last year.
The manufacturer sold 70m bricks in 2014, 2.5m more than it made through its five brands Blockleys, Charnwood, Freshfield Lane, Michelmersh and Hathern Terra Cotta.
Chairman Eric Gadsden said: “A generational oversupply of bricks has come to an end and the market is now reliant on increasing levels of imports.
“The current environment brings a new set of challenges with our stocks, and industry stocks, at an all time low.
“Bricks are no longer immediately available on demand but we have successfully managed our customers’ requirements.”
Average selling prices last year increased to £395 per thousand as “sales were constrained by capacity for the first time in many years.”
The price rise helped Michelmersh double operating profit to £2.8m from £1.4m on turnover up to £28.5m from £25.9m
