Industry Analysis & Industry Trends
Over the five years through 2012-13, the Structural Metal Product Manufacturing industry has suffered as a result of the global financial crisis. The fortunes of the industry are inextricably linked to the level of construction activity within the residential, industrial and commercial sectors, all of which experienced robust growth prior to the collapse of the housing market in 2007. A combination of the credit crunch and the global financial crisis effectively crippled the industry by late 2008 as demand dropped. Prices of inputs such as steel also experienced dramatic volatility over this period, as rising prices led to gross oversupply.
The industry produces a wide variety of goods for a range of markets... purchase to read more
Industry Report - Starting a New Business Chapter
Barriers to entry to the structural steel fabricating industry vary widely across the industry's different market segments. For example, barriers are relatively low at the less skilled end of the market. This end of the market is involved in manufacturing relatively simple and generic products such as doors and hand rails. While entry at this end of the market requires investment in capital equipment, the equipment is relatively simple and long lasting. A relatively low level of labour is required by these types of operators since design input is minimal.
More significant barriers exist for entry into more specialised areas of the market catering to large commercial and industrial clients... purchase to read more