Competitive position of sand-lime bricks in the domestic market, threats and opportunities for manufacturers

The problem of assessing the prospects of silicate bricks in the domestic market of small wall materials is discussed. The solution to this problem is based on the results of the analysis of the market situation, consumer preferences and competitiveness of silicate bricks. It is shown that in the period from 2014 to 2021 due to the stronger competitive position of autoclaved aerated concrete blocks and face ceramic bricks, the capacity of the market of silicate bricks decreased, its production volume and share in the structure of consumption of small-piece wall materials. The results of marketing research conducted on the basis of online questionnaires of respondents are presented, according to which the majority of respondents consider face ceramic bricks to be the material that best meets their requirements in terms of quality and appearance. The calculations showed that despite the fact that ceramic bricks have almost equal positions in terms of technical parameters and worse positions in terms of aesthetics, the most competitive material is, nevertheless, silicate bricks, which have a relatively low price. A number of threats for silicate brick producers include a decrease in demand for products, a high degree of wear and tear of technological equipment, dependence on foreign supplies of pigments, spare parts and components for equipment, insufficient level of professional competence of the personnel, etc. It is expected that in the future a number of manufacturers of sand-lime bricks will have to face the following challenges. It is assumed that in the future the ordinary silicate bricks will apparently “leave” the construction market, in connection with which manufacturers will have to focus on improving the quality and aesthetic parameters of facial silicate bricks while maintaining an attractive price for consumers.