OBERSTDORF, Germany – The Western European market for construction adhesives will grow by 1.8 percent in terms of value in 2011. The recovery from the economic crisis, which hit the construction industry significantly in 2008, began in 2010 and continues in 2011. A new study by Interconnection Consulting shows that the gradual upswing of the construction industry in Germany is the main driver of this turnaround.

Germany, the motor of the construction industry in Western Europe, is recording positive growth in the construction adhesive market with an expected turnover of €1.5 billion in 2011. The Interconnection study shows that cementitious adhesives still constitute the largest share, but other product groups, like adhesives with two or more components, are catching up quickly.

Italy, the second-biggest European stronghold for construction adhesive manufacturing, is facing growing demand as well. Growth rates of three percent are expected after 2012. The outlook for the French market is promising, with a growth of around two percent in value in the coming years. A similar development can be observed in the United Kingdom, which saw a turnover of €260 million in 2010.

The Spanish market was hit hard by the economic crisis. From 2010 to 2011, a decrease of 9.3 percent is expected.

Poland increased its production in terms of quantity by 4.3 percent from 2009 to 2010. Experts forecast an increasing influence on the European market due to cheap production costs in Poland.