by Shane Henson — November 4, 2013—The new market research report Janitorial Equipment & Supplies to 2017, published by Freedonia Group, can now be purchased through RnRMarketResearch.com . This 286-page report analyzes the U.S. janitorial equipment and supply industry and its near future.
According to the report, the demand for janitorial equipment and supplies in the United States is forecast to advance 1.7 percent per year through 2017 to $7.2 billion. This rate is an improvement from the more sluggish gains of the 2007-2012 period. Sales of many of these products declined from 2007 to 2009 due to the recession and its subsequent effect on business activity levels. However, many businesses began purchasing new equipment between 2010 and 2012 as the economy improved, helping sales of most products return to pre-recession levels.
The report notes that through 2017, sales of janitorial equipment and supplies will be driven by continuing economic recovery and the corresponding return to higher levels of demand for cleaning activity, as well as expansion in the number of nonresidential establishments and floor space. Rising focus on sustainable practices will drive demand for higher-value environmentally friendly products that use less water and cleaning solution than comparable items. Ergonomic products will also continue to support value growth. However, overall gains will be limited to an extent by the reluctance of companies to reintroduce cleaning and maintenance costs that they cut during the recession.
The report also touches upon manual cleaning products, which are forecast to experience the fastest growth through 2017, driven by a more delayed recovery from the effects of the recession, as well as ongoing product development. For instance, sales of products such as wipes, cloths, and flat and wet mops will benefit from the continuing adoption of higher value microfiber, which requires minimal use of chemicals and lasts longer than standard products.
Also, according to the report, businesses will continue to turn to contract cleaners to reduce overhead costs associated with building maintenance. Purchases of janitorial equipment and supplies by contract cleaners are expected to outpace those of in-house staff in every market except for the industrial sector. This is due in part to the often unique and exacting cleaning needs in certain types of manufacturing environments, such as pharmaceutical or food processing, that may be better suited to in-house staff familiar with the facilities’ needs.
Profiles of 30 industry competitors, including Electrolux, Heritage Bag, Alfred Karcher, Katy Industries, Newell Rubbermaid, Nilfisk-Advance, Techtronic Industries, Tennant, 3M, and Weiler, are included in the report.
