Lead times

Piling ? lead times have stayed at six weeks after last quarter’s fall. Suppliers continue to receive a steady workload although the number of enquiries for major projects has slowed.

Precast piling ? lead times have also remained at six weeks overall with suppliers reporting no change in activity.

For the fourth successive report, concrete works ? have been maintained at five weeks, although some suppliers are increasing lead times in line with their strong order books going into 2006.

The average lead time for structural steelwork ? has remained at 12 weeks. Suppliers have reported an increased number of enquiries, which, if converted to firm orders, are likely to increase lead times in the new year.

Reconstituted stone cladding ? fell one week to 28 weeks overall.

Natural stone cladding ? was kept at 25 weeks although suppliers noted a number of enquiries containing complex designs that could increase lead times in the new year.

Curtain walling ? reduced one week to 18 weeks, with previously reported issues over glass supply seeming to have been resolved.

The average lead time for atrium roofing ? has fallen two weeks to 27 weeks overall although suppliers say this is likely to only be a short-term reduction.

Lead times for the membrane roofing ? sector are up one week to nine overall with suppliers noting an increase in orders at the end of 2005.

Profiled roofing ? lead times also increased one week to 14 weeks overall.

Lead times for facade cleaning equipment ? has increased a further two weeks after last quarter’s increase to 24 weeks, because of a general boost in workload.

The lead time for metal windows ? has reduced one week in the period to 15 weeks.

Brickwork and blockwork ? lead times are unchanged at four weeks.

Dry lining ? is still at nine weeks but suppliers note an upturn in enquires that could increase lead times in the new year.

Lead times for demountable partitions ? have remained at 10 weeks for the second successive quarter with suppliers reporting a steady workload moving into 2006.

General joinery ? is maintained at 12 weeks overall with no noticeable variances since March, although one supplier did say there was capacity in 2006 that could reduce lead times.

Specialist joinery ? lead times are up one week to 17 weeks, as predicted last quarter.

Raised floors ? are still at six weeks. However all suppliers said they anticipated lead times increasing in the new year because of a number of large commercial enquiries.

Suspended ceiling ? lead times have reduced to 16 weeks overall. However suppliers report a large number of major enquiries that may increase lead in time in the next period.

Architectural metalwork ? suppliers have maintained lead times at 13 weeks overall for the second successive quarter, although there are reports of slowdown of workload.

Decorating ? lead times are unchanged at five weeks – however, suppliers have reported a strong order book for 2006.

Lead times for internal stone finish ? have decreased one week to 16 weeks as predicted in last quarter’s article. Suppliers cite to a combination of available capacity and a general increase in stone availability.

Non standard lift ? lead times have been maintained at 41 weeks overall, but this is likely to increase in the new year.

Ductwork ? lead times have been kept at 11 weeks overall, although suppliers continue to report available capacity that may reduce lead times in the forthcoming period.

Lead times for sprinkler installations ? remain at eight weeks despite suppliers reporting problems with some materials.

The average lead for electrical supplies ? has been maintained at 13 weeks overall with variances across specific elements such as luminaires generally at 6 to 8 weeks, modular wiring also at 6 to 8 weeks, switchgear at 8 to 10 weeks and transformers at 12 to 16 weeks.

Several areas of the supply chain are now advising that 2006 order books are becoming busy. Many believe the recommencement of several large commercial schemes alongside the boost in public sector projects will create an increase in lead times during 2006.

To contribute, go to www.Mace.co.uk/foresite or email foresite@mace.co.uk or pdalton@mace.co.uk