Solid surface industry set for significant growth in 2025
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January 6, 2025
Sameer Sawant, Director of Velstone, discusses the promising outlook for the solid surface industry in 2025.
As we start 2025, the solid surface industry stands at the cusp of significant growth, driven by several key markets that promise to reshape our sector. At Velstone, we’re particularly optimistic about two prominent sectors that are set to dominate the landscape: student accommodation and education.
The student accommodation sector is experiencing unprecedented expansion and shows no signs of slowing down. We’re currently engaged with several projects and are also in talks for a project comprising more than 1,000 bathrooms.
The education sector presents another substantial opportunity. Following the recent political transition, we anticipate a significant uptick in educational spending that was previously held back due to the uncertainty brought by the election. As the UK’s leading supplier to laboratory manufacturers, we’re perfectly positioned to meet this demand, particularly with our innovative 25mm thick solid surface solution. This product, which eliminates the need for on-site templating and additional substrate materials, while offering superior strength and fire resistance, is ideally suited for school laboratory environments.
In terms of market trends, customisation will continue to drive innovation. We’re seeing increasing demand for bespoke colours across all project scales, from individual installations to major developments. Our ability to match RAL and Dulux colours, and replicate digital images, for precise colour matching sets us apart in meeting these sophisticated requirements. Interestingly, we’re also witnessing a resurgence in marble effect finishes, where we maintain a competitive edge as one of the most cost-effective suppliers.
Looking ahead, Velstone is poised for growth. Our January 2025 projection has indicated a doubling of sales compared to the previous year, largely driven by the release of previously delayed projects due to economic and political uncertainty.
We are also dealing with more and more companies in Europe, particularly in Italy and Spain, so there are some very exciting opportunities for us next year.
The government’s ambitious target to build 1.5 million homes over the next five years presents another significant opportunity. This initiative will drive demand not only for residential applications but also for the supporting infrastructure, including retail spaces, schools, and healthcare facilities.
As we move forward, our focus remains on innovation, quality, and meeting the evolving needs of our customers. With our strong market position, comprehensive product portfolio, and bespoke delivery, we are confident that 2025 will be a transformative year for both Velstone and the solid surface industry.
