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Key Manufacturing Industry Trends

2 Min Read

Market Trends and Technologies Shaping the Future

For PE firms looking for private equity investment opportunities, the non-metallic mineral product manufacturing sector is a top area to investigate. This industry—  which encompasses diverse products like glass, cement, ceramics, and stone—is experiencing a dynamic transformation driven by manufacturing industry trends, shifting market trends and innovative technologies. The global market is poised for significant growth, projected to reach $265B in 2024 and expected to grow at a CAGR of 1.20% from 2024 to 2029.1

This expansion is driven by increasing demand for sustainable materials, technological advancements in production processes, and a booming construction sector. Additionally, Apex Leaders has seen an uptick in projects associated with glass manufacturing and fabrication in 2024.

Manufacturing Industry Trends: Clear Growth in the Glass Market

The global glass manufacturing market, valued at USD 106.44 billion in 2021, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2022 to 2030.2 While the Asia Pacific region holds the largest market share, North America is the fastest-growing region. This expansion reflects broader manufacturing industry trends, driven by:

  • Increased construction spending: The booming construction industry fuels demand for glass in buildings and infrastructure.
  • Demand for recyclable packaging: Sustainability concerns are pushing the adoption of recyclable glass packaging.
  • Investment in renewable energy: The growing solar energy sector is driving demand for glass used in solar panels.

However, this growth trajectory faces a critical hurdle: a looming labor shortage. The number of employees in the sector is projected to reach 12.71 million in 2024, but a widening gap between available skilled workers and demand could hamper future growth.3

Worker shaping a glowing metal piece, illustrating manual labor and automation fusion in manufacturing industry trends.

Investor Insights for Manufacturing Industry Trends

The non-metallic mineral product manufacturing sector is ripe with potential for investors who understand its evolving landscape. Examining key manufacturing industry trends shows several factors propelling the non-metallic mineral product manufacturing industry’s growth trajectory, including.1

Sustainability Focus
  • Growing consumer demand for eco-friendly and recycled materials in construction and consumer goods.
  • Increasing corporate emphasis on sustainable sourcing and reducing environmental impact.
Technological Advancements
  • Innovation in manufacturing processes, leading to improved efficiency, reduced waste, and new product possibilities.
  • Adoption of digital technologies for enhanced quality control and supply chain management.
Construction Boom
  • Global urbanization and infrastructure development driving demand for cement, concrete, and other building materials.
  • Increased government spending on infrastructure projects in both developed and developing economies.
Skyscrapers reflecting the sky, symbolizing the rise of digitalization and smart factories in manufacturing industry trends.

Your window of opportunity is here.

Partnering with industry experts like Apex Leaders unlocks crystal-clear insights into market trends, regulations, and emerging technologies, enabling an investment thesis grounded in informed investment decisions and maximizing potential returns.

Resources:

1Glass and Glass Products Global Market Report 2024 

2Statista Non-Metallic Mineral – Worldwide 

3Tackling the Industry’s Biggest Challenge: Labor