Although the construction industry has largely remained static for the past two years, growth in office, retail and other non-residential construction has been negative, the residential housing market is expected to increase by just 2% during 2012.

Corobrik remains resilient and is looking to the launch of new products and growth in the affordable housing sector to maintain its strong performance. Dirk Meyer, managing director of Corobrik, said that the R500 million that company invested in its manufacturing operations prior to the building downturn in 2007, the implementation of energy efficient and environmentally responsible operating systems as well as ongoing training and development of staff had proved a strong foundation on which to build. As a result, Corobrik has the capacity and flexibility needed to continue growing in uncertain, unpredictable and sometimes shrinking markets.

“We will preserve our core values and protect our position in our core markets. On the manufacturing side, we remain focused on driving down manufacturing costs, driving up product quality and optimising flexibility. This will not only enable us to continue to grow market share in established markets, but also expand market share in affordable and low cost housing markets as well as expand our footprint in the paving market,” he says.

Over the past 20 years, the low cost and affordable housing markets have been dominated by cement based products.

“We stand to benefit from diversifying and launching new products such as the CoroJem and PlasterJem which are not only competitive during initial construction but provide longer term benefits such as durability, low maintenance costs and lower energy consumption,” continues Meyer.

During 2012, these products accounted for more than 20% of Corobrik’s sales with plenty of potential for further growth. Meyer points out that conventional clay bricks had already proved their worth both in the suburban residential market and in the building of hospitals, schools and shopping centres. Clay brick combines low upkeep with a “desirability factor” and status, which is important for first time property investors who want their homes to stand out from basic low cost housing.

The CoroJem – a much larger face brick that is laid as a single skin – closely resembles standard face brick and has the same functional features, according to Meyer.

“Unlike rendered and painted masonry which often cracks and requires on-going maintenance within a very short space of time, CoroJems offer durability, structural strength, flexibility in design and application as well as sound proofing qualities and natural resistance to fire.”