Average productivity loss and average cost of productivity loss by work type, job tenure, gender and age group–primary analysis of a US manufacturing company.

Automotive glass manufacturers produce essential windows, windshields and mirrors for vehicle manufacturers and aftermarkets, including repair shops and retailers. Manufacturers have dealt with severe volatility through the current period, highlighted by the pandemic and then skyrocketing interest rates (though rate cuts began in 2024). Even so, pent-up demand for travel spurred new car sales and driving activity, contributing to strong growth in 2021 and offsetting declines from the pandemic. Overall, the industry has relied on a strong recovery from vehicle manufacturers to succeed. Revenue has expanded at an expected CAGR of 3.8% to $7.7 billion through 2025, including an expected growth of 0.9% in 2025. Over the past five years, average industry profit has seen significant growth from the 2020 historic lows. Automotive glass manufacturing is a highly globalized industry; imports from low-cost producers in Mexico and China pose a consistent, lingering threat to domestic manufacturers. Recently volatile, but consistently escalating, tariffs are driving up the cost of imports. Many companies have successfully shielded themselves from low-profit, mass-produced products by offering value-added, innovative automotive glass products. This strategy has also enabled companies to expand their presence in export markets, despite unfavorable exchange rates. Innovation will drive the industry's expansion through the outlook period. Advancements in head-up displays and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) will lead to stronger revenue growth and lay the groundwork for further innovation in autonomous driving technology. Similarly, improvements in solar and energy-efficient glass will pair with the proliferation of electric vehicles, potentially extending battery life and driving distance. Successful companies will likely receive more opportunities to collaborate closely with automakers and technology companies, enabling them to bolster their reputations. General macroeconomic expansion will also boost demand for new cars, supporting revenue growth. Overall, revenue will climb at an expected CAGR of 1.2% to reach $8.2 billion in 2025.

Blind and shade manufacturers have faced significant volatility and changing consumer preferences in recent years. Post-pandemic, uncertain economic conditions and a fluctuating construction sector caused revenue decline; however, as the economy has recovered, so has the manufacturing sector. Despite residential construction decreasing through 2025 at a rate of 0.3%, the value of non-residential construction, another primary driver, increased by 3.5%, which made up for the residential losses. In tandem with industry innovation shifting toward evolving consumer preferences like sustainable, energy-efficient, customizable and smart home-integrated shades, revenue has been expanding at an estimated CAGR of 1.3% over the past five years and is expected to reach $2.9 billion in 2025. Revenue will rise by an estimated 0.2% compared to the previous year. Significantly, the industry has become incredibly concentrated, with the two largest companies holding over 80% of the market share. Mergers and acquisitions have dominated the landscape, as companies with significant capital have been able to buy companies with existing networks, economies of scale or niche products. Additionally, there is a larger trend of international acquisitions to combat foreign competition. The recovery of the domestic economy saw profit grow from 9.3% in 2020 to 10.9% in 2025. Additionally, the industry's profit is forecasted to reach 11.7% in the next five years. Industry consolidation has the potential to constrain profit growth if innovation becomes stagnant due to complacency caused by having a significant market share. This is especially relevant if manufacturers prioritize price control over R&D. Increasingly, consumers are looking for more innovative solutions, so manufacturers that prioritize that will have an advantage. Over the coming years, vertical integration will be particularly advantageous for manufacturers as a way to mitigate risks from fluctuating input costs, especially as unpredictable tariff policies are expected in 2025. By consolidating supply chains and bringing key processes in-house, companies can reduce exposure to sudden tariff-induced price spikes on imported materials. Simultaneously, manufacturers need to be responsive to evolving consumer preferences for convenient, sustainable and customizable products, though near-future plans should primarily focus on strategically investing in supply chain resistance and new technologies. While residential construction is projected to decline through 2025, the overall value of both residential and nonresidential construction should rise through 2030. Additionally, a weakening US dollar will enable import penetration to inch downwards, supporting demand for domestic producers. As a result, revenue is forecast to rise at an estimated CAGR of 1.6% over the next five years, reaching an estimated $3.1 billion in 2030.

Over the five years through 2025-26, industry revenue is projected to rise at a compound annual rate of 8.1% to reach £973 million. Growth has been supported by strong branding, licensing deals and the rebound in retail sales. Games Workshop’s Amazon agreement is pushing Warhammer into mainstream entertainment, attracting new audiences, while Hornby has streamlined operations after leaving the stock market in 2025. HTI’s Sambro takeover has created the UK’s largest independent toy company, consolidating its licensing portfolio. Profit margins have remained above the wider manufacturing average, supported by consumer loyalty to premium products, even as manufacturers face higher wages, packaging levies and energy costs. Key external drivers continue to shape outcomes. ONS data shows that internet sales made up 27.2% of all UK retail sales in 2024, boosting direct-to-consumer channels and reducing reliance on wholesalers. Exports add further stability, with the UK shipping £28.6 million of playing cards in 2023, largely to the US and Australia, according to UN Comtrade data. However, reliance on imports exposes companies to shocks, with container costs quadrupling during the Red Sea crisis in October 2024. At the same time, packaging regulation is driving change, with the Plastic Packaging Tax rising to £223.69 per tonne in April 2025. These pressures are encouraging investment in greener packaging and digital design tools. In 2025-26, revenue is expected to grow 4.8% as stabilised costs support profitability. Looking ahead, conditions are set to tighten. The number of primary-age pupils in England is forecast to fall by 5% between 2025 and 2030, according to the Department for Education in 2025, shrinking the domestic customer base. Nonetheless, easing inflation should support demand, with household disposable income projected to grow 0.5% annually, according to the Office for Budget Responsibility. Permanent full expensing is also expected to boost automation investment. Over the five years through 2030-31, revenue is forecast to expand at a compound annual rate of 6.8% to reach £1.3 billion.