Engineering growth

The latest report from PMR Research estimates that the  civil-engineering sector in Poland will generate zł.250 billion between 2007 and 2010. In 2010, the civil engineering market will be worth an estimated zł.74.3 billion, nearly twice as much as it is today. In H1 of this year, the value of the sector grew 35 percent over the same period last year, to zł.12.1 billion. This figure made up nearly half the value of the entire construction industry, meaning civil engineering is well placed to become the most dynamic area of the market over the next few years.

Steadily recovering after a period of stunted growth from 2000-2004, the sector rose 12 percent in 2005 and as much as 22 percent in 2006, reaching an estimated zł.27.1 billion by the end of the year. PMR's construction analyst Bartłomiej Sosna predicted that civil engineering projects will generate 34-percent more revenues for construction firms this year than in 2006.

"In 2008, growth will be even higher, however over the next two years, it will drop slightly," said Sosna, adding that even with the drop, civil engineering will still be a high-growth sector within Poland's construction market.

"Over the entire period, we estimate an average rate of growth for the sector at 27 percent," added Sosna.

Road, rail and airport construction will see the greatest injection of funds over the next few years, as Poland and the EU address the country's ailing infrastructure. In addition, a great deal of investment will be dedicated to developing production plants for the energy and chemical industries. Mining, glassworks and steelworks industries will also see investments, as Poland increases its activity in coal extraction and alternative fuel solutions.