Concrete Ontario warns of shortages caused by COVID-19

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Ontario Construction News staff writer

Concrete Ontario (the Ready Mixed Concrete Association of Ontario) has warned contractors that ready-mix concrete and cement shortages are likely this fall because of COVID-19.

In a bulletin, the association says pressures from the pandemic will โ€œlikely continue to impact the supply of concrete for the foreseeable future.โ€

โ€œTo mitigate the potential effects of shortages and service interruptions, everyone in the supply chain should significantly advance their planning and preparation to ensure a stable supply of concrete and their ability to meet the increased demand,โ€ the notice says.

Concrete Ontario says ready-mix producersโ€™ โ€œwell-established business processes, systems and facilities are under increased strainโ€ because:

  • The economic shutdown in the spring and early summer, as well as the restrictions of the emergency orders, placed unusual pressure on supply chains and cement inventories;
  • Because of businessโ€™s seasonal nature, the โ€œfall traditionally sees an increased demand for cement and concrete as projects are nearing completion prior to the winter season;โ€
  • Pent-up demand as a result of jobsites that were deemed non-essential having to postpone their projects, leading to an unexpected increase and resurgence in construction activity, causing record high demand for concrete; and
  • Favourable fall weather conditions, such as mild temperatures and long periods without rain, creating ideal concreting conditions which impede the cement industryโ€™s ability to replenish their inventory.

Concrete Ontario tells ready-mix producers to advise clients that they should plan their orders well in advance โ€“ and place orders seven to days ahead of scheduled pour dates to deal with the shortages of cement, slag and concrete.

Producers should โ€œestablish and communicate realistic timelines to manage customer expectations so you can continue to supply your customer projects with minimum delays,โ€ Concrete Ontario says.

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