Top 10: Largest Construction Material Manufacturers

The manufacturing of construction materials sector has undergone a remarkable transformation since its inception. 

From beginnings with primitive materials like stone and timber, the industry has progressed to utilise advanced materials such as steel, concrete and insulation. 

This evolution, catalysed by the industrial revolution, has been driven by changing demands and a growing focus on sustainability.

Once heavily reliant on manual processes, the sector now embraces cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices.

Now, modern manufacturers prioritise energy efficiency, durability and environmental impact, responding to regulatory pressures and market expectations. 

However, the industry faces challenges, including rising material costs and workforce shortages.

To address these issues, companies are investing in automation, digitalisation and sustainable materials, enhancing efficiency while reducing environmental impact. 

The sector's current focus is on developing stronger, more durable materials that meet modern building standards and withstand natural disasters, ensuring long-term growth and resilience.

Here, we take a look at the leading manufacturers of construction materials, ranked by 2023 sales value. 

10. Anhui Conch Cement

Revenue: US$19.88bn
Employees: 50,769
CEO: Li Qunfeng 
Founded: 1997

Anhui Conch Cement is a Chinese manufacturer of construction materials, specialising in cement and clinker production.
Clinker is a hard, nodular material produced by heating limestone and clay, essential for making cement and enhancing concrete strength.
The company operates globally, with a strong presence in Asia and expanding reach in Europe, the Americas and Africa.
The firm has also established large-scale clinker bases and continues to expand its production capacity, which currently stands at 353 million tonnes.
Anhui Conch's goals include further international expansion, particularly along the "Belt and Road" Initiative countries.
Which is China's global infrastructure strategy, involving over 140 countries across Asia, Europe and Africa to enhance economic connectivity. 

9. HeidelbergCement 

Revenue: US$22.89bn
Employees: 51,000
CEO: Dominik von Achten
Founded: 1874

HeidelbergCement, a leading global building materials company, collaborates with major construction firms, providing essential materials for infrastructure projects.

The biggest project the firm has been part of is the HyNet North West consortium in the UK, which aims to create the world's first low-carbon industrial cluster in North West England and North Wales.

It focuses on developing hydrogen production, carbon capture and storage infrastructure to significantly reduce regional CO2 emissions by up to 10 million tonnes annually by 2030.
The company’s Geseke cement plant, will be among the first European cement plants to produce carbon-captured net-zero cement and clinker.
Once GeZero is implemented, the facility will capture approximately 700,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually.

8. Sherwin-Williams

Revenue: US$22.98bn
Employees: 64,088
CEO: Heidi G. Petz
Founded: 1866

Sherwin-Williams is currently investing US$600mn in new facilities, including a state-of-the-art headquarters in Cleveland, set to open in 2024.

The firm is a global leader in paint and coatings, serving professional, industrial and retail customers worldwide. 

The company aims to maintain market leadership through innovation and sustainability. 

Sherwin-Williams recently partnered with Leagues Cup, the annual soccer tournament in North America, to enhance fan experiences across North America, demonstrating aims surrounding brand expansion and customer engagement.

7. Ferguson

Revenue: US$29.36bn
Employees: 35,000
CEO: Kevin Murphy
Founded: 1887

Ferguson is a leading distributor of plumbing and heating products in North America.
The company serves professional contractors and consumers, focusing on repair, maintenance, improvement and new construction markets. 

Recently, Ferguson acquired several companies, including Southwest Geo-Solutions Inc. and AVCO Supply, to expand its product offerings and geographical reach.

Geo-Solutions is a distributor of containment, erosion control, geotextile and geogrid products and AVCO Supply is a heating and air conditioning supply house.

6. China National Building Material (CNBM)

Revenue: US$29.75bn
Employees: 154,096
CEO: Zhou Yuxian
​​​​​​​Founded: 1984

CNBM is a leading producer of cement, commercial concrete, gypsum board and fibreglass. Collaborating with major construction firms, CNBM aims to enhance global infrastructure through sustainable practices. 

The company is involved in significant projects like the "Belt and Road" Initiative, promoting economic connectivity and development. 

CNBM is also pioneering green and low-carbon technologies, including energy efficiency improvements, new energy transformation, raw material substitution and waste collaborative disposal in cement production.

5. Holcim

Revenue: US$30.05bn
Employees: 71,000
CEO: Miljan Gutovic
Founded: 1912

Holcim, a Swiss-based global leader in building materials, collaborates with major construction firms to provide sustainable solutions like cement, aggregates and ready-mix concrete. 

Holcim is providing low-carbon construction materials, including ECOPact green concrete, significantly reducing CO2 emissions compared to standard concrete.

ECOPact is Holcim's range of low-carbon concrete, offering up to 90% less CO2 emissions compared to standard concrete, without compromising performance.

Notably, Holcim is adding 1,000 battery-electric trucks to its European fleet, advancing its sustainability goals.

The biggest project Holcim has worked on is the Ellinikon in Greece, Europe's largest urban regeneration project.

4. Daikin Industries

Revenue: US$30.4bn
Employees: 98,162
CEO: Masanori Togawa
Founded: 1924​​​​​​​

Daikin Industries, a global leader in air conditioning and refrigeration, collaborates with major construction firms to provide innovative climate control solutions. 

Air conditioning and refrigeration are crucial for construction materials as they ensure optimal temperature and humidity control, enhancing the longevity and performance of materials during storage, transport, and application in construction projects.

Daikin is currently expanding its production in India, planning to manufacture two million air conditioning units. 

It's also pioneering energy-efficient technologies, recently launching air-source heat pumps and partnering with Hive to enhance smart home integration for heat pump users.

The company aims to perfect air quality while prioritising sustainability.

3. Cement Roadstone Holding (CRH)

Revenue: US$34.95bn
Employees: 78,500
CEO: Albert Jude Manifold
Founded: 1970​​​​​​​

CRH originated from a small sand and gravel haulage business started by two brothers in 1930s Dublin, growing into a global building materials leader worth billions today.

Now, it is a global leader in building materials, collaborating with major construction firms worldwide, providing essential materials for infrastructure projects. 

The company aims to achieve sustainable growth and superior performance. 

Alongside Holcim, CRH is involved in the Ellinikon project in Greece, Europe's largest urban regeneration project, showcasing its commitment to innovation and sustainability.

2. Saint-Gobain

Revenue: US$51.83bn
Employees: 168,000
CEO: Benoit Bazin
Founded: 1665​​​​​​​

Saint-Gobain, company collaborates with major construction firms worldwide, providing innovative solutions for building, mobility, and industrial markets. 

It is a French multinational and a global leader in light and sustainable construction materials. 

Saint-Gobain aims to become the worldwide leader in sustainable construction, focusing on reducing carbon emissions and resource consumption. 

The company is actively involved in the Paris 2024 Olympic Village project, showcasing its commitment to sustainability and innovation. 

Saint-Gobain also originated as a mirror manufacturer for the Palace of Versailles and has since evolved into a diverse building materials powerhouse.

1. ArcelorMittal

Revenue: US$68.28bn
Employees: 154,000
CEO: Aditya Mittal
Founded: 2006

ArcelorMittal aims to lead in sustainable steel production, focusing on reducing carbon emissions and innovating in clean steel technologies.

It is the world's second-largest steel producer, collaborates with major automotive and construction firms globally. 

The company manufactures a wide range of steel products and engages in mining operations and is actively working on decarbonisation projects, including hydrogen-based steelmaking. 

ArcelorMittal originated from a small Indian steel business and grew to become a global leader, producing about 10% of the world's steel upon its formation.

The biggest project it is working on is the installation of over 27,000 solar panels on Ghent plant's roof, Belgium's largest solar roof, significantly advancing its decarbonisation efforts.

ArcelorMittal produced the Torch for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, from its steel with a reduced carbon footprint.

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