The nation's brick manufacturers produced and shipped approximately 8 billion brick last year, according to the Brick Industry Association (BIA).

The nation's brick manufacturers produced and shipped approximately 8 billion brick last year, ranking 2001 among the six or seven best years over the past 30, according to the Brick Industry Association (BIA). Spurred by the continuing boom in new housing construction since the late 1990s, brick's steady demand supports an industry expected to remain strong over the next decade. "The numbers show that consumers continue to have a strong preference for brick, based on the beauty, quality and value that it adds to any new home," said Tom Perry, vice president, marketing. "Coupled with increasing options at every price point, brick is now becoming available to more home buyers." The U.S. Census Bureau reported that the industry produced 8.21 billion brick last year, and shipped 7.88 billion. With 84.1% of shipments for residential use and 78.8% of shipments for single-family residential use, brick's 2001 numbers reflect another record year for the housing industry.

For a copy of the report, contact Tom Perry at BIA, (703) 620-0010, ext. 106, or e-mail perry@bia.org.