Utility Markers Market Size, Share and Growth Analysis

Updated on : October 22, 2024

Utility Markers Market Size & Growth

The utility markers market size is predicted to grow from USD 341 million in 2023 to USD 471 million by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 6.7% between 2023 to 2028.

Public infrastructure plays a crucial role in any economy as it creates job, attract foreign investment, improves the quality of life, and supports the growth and development of the country. Hence, economies globally whether developing or developed, are continuously focusing on developing and upgrading their public infrastructure such as transportation, water and wastewater systems, power grids, and communication networks. Moreover, the knowledge of underground utility location is beneficial in the planning and design of infrastructure upgrades. This information can be utilized to optimize the location of new infrastructure, avoid clashes with existing utilities, and ensure that upgrades are executed in a manner that is safe, efficient, and cost-effective. All these factors are driving the demand of utility markers market globally.

Utility Markers Market Forecast to 2028

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Utility Markers Market Analysis

The utility markers market is projected to witness significant growth during the forecast period, driven by the increasing emphasis on underground utility safety and the growing adoption of utility markers for asset management. The market is characterized by the presence of a few major players offering a wide range of utility marking solutions, intensifying the competition among key players.

Utility Markers Market Trends

Emerging trends in the utility markers market include the adoption of RFID technology for efficient asset tracking, a growing demand for eco-friendly and durable marker materials, and the integration of IoT solutions for enhanced utility management and maintenance. Increasing awareness about the importance of accurate utility marking to prevent damage to underground utilities is fostering the demand for high-visibility and durable utility markers made from materials such as fiberglass and plastics.

Utility Markers Market Dynamics

DRIVERS: Government regulations and mandates for utility location and mapping

Various utility location techniques are used to identify underlying utilities prior to digging or excavation with the help of utility locators and markers. Local governments and other service providers of the utilities install water, wastewater, telecommunication, gas and power pipelines beneath the ground level in public as well as private properties, which helps in uninterruptable supply. Spontaneous excavation, construction, or digging processes may damage the utility lines as well as cause hazardous situation in case of leakage in pipelines. To avoid these circumstances, governments globally have introduced regulations and mandates for prior utility location and mapping. Hence, such regulations and mandates are expected to fuel the market for utility markers during the forecast period.

RESTRAINTS: Lack of awareness and standardization in emerging economies

Lack of awareness about the importance of utility detection is a common concern in many underdeveloped and emerging economies. This majorly leads to unsafe excavation practices, resulting in damage and loss of lives and public properties. This is especially common in rural areas, where small-scale contractors and individuals carry out construction without adequate training or understanding of the importance of utility detection before digging. Additionally, many developing and underdeveloped parts of the world do not have proper laws and regulations pertaining to the safety of underground utilities or mapping of underground utilities. Due to this, unorganized construction and excavation works can result in accidents and damage to underground utilities, such as water and sewer lines, which can pose a serious risk to public health and safety.

OPPORTUNITIES: Rapid growth in telecommunications industry

In the recent years, the global telecommunications industry has been expanding at a fast pace due to the increasing need for connectivity, technological advancements, and the growing adoption of mobile devices. Moreover, significant technology developments, such as 5G networks, cloud services, artificial intelligence, edge computing, and IoT, are contributing to the growth rate of the global telecommunications industry. The telecom utility infrastructure is the vital factor on which the continuous operations of the telecommunications industry are dependent. This includes telecom ducts and fiber cables installed underground for uninterruptable services. Besides, these cables provide internet services, calling services in all public and private sectors of any economy. Disruption in the any of the telecom services may lead to huge losses for both public and private sectors. Hence, it is crucial to mark, map, and locate underground telecom infrastructure. Thus, with the growing telecommunications industry worldwide, the need for locating and mapping underground telecom network is expected to grow and boost the demand for underground utility markers.

CHALLENGES: Technical issues and availability of other competing solutions

For utility location and detection, there are many solutions available in the utility markers market, including electromagnetic utility locators, RF cable & pipe locators, metal locators, and GPRs, which can directly detect and locate various types of underground utilities. Additionally, in few applications, such as in gas lines, gas/utility companies are now using tracer wires while laying the lines; hence, there is no need to use separate markers in such cases. Along with this, some buried ball markers can be disturbed due to external factors, such as backfill dirt, or in cases where they are not installed properly. This will directly impact their location accuracy, detection capability, and result in erroneous readings. Companies, including 3M, have launched ball markers with a self-leveling feature to tackle such issues. However, presently, many utility markers suffer from such technical issues, and it may challenge the growth of the utility markers industry in some specific applications.

Utility Markers Market Segmentation

Ball markers expected to hold the largest market share during the forecast period.

Ball markers are shaped in a ball form and contain various components within, protecting them against dust, chemicals, and water when buried underground. These markers have a self-leveling feature, ensuring they maintain a horizontal position irrespective of their placement in the ground. For instance, Tempo Communications, Inc. (US) offers an electronic marker ball that provides accurate positioning of the buried assets. The ball is specifically designed so the coil inside automatically repositions itself horizontally. This patented design of the omni marker ball is environmentally friendly, durable, reusable, and recyclable. The operating depth of the ball is more than 5 ft underground. Also, Programmable ball markers offered by other companies, such as 3M Company (US), allow crucial data to be stored on these markers that can be read later. Ball markers are being widely used for all utility applications, including gas, power, telecommunications, and water & wastewater.

The utility markers market for telecommunications is projected to grow at highest CAGR during the forecast period

With the growing demand for telecom services, high-speed internet, and increased adoption of 5G networks, the telecommunications sector is expected to grow at a fast pace, driving the demand for utility markers. Governments worldwide are making investments in the expansion of the telecommunications sector to support consumer and commercial demand from industries. Furthermore, China has adopted 5G technology in numerous fields, such as medical care, transportation, culture and tourism, and education. Similarly, other countries are also adopting 5G technology in various fields and increasing internet connectivity networks, leading to the growth of the telecommunications sector. This is, in turn, driving the demand for utility markers for underground cables.

Utility Markers Market by Region

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Regional Analysis - Utility Markers Market

The utility markers market in Asia Pacific is projected to grow at the highest CAGR from 2023 to 2028.

The Asia Pacific utility markers market includes China, India, Japan, South Korea, and the Rest of Asia Pacific. The increased economic growth in China and India primarily drives the demand for utility markers. Furthermore, Asia Pacific countries are increasingly investing in the power grid and telecom projects. The growing deployment of 5G networks in developing nations and the expansion of gas pipeline networks in Asian countries are other key factors supporting the adoption of utility markers. For instance, Japan’s urban infrastructure ranks among the best infrastructures worldwide. The country is constantly focusing on upgrading its existing infrastructure as well as building new ones to accommodate the demands of the growing population and urbanization. Hence, the demand for utility markers is expected to grow at a fast pace in Asia Pacific region.

Top Utility Markers Companies - Key Market Players

Major key players in the utility markers companies are

• 3M Company (US),
• Tempo Communications, Inc. (US),
• Komplex (Slovakia),
• Hexatronic Group AB (Sweden),
• Radiodetection Ltd. (UK),
• Rycom Instruments, Inc. (US),
• Seton (US),
• Berntsen International, Inc. (US).

Utility Markers Industry Overview

The utility markers market industry operates at the intersection of infrastructure management and safety, providing essential solutions for identifying and protecting underground utilities. Key players in the industry range from manufacturers producing a variety of marker types, such as surface markers, detectable markers, and RFID-enabled markers, to distributors and service providers offering installation and maintenance services. These markers play a critical role in preventing accidental damage to buried utilities during excavation and construction activities, thereby ensuring public safety and minimizing disruptions to essential services. Industry stakeholders collaborate closely with regulatory bodies and standards organizations, such as the American Public Works Association (APWA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), to uphold best practices and compliance requirements.

Utility Markers Market Report Scope

Utility Markers Market Highlights

This research report categorizes the utility markers market by type, configuration, utility type and region.

Recent Developments in Utility Markers Industry

• In January 2022, Trident Solutions announced the acquisition of LEM Products, Inc., a manufacturer of industrial identification products. Through the acquisition, it supports its safety marking and identification products portfolio. 
• In August 2019, Tempo Communications, Inc. announced the launch of the next-generation Omni Marker II balls. This version comes with an enhanced patent design and technology to improve the location precision of these environment-friendly marker balls.

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