An Analysis of the Boiler and Heat Exchanger Manufacturing Industry in the US Using Porter's Five Forces Framework

Abstract

As global trade expands and technological progress is being made in developing countries, manufacturers of boilers and heat exchangers in the United States (US) are facing increasing import competition while industry profitability is competed away from industry rivals, market entrants, as well as by the growing number of available choices for buyers, and by suppliers with larger clientele and differentiated products and services. The forces that influence profitability in this industry is an essential part of strategic planning for any boiler and heat exchanger manufacturer that aims to control competition risk and optimize profitability. This research aims to break down and analyze the influences that industry manufacturers, market entrants, purchasers, component and raw material suppliers, foreign imports, technological advances, government policies, industry organizations, and future trends have on the profitability of industry players. While it was found that the level of competition in the industry is moderate, rapid advances in technology, increasingly stringent government policies on emission standards and boiler and heat exchanger efficiencies, as well as growing import competition may catalyze industry competition in the near future. The use of Porter’s five forces in this analysis suggests the need to consider the significance of technology and the challenges posed by imports through increasing globalization, as these factors could substantially change and disrupt the industry by reducing barriers to entry and by raising the threat of substitutes. As a result, the boiler and heat exchanger manufacturing landscape in the US could become much more competitive, which in turn, could diminish returns for industry operators. This could also change the structure of the industry with the inception of industry players that offer differentiated products and services. The question for industry groups and policy-makers is to what extent should these five forces be influenced, since the degree of support for or of counteraction to these forces will guide the future competitiveness and marketization of the boiler and heat exchanger manufacturing industry in the US.