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Europe 2022

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Contents

Ireland - Macroeconomic overview 

Ireland - Economic indicators

Ireland - Economic stability

Ireland - National holidays

Ireland - Working hours and National Holiday

Ireland - Labour productivity  

Ireland - Labour productivity

Ireland - Labour costs

Ireland - Labour costs

Ireland - Output 2021 and 2022(f) (in millions)

Ireland - Output 2021 and 2022(f)

Ireland - Long-lead equipment (LLE) and Supply Chain narrative 

Long-lead equipment (LLE) lead times have changed drastically since the start of 2022. Suppliers have seen the implications of material shortages, delays and price hikes throughout the supply chain, which is leading to extended lead times and reduced commitment from suppliers for new projects. The key areas in focus are:

  1. Demand: The demand for long-lead equipment in the data centre sector has continued to increase in Q3 2022. More data centre and crypto mining providers are joining the market, and this continued demand far outweighs the capacity of the supply chain. Entry onto the production line remains a significant challenge, with suppliers reporting fully booked capacity until Q2 2024. There has been some growth in the development of Tier 2 and Tier 3 suppliers to support this demand. However, it will take time to build an extended supply chain. There has also been no sign of a decline in demand yet in early Q4 2022. 
  2. Material shortage: Just as material availability started to improve, the further threat of escalation with the Russia-Ukraine conflict has cast further uncertainties of future material stocks and reserves. The supply chain has continued to seek alternative sources of raw materials, and although this has been with partial success, market lead times remain conservative. 
  3. Freight durations and costs: Heightened by the increase in fuel costs, and compounded by the instability of labour and container availability, freight durations have been particularly volatile in recent times. Early indications from Q4 2022 suggest some stabilization in shipping durations is returning to the market, but the associated costs remain volatile due to the global fuel crisis. As clients consider alternative solutions, it almost becomes cost prohibitive to use quicker forms of transport, such as air freight, due to these increasing fuel costs. 

Ireland - Construction health and safety practices and culture 

Ireland - Construction health and safety practices and culture

Ireland - Linesight average construction costs 2022

Ireland - Average costs V2

UK - Macroeconomic overview 

UK - Economic indicators

UK - Economic stability

UK - National holidays

UK - Working hours and National Holiday

UK - Labour productivity  

UK - Labour productivity

UK - Labour costs

UK - Labour costs

UK - Output 2021 and 2022(f) (in millions)

UK - Output 2021 and 2022(f)

UK - Long-lead equipment (LLE) and Supply Chain narrative 

Long-lead equipment (LLE) lead times have changed drastically since the start of 2022. Suppliers have seen the implications of material shortages, delays and price hikes throughout the supply chain, which is leading to extended lead times and reduced commitment from suppliers for new projects. The key areas in focus are:

  1. Demand: The demand for long-lead equipment in the data centre sector has continued to increase in Q3 2022. More data centre and crypto mining providers are joining the market, and this continued demand far outweighs the capacity of the supply chain. Entry onto the production line remains a significant challenge, with suppliers reporting fully booked capacity until Q2 2024. There has been some growth in the development of Tier 2 and Tier 3 suppliers to support this demand. However, it will take time to build an extended supply chain. There has also been no sign of a decline in demand yet in early Q4 2022.
  2. Material shortage: Just as material availability started to improve, the further threat of escalation with the Russia-Ukraine conflict has cast further uncertainties of future material stocks and reserves. The supply chain has continued to seek alternative sources of raw materials, and although this has been with partial success, market lead times remain conservative.
  3. Freight durations and costs: Heightened by the increase in fuel costs, and compounded by the instability of labour and container availability, freight durations have been particularly volatile in recent times. Early indications from Q4 2022 suggest some stabilization in shipping durations is returning to the market, but the associated costs remain volatile due to the global fuel crisis. As clients consider alternative solutions, it almost becomes cost prohibitive to use quicker forms of transport, such as air freight, due to these increasing fuel costs.

UK - Construction health and safety practices and culture

UK - Construction health and safety practices and culture

Macroeconomic overview 

Belgium - Economic indicators 

Belgium - Economic indicators Oct 22

Belgium - National holidays 

Belgium - National holidays Oct 22

Belgium - Labour productivity  

Belgium - Labour productivity Oct 22

Belgium - Labour costs

Belgium - Labour costs Oct 22

Belgium - Output 2021 and 2022(f)

Belgium - Output 2021 and 2022 (in millions) Oct 22

Belgium - Long-lead equipment (LLE) and Supply Chain narrative 

Long-lead equipment (LLE) lead times have changed drastically since the start of 2022. Suppliers have seen the implications of material shortages, delays and price hikes throughout the supply chain, which is leading to extended lead times and reduced commitment from suppliers for new projects. The key areas in focus are:

  1. Demand: The demand for long-lead equipment in the data centre sector has continued to increase in Q3 2022. More data centre and crypto mining providers are joining the market, and this continued demand far outweighs the capacity of the supply chain. Entry onto the production line remains a significant challenge, with suppliers reporting fully booked capacity until Q2 2024. There has been some growth in the development of Tier 2 and Tier 3 suppliers to support this demand. However, it will take time to build an extended supply chain. There has also been no sign of a decline in demand yet in early Q4 2022. 
  2. Material shortage: Just as material availability started to improve, the further threat of escalation with the Russia-Ukraine conflict has cast further uncertainties of future material stocks and reserves. The supply chain has continued to seek alternative sources of raw materials, and although this has been with partial success, market lead times remain conservative. 
  3. Freight durations and costs: Heightened by the increase in fuel costs, and compounded by the instability of labour and container availability, freight durations have been particularly volatile in recent times. Early indications from Q4 2022 suggest some stabilization in shipping durations is returning to the market, but the associated costs remain volatile due to the global fuel crisis. As clients consider alternative solutions, it almost becomes cost prohibitive to use quicker forms of transport, such as air freight, due to these increasing fuel costs.

Denmark - Macroeconomic overview 

Denmark - Economic indicators

Denmark - Economic stability

Denmark - National holidays

Denmark - Working hours and National Holiday

Denmark - Labour productivity  

Denmark - Labour productivity

Denmark - Labour costs

Denmark - Labour costs

Denmark - Output 2021 and 2022(f) (in millions)

Denmark - Output 2021 and 2022(f)

Denmark - Long-lead equipment (LLE) and Supply Chain narrative 

Long-lead equipment (LLE) lead times have changed drastically since the start of 2022. Suppliers have seen the implications of material shortages, delays and price hikes throughout the supply chain, which is leading to extended lead times and reduced commitment from suppliers for new projects. The key areas in focus are:

  1. Demand: The demand for long-lead equipment in the data centre sector has continued to increase in Q3 2022. More data centre and crypto mining providers are joining the market, and this continued demand far outweighs the capacity of the supply chain. Entry onto the production line remains a significant challenge, with suppliers reporting fully booked capacity until Q2 2024. There has been some growth in the development of Tier 2 and Tier 3 suppliers to support this demand. However, it will take time to build an extended supply chain. There has also been no sign of a decline in demand yet in early Q4 2022.
  2. Material shortage: Just as material availability started to improve, the further threat of escalation with the Russia-Ukraine conflict has cast further uncertainties of future material stocks and reserves. The supply chain has continued to seek alternative sources of raw materials, and although this has been with partial success, market lead times remain conservative.
  3. Freight durations and costs: Heightened by the increase in fuel costs, and compounded by the instability of labour and container availability, freight durations have been particularly volatile in recent times. Early indications from Q4 2022 suggest some stabilization in shipping durations is returning to the market, but the associated costs remain volatile due to the global fuel crisis. As clients consider alternative solutions, it almost becomes cost prohibitive to use quicker forms of transport, such as air freight, due to these increasing fuel costs.

Denmark - Construction health and safety practices and culture

Denmark - Construction health and safety practices and culture

Finland - Macroeconomic overview 

Finland - Economic indicators

Finland - Economic stability

Finland - National holidays

Finland - Working hours and National Holiday

Finland - Labour productivity  

Finland - Labour productivity

Finland - Labour costs

Finland - Labour costs

Finland - Output 2021 and 2022(f) (in millions)

Finland - Output 2021 and 2022(f)

Finland - Long-lead equipment (LLE) and Supply Chain narrative 

Long-lead equipment (LLE) lead times have changed drastically since the start of 2022. Suppliers have seen the implications of material shortages, delays and price hikes throughout the supply chain, which is leading to extended lead times and reduced commitment from suppliers for new projects. The key areas in focus are:

  1. Demand: The demand for long-lead equipment in the data centre sector has continued to increase in Q3 2022. More data centre and crypto mining providers are joining the market, and this continued demand far outweighs the capacity of the supply chain. Entry onto the production line remains a significant challenge, with suppliers reporting fully booked capacity until Q2 2024. There has been some growth in the development of Tier 2 and Tier 3 suppliers to support this demand. However, it will take time to build an extended supply chain. There has also been no sign of a decline in demand yet in early Q4 2022. 
  2. Material shortage: Just as material availability started to improve, the further threat of escalation with the Russia-Ukraine conflict has cast further uncertainties of future material stocks and reserves. The supply chain has continued to seek alternative sources of raw materials, and although this has been with partial success, market lead times remain conservative. 
  3. Freight durations and costs: Heightened by the increase in fuel costs, and compounded by the instability of labour and container availability, freight durations have been particularly volatile in recent times. Early indications from Q4 2022 suggest some stabilization in shipping durations is returning to the market, but the associated costs remain volatile due to the global fuel crisis. As clients consider alternative solutions, it almost becomes cost prohibitive to use quicker forms of transport, such as air freight, due to these increasing fuel costs. 

France - Macroeconomic overview 

France - Economic indicators

France - Economic stability

France - National holidays

France - Working hours and National Holiday

France - Labour productivity  

France - Labour productivity

France - Labour costs

France - Labour costs

France - Output 2021 and 2022(f) (in millions)

France - Output 2021 and 2022(f)

France - Long-lead equipment (LLE) and Supply Chain narrative 

Long-lead equipment (LLE) lead times have changed drastically since the start of 2022. Suppliers have seen the implications of material shortages, delays and price hikes throughout the supply chain, which is leading to extended lead times and reduced commitment from suppliers for new projects. The key areas in focus are:

  1. Demand: The demand for long-lead equipment in the data centre sector has continued to increase in Q3 2022. More data centre and crypto mining providers are joining the market, and this continued demand far outweighs the capacity of the supply chain. Entry onto the production line remains a significant challenge, with suppliers reporting fully booked capacity until Q2 2024. There has been some growth in the development of Tier 2 and Tier 3 suppliers to support this demand. However, it will take time to build an extended supply chain. There has also been no sign of a decline in demand yet in early Q4 2022.
  2. Material shortage: Just as material availability started to improve, the further threat of escalation with the Russia-Ukraine conflict has cast further uncertainties of future material stocks and reserves. The supply chain has continued to seek alternative sources of raw materials, and although this has been with partial success, market lead times remain conservative.
  3. Freight durations and costs: Heightened by the increase in fuel costs, and compounded by the instability of labour and container availability, freight durations have been particularly volatile in recent times. Early indications from Q4 2022 suggest some stabilization in shipping durations is returning to the market, but the associated costs remain volatile due to the global fuel crisis. As clients consider alternative solutions, it almost becomes cost prohibitive to use quicker forms of transport, such as air freight, due to these increasing fuel costs.

France - Construction health and safety practices and culture

France - Construction health and safety practices and culture

Germany - Macroeconomic overview 

Germany - Economic indicators

Germany - Economic stability

Germany - National holidays

Germany - Working hours and National Holiday

Germany - Labour productivity  

Germany - Labour productivity

Germany - Labour costs

Germany - Labour costs

Germany - Output 2021 and 2022(f) (in millions)

Germany - Output 2021 and 2022(f)

Germany - Long-lead equipment (LLE) and Supply Chain narrative 

Long-lead equipment (LLE) lead times have changed drastically since the start of 2022. Suppliers have seen the implications of material shortages, delays and price hikes throughout the supply chain, which is leading to extended lead times and reduced commitment from suppliers for new projects. The key areas in focus are:

  1. Demand: The demand for long-lead equipment in the data centre sector has continued to increase in Q3 2022. More data centre and crypto mining providers are joining the market, and this continued demand far outweighs the capacity of the supply chain. Entry onto the production line remains a significant challenge, with suppliers reporting fully booked capacity until Q2 2024. There has been some growth in the development of Tier 2 and Tier 3 suppliers to support this demand. However, it will take time to build an extended supply chain. There has also been no sign of a decline in demand yet in early Q4 2022.
  2. Material shortage: Just as material availability started to improve, the further threat of escalation with the Russia-Ukraine conflict has cast further uncertainties of future material stocks and reserves. The supply chain has continued to seek alternative sources of raw materials, and although this has been with partial success, market lead times remain conservative.
  3. Freight durations and costs: Heightened by the increase in fuel costs, and compounded by the instability of labour and container availability, freight durations have been particularly volatile in recent times. Early indications from Q4 2022 suggest some stabilization in shipping durations is returning to the market, but the associated costs remain volatile due to the global fuel crisis. As clients consider alternative solutions, it almost becomes cost prohibitive to use quicker forms of transport, such as air freight, due to these increasing fuel costs.

Germany - Construction health and safety practices and culture

Germany - Construction health and safety practices and culture

Israel - Macroeconomic overview 

Israel - Economic indicators

Israel - Economic stability

Israel - National holidays

Israel - Working hours and National Holiday

Israel - Labour productivity  

Israel - Labour productivity

Israel - Labour costs

Israel - Labour costs

Israel - Output 2021 and 2022(f) (in millions)

Israel - Output 2021 and 2022(f)

Israel - Long-lead equipment (LLE) and Supply Chain narrative 

Long-lead equipment (LLE) lead times have changed drastically since the start of 2022. Suppliers have seen the implications of material shortages, delays and price hikes throughout the supply chain, which is leading to extended lead times and reduced commitment from suppliers for new projects. The key areas in focus are:

  1. Demand: The demand for long-lead equipment in the data centre sector has continued to increase in Q3 2022. More data centre and crypto mining providers are joining the market, and this continued demand far outweighs the capacity of the supply chain. Entry onto the production line remains a significant challenge, with suppliers reporting fully booked capacity until Q2 2024. There has been some growth in the development of Tier 2 and Tier 3 suppliers to support this demand. However, it will take time to build an extended supply chain. There has also been no sign of a decline in demand yet in early Q4 2022.
  2. Material shortage: Just as material availability started to improve, the further threat of escalation with the Russia-Ukraine conflict has cast further uncertainties of future material stocks and reserves. The supply chain has continued to seek alternative sources of raw materials, and although this has been with partial success, market lead times remain conservative.
  3. Freight durations and costs: Heightened by the increase in fuel costs, and compounded by the instability of labour and container availability, freight durations have been particularly volatile in recent times. Early indications from Q4 2022 suggest some stabilization in shipping durations is returning to the market, but the associated costs remain volatile due to the global fuel crisis. As clients consider alternative solutions, it almost becomes cost prohibitive to use quicker forms of transport, such as air freight, due to these increasing fuel costs.

Israel - Construction health and safety practices and culture

Israel - Construction health and safety practices and culture

Italy - Macroeconomic overview 

Italy - Economic indicators

Italy - Economic stability

Italy - National holidays

Italy - Working hours and National Holiday

Italy - Labour productivity  

Italy - Labour productivity

Italy - Labour costs

Italy - Labour costs

Italy - Output 2021 and 2022(f) (in millions)

Italy - Output 2021 and 2022(f)

Italy - Long-lead equipment (LLE) and Supply Chain narrative 

Long-lead equipment (LLE) lead times have changed drastically since the start of 2022. Suppliers have seen the implications of material shortages, delays and price hikes throughout the supply chain, which is leading to extended lead times and reduced commitment from suppliers for new projects. The key areas in focus are:

  1. Demand: The demand for long-lead equipment in the data centre sector has continued to increase in Q3 2022. More data centre and crypto mining providers are joining the market, and this continued demand far outweighs the capacity of the supply chain. Entry onto the production line remains a significant challenge, with suppliers reporting fully booked capacity until Q2 2024. There has been some growth in the development of Tier 2 and Tier 3 suppliers to support this demand. However, it will take time to build an extended supply chain. There has also been no sign of a decline in demand yet in early Q4 2022.
  2. Material shortage: Just as material availability started to improve, the further threat of escalation with the Russia-Ukraine conflict has cast further uncertainties of future material stocks and reserves. The supply chain has continued to seek alternative sources of raw materials, and although this has been with partial success, market lead times remain conservative.
  3. Freight durations and costs: Heightened by the increase in fuel costs, and compounded by the instability of labour and container availability, freight durations have been particularly volatile in recent times. Early indications from Q4 2022 suggest some stabilization in shipping durations is returning to the market, but the associated costs remain volatile due to the global fuel crisis. As clients consider alternative solutions, it almost becomes cost prohibitive to use quicker forms of transport, such as air freight, due to these increasing fuel costs.

Italy - Construction health and safety practices and culture

Italy - Construction health and safety practices and culture

Netherlands - Macroeconomic overview 

Netherlands - Economic indicators

Netherlands - Economic stability

Netherlands - National holidays

Netherlands - Working hours and National Holiday

Netherlands - Labour productivity  

Netherlands - Labour productivity

Netherlands - Labour costs

Netherlands - Labour costs

Netherlands - Output 2021 and 2022(f) (in millions)

Netherlands - Output 2021 and 2022(f)

Netherlands - Long-lead equipment (LLE) and Supply Chain narrative 

Long-lead equipment (LLE) lead times have changed drastically since the start of 2022. Suppliers have seen the implications of material shortages, delays and price hikes throughout the supply chain, which is leading to extended lead times and reduced commitment from suppliers for new projects. The key areas in focus are:

  1. Demand: The demand for long-lead equipment in the data centre sector has continued to increase in Q3 2022. More data centre and crypto mining providers are joining the market, and this continued demand far outweighs the capacity of the supply chain. Entry onto the production line remains a significant challenge, with suppliers reporting fully booked capacity until Q2 2024. There has been some growth in the development of Tier 2 and Tier 3 suppliers to support this demand. However, it will take time to build an extended supply chain. There has also been no sign of a decline in demand yet in early Q4 2022.
  2. Material shortage: Just as material availability started to improve, the further threat of escalation with the Russia-Ukraine conflict has cast further uncertainties of future material stocks and reserves. The supply chain has continued to seek alternative sources of raw materials, and although this has been with partial success, market lead times remain conservative.
  3. Freight durations and costs: Heightened by the increase in fuel costs, and compounded by the instability of labour and container availability, freight durations have been particularly volatile in recent times. Early indications from Q4 2022 suggest some stabilization in shipping durations is returning to the market, but the associated costs remain volatile due to the global fuel crisis. As clients consider alternative solutions, it almost becomes cost prohibitive to use quicker forms of transport, such as air freight, due to these increasing fuel costs.

Netherlands - Construction health and safety practices and culture

Netherlands - Construction health and safety practices and culture

Norway - Macroeconomic overview 

Norway - Economic indicators

Norway - Economic stability

Norway - National holidays

Norway - Working hours and National Holiday

Norway - Labour productivity  

Norway - Labour productivity

Norway - Labour costs

Norway - Labour costs

Norway - Output 2021 and 2022(f) (in millions)

Norway - Output 2021 and 2022(f)

Norway - Long-lead equipment (LLE) and Supply Chain narrative 

Long-lead equipment (LLE) lead times have changed drastically since the start of 2022. Suppliers have seen the implications of material shortages, delays and price hikes throughout the supply chain, which is leading to extended lead times and reduced commitment from suppliers for new projects. The key areas in focus are:

  1. Demand: The demand for long-lead equipment in the data centre sector has continued to increase in Q3 2022. More data centre and crypto mining providers are joining the market, and this continued demand far outweighs the capacity of the supply chain. Entry onto the production line remains a significant challenge, with suppliers reporting fully booked capacity until Q2 2024. There has been some growth in the development of Tier 2 and Tier 3 suppliers to support this demand. However, it will take time to build an extended supply chain. There has also been no sign of a decline in demand yet in early Q4 2022.
  2. Material shortage: Just as material availability started to improve, the further threat of escalation with the Russia-Ukraine conflict has cast further uncertainties of future material stocks and reserves. The supply chain has continued to seek alternative sources of raw materials, and although this has been with partial success, market lead times remain conservative.
  3. Freight durations and costs: Heightened by the increase in fuel costs, and compounded by the instability of labour and container availability, freight durations have been particularly volatile in recent times. Early indications from Q4 2022 suggest some stabilization in shipping durations is returning to the market, but the associated costs remain volatile due to the global fuel crisis. As clients consider alternative solutions, it almost becomes cost prohibitive to use quicker forms of transport, such as air freight, due to these increasing fuel costs.

Spain - Macroeconomic overview 

Spain - Economic indicators

Spain - Economic stability

Spain - National holidays

Spain - Working hours and National Holiday

Spain - Labour productivity  

Spain - Labour productivity

Spain - Labour costs

Spain - Labour costs

Spain - Output 2021 and 2022(f) (in millions)

Spain - Output 2021 and 2022(f)

Spain - Long-lead equipment (LLE) and Supply Chain narrative 

Long-lead equipment (LLE) lead times have changed drastically since the start of 2022. Suppliers have seen the implications of material shortages, delays and price hikes throughout the supply chain, which is leading to extended lead times and reduced commitment from suppliers for new projects. The key areas in focus are:

  1. Demand: The demand for long-lead equipment in the data centre sector has continued to increase in Q3 2022. More data centre and crypto mining providers are joining the market, and this continued demand far outweighs the capacity of the supply chain. Entry onto the production line remains a significant challenge, with suppliers reporting fully booked capacity until Q2 2024. There has been some growth in the development of Tier 2 and Tier 3 suppliers to support this demand. However, it will take time to build an extended supply chain. There has also been no sign of a decline in demand yet in early Q4 2022.
  2. Material shortage: Just as material availability started to improve, the further threat of escalation with the Russia-Ukraine conflict has cast further uncertainties of future material stocks and reserves. The supply chain has continued to seek alternative sources of raw materials, and although this has been with partial success, market lead times remain conservative.
  3. Freight durations and costs: Heightened by the increase in fuel costs, and compounded by the instability of labour and container availability, freight durations have been particularly volatile in recent times. Early indications from Q4 2022 suggest some stabilization in shipping durations is returning to the market, but the associated costs remain volatile due to the global fuel crisis. As clients consider alternative solutions, it almost becomes cost prohibitive to use quicker forms of transport, such as air freight, due to these increasing fuel costs.

Spain - Construction health and safety practices and culture

Spain - Construction health and safety practices and culture

Sweden - Macroeconomic overview 

Sweden - Economic indicators

Sweden - Economic stability

Sweden - National holidays

Sweden - Working hours and National Holiday

Sweden - Labour productivity  

Sweden - Labour productivity

Sweden - Labour costs

Sweden - Labour costs

Sweden - Output 2021 and 2022(f) (in millions)

Sweden - Output 2021 and 2022(f)

Sweden - Long-lead equipment (LLE) and Supply Chain narrative 

Long-lead equipment (LLE) lead times have changed drastically since the start of 2022. Suppliers have seen the implications of material shortages, delays and price hikes throughout the supply chain, which is leading to extended lead times and reduced commitment from suppliers for new projects. The key areas in focus are:

  1. Demand: The demand for long-lead equipment in the data centre sector has continued to increase in Q3 2022. More data centre and crypto mining providers are joining the market, and this continued demand far outweighs the capacity of the supply chain. Entry onto the production line remains a significant challenge, with suppliers reporting fully booked capacity until Q2 2024. There has been some growth in the development of Tier 2 and Tier 3 suppliers to support this demand. However, it will take time to build an extended supply chain. There has also been no sign of a decline in demand yet in early Q4 2022.
  2. Material shortage: Just as material availability started to improve, the further threat of escalation with the Russia-Ukraine conflict has cast further uncertainties of future material stocks and reserves. The supply chain has continued to seek alternative sources of raw materials, and although this has been with partial success, market lead times remain conservative.
  3. Freight durations and costs: Heightened by the increase in fuel costs, and compounded by the instability of labour and container availability, freight durations have been particularly volatile in recent times. Early indications from Q4 2022 suggest some stabilization in shipping durations is returning to the market, but the associated costs remain volatile due to the global fuel crisis. As clients consider alternative solutions, it almost becomes cost prohibitive to use quicker forms of transport, such as air freight, due to these increasing fuel costs.

Switzerland - Macroeconomic overview 

Switzerland - Economic indicators

Switzerland - Economic stability

Switzerland - National holidays

Switzerland - Working hours and National Holiday

Switzerland - Labour productivity  

Switzerland - Labour productivity

Switzerland - Labour costs

Switzerland - Labour costs

Switzerland - Output 2021 and 2022(f) (in millions)

Switzerland - Output 2021 and 2022(f)

Switzerland - Long-lead equipment (LLE) and Supply Chain narrative 

Long-lead equipment (LLE) lead times have changed drastically since the start of 2022. Suppliers have seen the implications of material shortages, delays and price hikes throughout the supply chain, which is leading to extended lead times and reduced commitment from suppliers for new projects. The key areas in focus are:

  1. Demand: The demand for long-lead equipment in the data centre sector has continued to increase in Q3 2022. More data centre and crypto mining providers are joining the market, and this continued demand far outweighs the capacity of the supply chain. Entry onto the production line remains a significant challenge, with suppliers reporting fully booked capacity until Q2 2024. There has been some growth in the development of Tier 2 and Tier 3 suppliers to support this demand. However, it will take time to build an extended supply chain. There has also been no sign of a decline in demand yet in early Q4 2022.
  2. Material shortage: Just as material availability started to improve, the further threat of escalation with the Russia-Ukraine conflict has cast further uncertainties of future material stocks and reserves. The supply chain has continued to seek alternative sources of raw materials, and although this has been with partial success, market lead times remain conservative.
  3. Freight durations and costs: Heightened by the increase in fuel costs, and compounded by the instability of labour and container availability, freight durations have been particularly volatile in recent times. Early indications from Q4 2022 suggest some stabilization in shipping durations is returning to the market, but the associated costs remain volatile due to the global fuel crisis. As clients consider alternative solutions, it almost becomes cost prohibitive to use quicker forms of transport, such as air freight, due to these increasing fuel costs.

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