Urban networks depend on components that are often overlooked but absolutely essential. Among them are manhole covers, which must combine durability, safety, and adaptability across roads, utilities, and industrial corridors. 

The global manhole covers market, valued at USD 3.9 to 4.5 billion in 2023-2024, is forecast to grow to between USD 5.7 and 8.1 billion by 2030-2032. This steady rise further underlines how demand for proper access solutions continues to expand as cities modernise their infrastructure.

Crescent Foundry: Innovation in Cast Iron Access Solutions

Headquartered in India, Crescent Foundry is recognised as one of the leading suppliers of cast iron and ductile iron manhole covers worldwide. The company exports to more than 50 countries, including the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Spain, the UK, Germany, Australia, and the United States.

Every cover complies with EN-124 and ASTM international standards, ensuring suitability for heavy traffic roads, airports, municipal sewerage, and industrial networks. With over 5000 manhole cover patterns available, Crescent can supply proven designs or develop new ones within two weeks using advanced CNC technology, a flexibility few in the industry can match.

Cast Iron or Ductile Iron: Which to Choose?

Well, both cast iron and ductile iron covers serve essential roles, but their performance differs depending on the application.

Feature Cast Iron Covers Ductile Iron Covers
Load Capacity High, suitable for standard duty zones Very high, suited for highways, airports, ports
Durability Long service life Superior fatigue resistance and resilience
Flexibility More rigid Performs better under repeated heavy loads
Common Applications Municipal sewerage and inspection points Heavy-duty municipal and transport projects

 

So you see, across the industry, cast iron covers remain popular for regular municipal use, while ductile iron is preferred for demanding applications such as highways and airports. This dual offering positions Crescent Foundry to serve the entire spectrum of infrastructure requirements.

Growth Trends in Access Solutions

The market for manhole covers is expanding worldwide, but the pace and drivers of growth vary significantly across regions. From Asia’s rapid urbanisation to Europe’s refurbishment projects and the Middle East’s infrastructure investments, Crescent Foundry’s solutions are positioned to support these diverse demands.

  • Global Market – The global manhole covers market was valued at USD 4.51 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 5.76 billion by 2032. This reflects a CAGR of 3.1% during 2025–2032, showing how steady infrastructure investment continues to sustain long-term demand for durable access solutions.

  • Asia-Pacific – Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing regional market, forecast to expand at a CAGR of 10.9% through 2032. Growth is driven by rapid urbanisation, new infrastructure projects, and smart city initiatives across China, India, and Southeast Asia. Crescent’s presence in India positions it within this high-growth region, enabling it to supply manhole covers designed for the demands of expanding municipal and transport networks.

  • North America – In 2023–2024, North America accounted for revenues of USD 900 million to 1.2 billion, with expected growth at a CAGR of 3.2% through 2032. Demand here is driven by infrastructure modernisation and compliance with strict safety regulations. Crescent’s EN-124 and ASTM-compliant covers align with these requirements, making them suitable for both municipal and industrial projects.

  • Europe – Europe remains a significant market, valued at USD 800 million to 1 billion, and is expected to grow at about 2.9% CAGR. The region’s demand is shaped by infrastructure refurbishment, sustainability mandates, and urban redevelopment programs. Crescent’s durable and long-life covers provide reliable solutions for European cities where refurbishment and sustainability are top priorities.

  • Middle East and Africa – The Middle East and Africa are witnessing steady demand, supported by urban growth, oil and gas investments, and major infrastructure programs. The regional modular construction market, valued at USD 6 billion in 2024 and projected to grow at 6% CAGR through 2030, illustrates the scale of ongoing development. Crescent already exports extensively to UAE, Qatar, and Oman, supplying utilities, municipal networks, and transport projects where compliance with EN-124 and ASTM standards is essential.

Together, these regional growth drivers explain why Crescent’s inspection manhole covers and modular manhole covers for municipal infrastructure are trusted across more than 50 countries, from rapidly developing cities in Asia to modernising networks in Europe, North America, and the Middle East.

Ensuring Proper Underground Access for Cities and Industries

Crescent’s manhole covers are designed to perform reliably across diverse infrastructure projects. Built to international standards, they provide safe and durable access for municipal, urban, transport, and industrial networks worldwide.

  • Municipal utilities – including sewerage and stormwater networks
  • Urban infrastructure – in residential and commercial developments
  • Transport corridors – covering roads, highways, airports, and ports
  • Industrial zones – requiring secure and durable inspection points

Crescent Foundry at WETEX 2025

We at Dutco Tennant LLC are extremely proud to include Crescent Foundry in our showcase at this year’s WETEX exhibition. As a global name in cast iron and ductile iron manhole covers, Crescent brings solutions that support municipal infrastructure, utilities, and transport networks worldwide. Their presence highlights the innovation and reliability that Dutco Tennant LLC is bringing to the region’s most important infrastructure event.

Mark your calendar today: 

  Dubai World Trade Centre

  30 Sept to 2 Oct

  Stand No.: 7-H5