By: Jacqueline Holman, Engineering News Online, 16th October 2009
Analysts' expectations are that the rest of 2009 will show flat growth to slightly positive growth, resulting in strongly negative growth for 2009. Sales are expected to increase towards the end of the first quarter of 2010, and then slowly increase throughout the remainder of the year.
"Though the general economic recovery will be well on its way at that point, it is expected that many key end-user groups may delay new capital expenditure owing to a fear of a false start to the recovery," the consultancy reports.
"Areas of lower growth potential or slow penetration, such as marine and industrial machinery, are expected to suffer the greatest declines and likely to be the most difficult markets for swift recovery," the firm states.
Frost & Sullivan analysts point out that, for the first half of 2009, the fluid power industry experienced negative growth of between 25% and 30%, with some companies having reported negative growth of 40% over the same period in 2008; however, many of companies are reporting a slowing in the negative growth being experienced and are receiving more business inquiries. New orders are still slow.
Frost & Sullivan states that during the economic downturn, end-users are expected to be less likely to invest in new equipment and more likely to rent equipment. This will place a higher demand on idle equipment and create a need for rental companies to repair or replace older model products in their fleets.
There is an expected increase in demand for replacement components, as end-users continue to maintain existing equipment, while waiting for capital funds and increased product generation from manufacturers. Manufacturers are producing less, based on the reduced overall demand.
"There was a huge inventory that needed to be consumed before customers placed new orders and, while much of that inventory has been depleted, customers are still being cautious about expenditure," reports the consultancy.
The North American fluid power markets have been heavily affected by the recession, but demand from construction, agriculture and materials handling applications is expected to drive fluid power business in this region.
In South America, agricultural applications are expected to show strong growth owing to increasing demand for alternative fuel sources. The mining markets should sustain the growth of equipment that uses fluid power components.
In the Middle East and Africa, infrastructure and construction projects are expected to continue. Strong demand from the oil and gas segments in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates is expected to continue.
There is a strong demand in the replacement markets in Europe and continued demand in the agriculture markets. Continued construction throughout Europe, resulting from government stimulus, will drive the replacement market.
Source: Engineering News Online http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/fluid-power-market-to-see-increased-demand-in-2010-2009-10-16
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