VDMA reports near record machinery sales in 2013

The German Engineering Federation (VDMA), has reported that German plastics and rubber machinery manufacturers� sales in 2013 hit near record levels.

The VDMA reported that Germany’s plastics and rubber machinery manufacturers ended 2013 with sales down by 1%. This means that turnover in core machinery manufacturing fell only a little short of the most recent record of €6.5bn.

“The result for the year is largely in line with our forecast,” said Ulrich Reifenhäuser, chairman of the VDMA Plastics and Rubber Machinery Association. “At K 2013 we predicted that the industry’s sales would be marginally below the 2012 level.”

According to the VDMA a rise in sales is expected for 2014: “Based on Association forecasts, sales are set to grow by 6% to €6.9bn in 2014,” explained Reifenhäuser.

“Our top sales markets are proving very strong: China is more than making up for last year’s dip in growth and the US is also growing faster than average. The major South Asian markets – India, Indonesia and Thailand – are experiencing a pause in growth. Within the EU, our members’ reports confirm the rates of growth in exports to Italy, Spain and Portugal.”

The VDMA's Plastics and Rubber Machinery Association consists of over 200 members who account for more than 90% of the industry’s sales.