Demag Plastics Group (DPG, D-90571 Schwaig; www.dpg.com) reported a slight increase in its market share in fiscal year 2003/2004 (30 September). In Europe and the US, the group now claims to have an overall market share of 13.7% according to units produced, up from 12.2%. Large machines with clamping forces of 4,000 kN account for the majority share. According to DPG chairman Helmar Franz, the machinery group expects orders for 2,650 machines worth EUR 337m during the current business year. Order intake for 2003/2004 was valued at EUR 305m.

Turnover in 2003/2004 rose by 6.6% against 2002/2003 to 332.5m, with Demag and the two joint ventures Demag Haitian Plastics Machinery Ltd (Ningbo / China) and L&T Demag Plastics Machinery Pvt Ltd (Chennai / India) representing equal shares. Franz said the increase this year will result from a rising number of large machines being sold by the joint ventures. Demag has identified Asia and particularly China and Thailand as its most interesting markets. Plans are to set up a marketing company in Thailand this year. In China, new opportunities could result from increased investment by the European plastics industry in the country.

Franz also expects growth in Scandinavia, mainly “due to its strong focus on packaging,” and in Russia, which is showing “a healthy development.” In other countries, the Demag chief expects flat or declining sales. The UK market is currently undergoing structural changes, while US business holds steady at a low level. Germany is seeing stable conditions with minimum dynamics and a clear trend to automation and highly efficient systems.