YEAR IN REVIEW 2013
Part 4 –International machinery manufacturers in expansion mode / German companies profit from spontaneous deals at “K 2013” / Italian players are moderately optimistic
 Ulrich Reifenhäuser, chairman of the plastics and rubber machinery group at VDMA (Photo: PIE) |
German machinery manufacturers were in an upbeat mood as 2013 ended. Despite an optimistic forecast at the start of the year, the momentum continuously slackened up to mid-year before the triennial “K” fair in October – where many spontaneous deals were concluded – brought the hoped-for turnaround. The world’s leading plastics event is the traditional showcase for made-in-Germany technology, but the industry this time was especially pleased. “We had not anticipated doing such a booming business,” said Ulrich Reifenhäuser, CEO of extrusion specialist Reifenhäuser and chairman of the plastics and rubber machinery group in the German engineering federation VDMA.
At “K 2013”, Germany’s Arburg introduced its new 3D printer “Freeformer”, which it bills as the world’s first additive manufacturing machine that uses standard plastics to produce fully functional components as one-offs or in small-unit volumes, without requiring a mould. The injection moulding specialist’s new machine is a technological coup, entirely new and innovation-driven.
At “K 2013”, Germany’s Arburg introduced its new 3D printer “Freeformer”, which it bills as the world’s first additive manufacturing machine that uses standard plastics to produce fully functional components as one-offs or in small-unit volumes, without requiring a mould. The injection moulding specialist’s new machine is a technological coup, entirely new and innovation-driven.
 Time will tell whether Arburg's "Freeformer" 3D printer, unveiled at this year's "K" fair, can bring about an innovation revolution (Photo: Arburg) |
Other injection moulding players this year expanded production at home and abroad, in markets as far apart as the US and China. Engel added a new machinery hall at its Schwertberg / Austria headquarters, while KraussMaffei doubled capacity at its plants in Haiyan / China, and Sumitomo Demag prepared to expand its plant at Ningbo in China’s Zhejiang province from 2015. Chinese machinery manufacturer Haitian International announced plans for two new production facilities at Ningbo. This region undoubtedly will see more investment in future, as demand from Asian customers continues to strengthen.
After years of consolidation, the injection moulding sector seems to have recovered from its severe crisis of 2008-2009. Some, such as leading Canadian player Husky, have kept a low profile, however. Husky opted to hold specialised events for its core customers rather than be present at mammoth international shows such as “K 2013”. Not all within the company were happy with the decision, it seems, as some cast a perhaps envious glance at German competitors’ success.
Extrusion specialists were also active this year. Reifenhäuser, announced a EUR 20m investment at its Troisdorf / Germany headquarters, and Italy’s Grupo Colines, while signing on with a new agent in Egypt, also kicked off an expansion at its home base in Nibbia. On the whole, Italian plastics manufacturers were moderately optimistic in late 2013. A survey of members by the industry association Assocomaplast in September found that, after an upswing in orders in summer, the companies on the peninsula expected sales figures for the second half year to show improvement.
After years of consolidation, the injection moulding sector seems to have recovered from its severe crisis of 2008-2009. Some, such as leading Canadian player Husky, have kept a low profile, however. Husky opted to hold specialised events for its core customers rather than be present at mammoth international shows such as “K 2013”. Not all within the company were happy with the decision, it seems, as some cast a perhaps envious glance at German competitors’ success.
Extrusion specialists were also active this year. Reifenhäuser, announced a EUR 20m investment at its Troisdorf / Germany headquarters, and Italy’s Grupo Colines, while signing on with a new agent in Egypt, also kicked off an expansion at its home base in Nibbia. On the whole, Italian plastics manufacturers were moderately optimistic in late 2013. A survey of members by the industry association Assocomaplast in September found that, after an upswing in orders in summer, the companies on the peninsula expected sales figures for the second half year to show improvement.
| YEAR IN REVIEW 2013 | |
| Part 1 | General overview (13.12.2013) |
| Part 2 | Shale Gas (17.12.2013) |
| Part 3 | Plastics & Environment (19.12.2013) |
| Part 4 | Plastics Machinery (20.12.2013) |
20.12.2013 Plasteurope.com [227033-0]
Published on 20.12.2013