Euromap warns of slow-down following “unusually long” boom

Linz, Austria - Due to full order books, Euromap expects a growth rate of 2% for European plastics and rubber machinery manufacturers.

The European association for plastics and rubber machinery manufacturers, Europmap, has warned of possible slow-down in orders despite expecting a strong 2018.

“There is no end of the growth in sight. Due to full order books, Euromap expects a growth rate of 2% for European plastics and rubber machinery manufacturers,” said the association in a 15 June statement.

However, the association, which held its general assembly on 15 June in Linz, Austria, said the “unusually long” boom had its drawbacks, including an impact on delivery times.

“Moreover, some companies have trouble to find appropriate skilled workers. A slow-down of the economic growth, therefore, is becoming increasingly likely,” warned the association.

According to Euromap, the global production of plastics and rubber machinery increased 4% in 2017, with strong performance by Chinese competitors.

“In 2017 they already produced machinery and plants worth €11.1bn, which is 180 percentage points more than in year 2009,” said Euromap.

Also, during the general assembly Euromap elected Luciano Anceschi, from Tria, Cologno Monzese, Italy, as its president for the period 2018-2021.

Michael Baumeister, from Brückner Maschinenbau, Siegsdorf, Germany was appointed as vice president and VDMA’s Thorsten Kühmann was named as secretary general.

Circular economy and industry 4.0 were among the key topics addressed during the annual meeting.

“The close collaboration on a European level is extremely important for the manufacturers of plastics and rubber machinery when it comes to central topics like Industry 4.0 or Circular Economy,” said the new president Luciano Anceschi.