VDMA Sees Slight Improvement

The Compressors, Compressed Air and Vacuum Technology association of VDMA, the German engineering association, forecast slight improvement in the economic activity for the year, following mild growth in 2017. The forecast was released as part of the run-up to Achema, which will be held in Frankfurt June 11-15.

German exports of compressors (including gas compressor equipment), compressed air and vacuum technology slightly increased in 2017 by 2.4%. This is equivalent to an export volume of €5.1 billion, the association said. The biggest single buyer countries remain the USA, China, Italy, France and Great Britain.

“For 2018 the German manufacturers expect a turnover increase by 3%,” said Christoph Singrün, managing director at VDMA Compressors, Compressed Air and Vacuum Technology. “From this trade fair (Achema) we expect a positive impact, due to the process industry being a significant customer industry for our manufacturers.”

According to the incoming orders statistics for compressors, compressed air and vacuum technology which were compiled based on information provided by VDMA members, throughout 2017 demand was up 3% in real terms compared to the previous year’s level. From January to February of 2018, orders were 9% above 2017 levels, while realized turnover was 2% down from the previous year.

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