Pneumatics market can stand pressure

Wellingborough, UK - While growth in European and Middle East markets for pneumatic parts slowed slightly in 2008 from that of previous years, there are still reasons for suppliers to be optimistic, according to a new report from IMS Research.

In 2005, the EMEA market for pneumatic components was worth almost Euro2.2 billion, said the study, titled The EMEA Market for Pneumatic Components. However, between 2007 and 2008 the market grew just over 3.5% to around €2.5 billion, compared with a year-on-year increase of over 4% in the previous two years.

Use of electrical components as substitutes is one trend slowly affecting the market for pneumatic components in Europe. Electromechanical solutions can be more versatile and flexible than pneumatic ones, and are better suited to some applications.

Another factor damping market growth is the steadying of average selling prices. Suppliers are cutting the prices of components such as standard directional control valves and standard cylinders, under pressure from suppliers of electromechanical components or other low cost substitutes.

“However, some areas will continue to drive market growth” according to report author Daniel Welch. “There is ever increasing demand for components that can be used in industrial networks, including valve islands with fieldbus and multi-pole connectivity. Also, components that can be designed and configured to meet the specific needs of the end user will be purchased in increasing volumes over the next few years.”