The German woodworking technology industry has reported a 42% fall in sales in 2009, but growth of 10-15% is predicted this year.
The German Woodworking Machinery Manufacturers’ Association said 2009 had been the worst year in decades. Parent group the VDMA (German Engineering Federation) went a step further, describing the year as a “cataclysm”.
Overseas sales of German woodworking machinery declined by 44%, while domestic sales dropped by 34%.
However, the fourth quarter was a bright spot, with a 42% growth in new orders, albeit from an existing very low level.
“The worst is probably behind us,” said association Bernhard Dirr managing director. “But I would not speak of any sustained recovery. Many businesses are felling the full consequences of the [economic] crisis in 2010.”
Mr Dirr said the wood crafts sector was less gloomy, with window manufacturing in better shape. Standard equipment serving this sector saw only an 18% sales decrease in 2009.
He also pointed to a nearly sold out Holz-Handwork exhibition in Nuremberg, to be held on March 24-27, as another example of the more positive crafts sector.
Overall, the association said new orders were scattered and without a clear focus by region or market sector.
Imported machinery to Germany decreased by about 28% in 2009, with only China performing well. Italian and Swiss technology imports shrank by 39% and 50% respectively.
