Symop, the French association of production technology companies, publishes a quarterly review of its main business sectors.
The first signs of weakness observed in April are confirmed. Demand for capital goods is weakening on the domestic market, but remains dynamic on the export market.
Industrial measurement and balancing equipment
After a buoyant first quarter, business remains buoyant, with over 90 % of respondents reporting sales growth. Export business has picked up significantly. Inventories of finished products are considered normal. Supply lead times have stabilized, but remain unbearable.
Orders are up on the previous quarter and well up on the same period in 2011. Order books are full.
Customers continue to have a good workload. Equipment is being maintained, and demand for after-sales service is also on the increase. No payment difficulties have been observed, but the trend towards longer payment terms is continuing. Some companies are encountering financing problems, especially on large projects.
Forecasts for the coming months point to stable activity.
Learn more: www.symop.com