Equipment sales up

German Construction equipment and building machinery manufacturers recorded +15,6% growth in 2005, according to the latest report from VDMA, the German industry association. The sector recorded sales of € 9,99 billion last year, which the VDMA claims is a new record. The association is also expecting the growth to continue into 2006 with gains of around +8%.

“Our positive result in last year can be attributed to a booming export business,” said VDMA president Dr Christof Kemmann. “Last year the industry exported € 7,49 billion worth of machines and equipment. This represents a +21,7% increase compared to the previous year.

“Sales for construction equipment rose by +23% to more than € 5 billion while sales for building material, glass and ceramic machines increased by +19% to € 2,46 billion. The sector's share of exports currently amounts to around 75% and our most important outlets are the US, Western Europe and China.”