“Our sector currently has a high order backlog and we see a positive investment climate in our key customer industries. We are well on track to reach our 2021 growth forecast of +11%. This means that in 2022 we are likely to return to our pre-crisis level of 2019 with an industry sales volume of €14.7bn. The prerequisite for this is that the current disruptions in supply chains do not intensify significantly,” said Frank Konrad, chairman, VDMA (the German Mechanical Engineering Industry Association) Robotics + Automation Association and CEO, Hahn Automation, Rheinböllen, Germany.
While LogiMAT has again postponed its tradeshow (scheduled for March 8–10) in Stuttgart to May 31–June 2, 2022, it is not all doom and gloom for the Germany economy. Despite experiencing ‘another setback in the first quarter of 2022 due to tightened protective measures related to the pandemic’, a report by Deutsche Bundesbank says in its outlook for 2022 to 2024, there will be strong growth during this period and from the second quarter of 2022 the economy will pick up significant momentum again, if, as assumed, pandemic-related restrictions are mostly lifted at that time.
In this context, there will likely be additional spending from the involuntary savings that have been built up during the course of the pandemic. Moreover, it is assumed the supply bottlenecks will be resolved by the end of 2022 and exports will receive a strong boost for a time due to backlog and catch-up effects.
“We regret the need to do this, but the date at the end of May is perfect, and we’re glad we were able to fulfil the wishes of our exhibitors at such short notice with the support of the venue operator in Stuttgart,” said Peter Kazander, managing director, EUROEXPO Messeund Kongress. “Together with our exhibitors, we will continue to use our platform LogiMAT.digital to bridge the gap until the end of May and stay in touch with industry professionals.”
Read more about what industry projects have been taking place across Central Europe in our region report by Julian Champkin.
Jennifer Eagle, editor
