"Despite the current impact of the pandemic, the mood in our industry is characterised by confidence," says Dr Markus Heering, managing director of the VDMA Printing and Paper Technology Association, summarising the results of a recent member survey. In March - in the midst of the Corona-related lockdown - just under 50 members of the trade association took part in the survey.
It is striking that 40 percent of the respondents assess their business outlook for the next 12 months positively, while only 20 percent expect their business situation to deteriorate. The long-term forecast for the next 24 months is even positive for 45 percent and at least unchanged for 38 percent. Only 17 percent of respondents fear a negative development. "Compared to our last member survey in October 2020, the mood is significantly better," explains Heering. At that time, 39 percent of the members had assessed the outlook for the next 24 months positively. In October, only 25 percent of the participants were positive about the next 12 months.
Industry satisfied with turnover
The current survey shows that 42 percent of respondents were satisfied with their turnover in the last 12 months. In October, the picture was completely different: only 11 percent of respondents were satisfied. Thus, the satisfaction of the participants has increased by about 30 percent within almost 6 months.
The order situation in the next 12 months is also viewed positively: 54 percent of the participants expect an increase and 41 percent expect the level to remain the same.
In October, 10 percent of the respondents expected a decline and 36 percent a stagnation of the order situation. The majority of respondents (57 percent) see expectations for domestic business as constant. Only 20 percent of the respondents expect a worse order situation.
Members pursue their investment plans
The members surveyed underline their optimism through entrepreneurial action. "66 percent of our members want to invest in new products and 27 percent in hiring skilled workers," explains Heering. Compared to the survey in October, the investment plans are surprisingly stable. At that time, 0 percent of the respondents wanted to hire skilled workers. "This shows us that the industry is focusing on its future opportunities despite the difficult market environment," says Heering. He sees this as evidence of the industry's motivation and determination.
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