Machine vision sales in Germany could approach record highs in 2013

German machine vision sales in 2012 nearly reached the 1.51 billion euro peak hit in 2011, but fell just shy at 1.49 billion euro. While the domestic market fell by 6% and the supplies to European countries by 12%, but total machine vision exports saw significant growth.

In 2012, exports to Asia grew year-over-year by 13%; the first time this number has exceeded the export volume to European countries, while exports to America grew by 12%. The total export ratio of the German machine vision industry increased to 55% from 52% in 2011, according to the German Verband Deutscher Maschinen- und Anlagenbau (VDMA) press release.

While sales in the automotive industry shrank by almost 25% in 2012, it still accounts for a 21% share, making it the biggest sector within manufacturing. Pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and healthcare saw a 36% increase in investments in machine vision, while rubber and plastics saw a 70% increase. Total non-industrial applications went up by almost 9%, making it the first time it has exceeded the automotive industry.

The VDMA press release estimates that the German machine vision sector can grow by 5% in 2013.

View the VDMA press release.
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