Drive Toward Digitized and Automated Solutions to Boost Sales of Nondestructive Test Equipment

PALO ALTO, Calif.--July 6, 2004--A wave of consolidation is sweeping over the nondestructive test (NDT) equipment industry, bringing in its wake both benefits and challenges. The consolidated companies must cope with the challenge of balancing the integration of businesses and managing stakeholder concerns. Smaller companies, in-turn, are pressured by the looming threat of their larger sized competition.

On the upside, the conglomerates have the financial might to invest in new technologies and products, global reach to meet customer requirements, and the ability to influence product prices. Their smaller sized competitors are focusing on niche markets and customized solutions to compete effectively.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (www.testandmeasurement.frost.com), World Nondestructive Test Equipment Markets, reveals that revenues in this market totaled $724.3 million in 2003 and are projected to reach $1.03 billion by 2010.

"With the continued drive toward enhancing quality, improving production efficiency, and increasing residual life of assets, the demand for digitized and automated NDT equipment is projected to grow," says Frost & Sullivan Industry Analyst Jaidev Ram Mohan.

In spite of the emphasis on quality of products and longevity of asset life, severe economic conditions have forced customers to take a cautious stand toward acquiring new NDT equipment. Some of them have overlooked the benefits of NDT technology, owing to limited capital available for investment in new equipment.

This leads to intense competition among vendors to capture the wary and price conscious customer base. Established vendors also face stiff competition from local vendors that typically supply lower priced equipment.

Compromise on quality of NDT equipment and incomplete testing can affect the overall output, even leading to catastrophic results that endanger safety of human life and the environment. Therefore, end users need to be made aware of the benefits of using NDT technologies as a tool toward providing effective damage and disaster prevention, as well as for enhancing overall productivity.

At the same time, there is a range of emerging and enhanced NDT techniques such as acoustic emission, phased array ultrasonics, digital radiography, computed tomography (CT), etc. that require further customer adoption. Effective marketing techniques need to be employed to communicate the range of available technologies and illustrate their potential benefits to decision makers in end-user companies.

"Presenting an economic approach with demonstrated results on reduced risk, increased throughput, and resultant improvement of profitability could help convince key decision makers," observes Ram Mohan. "Uptake of this equipment is bound to increase once NDT is accepted as a value-enabler and not an impediment that slows down production."

Increasing opportunities presented by the foundry, oil and petroleum, and automotive markets provide a focus area for NDT equipment vendors. Growth in manufacturing activity in Asia Pacific and eastern European markets further holds potential opportunities for vendors of NDT equipment.

"Vendors can look to profit by establishing a presence in these rapidly developing markets through self-initiated forays or by partnering with local distributors and dealers," concludes Ram Mohan.

World Nondestructive Test Equipment Markets, a part of the Mechanical Test Equipment Market Subscription, analyzes the competitive landscape for NDT equipment manufacturers and provides strategies to develop and maintain market share. Equipment segments including ultrasonic, surface inspection, eddy current, visual inspection, and radiography are researched and comprehensive information is provided on the various products offered, along with a survey based on customer and geographical segments. Executive summaries and interviews are available to the press.

If you are interested in an analysis overview which provides manufacturers, end-users and other industry participants an overview, summary, challenges and latest coverage of the World Nondestructive Test Equipment Market, then send an email to Julia Paulson - Industrial Media Relations Executive at jpaulson@frost.com with the following information: Full name, Company Name, Title, Contact Tel Number, Contact Fax Number, Email. Upon receipt of the above information, an overview will be emailed to you.

Frost & Sullivan, an international growth consultancy, has been supporting clients' expansion for more than four decades. Our market expertise covers a broad spectrum of industries, while our portfolio of advisory competencies includes custom strategic consulting, market intelligence, and management training. Our mission is to forge partnerships with our clients' management teams to deliver market insights and to create value and drive growth through innovative approaches. Frost & Sullivan's network of consultants, industry experts, corporate trainers, and support staff spans the globe with offices in every major country.

World Nondestructive Test Equipment Markets

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