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European Gearboxes and Geared Motors Market

PRESS RELEASE

Increasing Competition and the Need for Planetary Solutions Spur Changes in the European Gearboxes and Geared Motors Market

London, UK – 20 December, 2005 - The European gearboxes and geared motors market is facing intense competition from Asian and eastern European manufacturers that are luring end-users through competitive pricing strategies. However, the growing need for planetary designs and the sustained demand from mechanical handling, wind energy, and food and beverages end-users, is expected to increase revenues in the European gearboxes and geared motors market from €2.48 billion in 2004 to €3.13 billion in 2011. 

The increase in energy prices and the need to reduce dependence on the Middle East for fossil fuels has led to the development of inexpensive and renewable wind energy applications, which is likely to lead to a demand for gearboxes. Further, the need to reduce costs and improve productivity is driving the manufacturers to invest in more efficient power transmission solutions, which are expected to augment demand for planetary solutions and boost the growth of the European gearboxes and geared motors market.

“The anticipated expansion of the packaged food industry, with the modernisation and diversification of existing factories across Europe, will provide growth opportunities for gearbox and geared motor manufacturers”, says Mr. Danny Solomon, Research Manager at Frost & Sullivan (http://industrialautomation.frost.com) The modular design of off-the-shelf gearboxes and geared motors, which can be used in different applications, is another catalyst likely to drive the market.

The growing demand for large-scale, highly-engineered gearboxes is expected to drive the European gearbox market from €1.33 billion in 2004 to €1.72 billion by the end of 2011. The market for helical gearboxes (which accounts for the largest share of the total European gearbox market) is poised for growth as customers’ demands continue, due to the increased efficiency and improved reliability of these gearboxes. 

The demand for planetary gearboxes also continues to rise, despite being more expensive in comparison to helical ones. The growing importance of specialised planetary gearboxes is anticipated to generate greater revenues. However, the inefficiency of the technology associated with worm gearboxes leaves limited prospects for significant growth of this market and revenues are likely to remain modest.

The need for an integrated solution combined with a general preference for geared motor solutions is expected to fuel revenues in the geared motors market from €1.15 billion in 2004 to €1.41 billion in 2011. The geared motors markets in France, Scandinavia and Germany, which rely heavily on applications groups such as mechanical handling and food and beverages, will also assist in promoting the importance of geared motors in the region.

The availability of different designs in helical geared motors, such as in-line and helical bevel solutions, make them suitable for a broad range of applications and this is likely to result in increased revenues. Planetary geared motors, though expensive in comparison to worm geared motors, are also expected to enjoy greater demand due to their suitability in larger applications. 

The European gearboxes and geared motors market is also witnessing growth in countries that do not represent industry-based economies and which offer lower-labour costs. While Germany, Italy and France have contributed significantly to the European gearboxes and geared motors market, other European countries such as Scandinavia, Benelux and Iberia offering lower-labour costs are emerging as sources of revenue. However, they are unlikely to challenge the dominance of the larger markets, notably Germany, even in the long term.

The German gearboxes and geared motors market, which represents nearly half of the total market revenues, is likely to remain the largest source of revenue. Despite the country’s economic slowdown during 2001 to 2003, the versatile German gearboxes and geared motors market is expected to rebound in 2006. The Italian gearboxes and geared motors market is also expected to grow despite increasing competition from countries such as China and India. Gearbox and geared motor manufacturers have also discovered new applications in France, supporting expansion prospects. 

Growth in the UK market will depend on the established manufacturing sector and the ability to effectively compete with regions that can offer a less expensive workforce. Despite this, the overall market in the UK is anticipated to increase from €186.1 million in 2004 to €228.0 million in 2011. Countries such as Scandinavia, Iberia, Benelux, Switzerland, Austria, Greece and the Republic of Ireland are also likely to contribute to higher demand levels. 

Future strategies should be focused on global manufacturing to strengthen international branding and achieve greater market penetration. “Manufacturers should focus on building and maintaining end-user demand, enhancing their product portfolio and developing the expertise to offer improved services to complement their products”, states Mr. Solomon. 

If you are interested in a virtual brochure, which provides manufacturers, end users and other industry participants an overview of the latest analysis of the European Gearboxes and Geared Motors Market, then send an e-mail to Magdalena Oberland, Corporate Communications, at magdalena.oberland@frost.com with the following information: your full name, company name, title, telephone number, fax number, e-mail address and source of information. Upon receipt of the above information, an overview will be sent to you through e-mail.

Title: European Gearboxes and Geared Motors Market 
Code: B365-17

Background

Frost & Sullivan, a global growth consulting company, has been partnering with clients to support the development of innovative strategies for more than 40 years. The company's industry expertise integrates growth consulting, growth partnership services and corporate management training to identify and develop opportunities. Frost & Sullivan serves an extensive clientele that includes Global 1000 companies, emerging companies, and the investment community, by providing comprehensive industry coverage that reflects a unique global perspective and combines ongoing analysis of markets, technologies, econometrics, and demographics.

Media Contacts:

Europe:
Magdalena Oberland
Corporate Communications
P: +44 (0) 20 7915 7876
E: magdalena.oberland@frost.com

Americas:
Tori Foster
Corporate Communications
P: 210.477.8448
E: tori.foster@frost.com 

Asia Pacific
Donna Jeremiah
Corporate Communications 
P: +603 6304 5832
E: djeremiah@frost.com

India:
Surbhi Dedhia
Corporate Communications
P: +91 22 2832 4705 Ext: 131
E: sdedhia@frost.com

Australia:
Sharmin Jassal					
Corporate Communications
P:  + 61 2 8247 8900
E:  sjassal@frost.com

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