Sensors and measurement technology
Sales down slightly in 2019, uncertainty for 2020
The AMA Association provides an overview of the economic development of the sector in 2019. The forecasts for 2020 have to be revised.
In January, the AMA Association for Sensors and Measurement surveyed its members on economic development in 2019. According to the survey, the industry generated a one percent drop in turnover last year. According to Dr. Thomas Simmons, Managing Director of the association, the average growth over the previous years was an increase of 5 percent.
Development of the most important sensor sales markets
The most important sales market for AMA members is mechanical and plant engineering. Sensor manufacturers that supply this market recorded slight losses in 2019.
The second most important market, our own sensor and measurement technology sector, grew overall. SMEs recorded slight growth on average, while the large manufacturers were able to grow more significantly here. While SMEs recorded growth in the electronics sector, this market declined for large companies last year.
The automotive market is surprisingly positive for sensor technology companies. SMEs made slight gains in this currently difficult market, while the larger companies even made substantial gains. The aerospace sales market, on the other hand, declined overall for the AMA's supplier members.
Slight decline in exports
The sector's traditionally strong export ratio fell by 4% to 51%. This means that exports are still as strong as those of the manufacturing industry in Germany as a whole. The export ratio to other European countries remained stable at 28%, whereas exports to non-European countries declined.
The sector, which is predominantly characterized by SMEs, continued to hire employees in 2019. The number of employees increased by 3%. The AMA no longer intends to maintain its forecast of a further 2% this year.
Sensor and measurement technology companies are also finding that it is becoming increasingly difficult to meet the demand for skilled workers. When asked whether they would hire young, motivated southern Europeans with proven language skills, more than 80% of respondents see this as an opportunity to counter the growing shortage of skilled workers.
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