Skip to main content

AEM sets agenda

Construction machinery and equipment sales worldwide are predicted to be up by 14.7 % in 2011, according to the annual business outlook survey by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM).
April 24, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
RSSConstruction machinery and equipment sales worldwide are predicted to be up by 14.7 % in 2011, according to the annual business outlook survey by the 1100 Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM).

The AEM says its survey results indicate sales will also continue to grow in the next three years, but at a lower rate than 2011. In 2011, machinery and equipment sales in the U.S. are expected to grow 18.6% compared to last year; Canadian sales are forecast to increase 14.7%; and sales across the rest of the world are anticipated to rise 14.7%. U.S sales are predicted to grow 10.8% in 2012, 9.9% in 2013, and 8.1% in 2014.

Canadian business overall is expected to be 9.0% higher in 2012, then increase 9.8% in 2013 and 7.3% in 2014. Meanwhile, equipment sales across the rest of the world are anticipated to rise 10.5% in 2012, 9.5% in 2013, and 8.2% in 2014. AEM, the North American-based international trade group representing the off-road equipment manufacturing industry, surveyed manufacturers of around 40 different types of machines, attachments and components, used to build and repair roads, bridges, houses, offices, schools and other infrastructure worldwide, and asked them to rank several factors affecting future business. The state of the general economy, including consumer confidence, credit availability and steel prices, were seen as major negative factors influencing future sales. A key positive factor cited was the consistent strong demand for construction equipment exports. "In 2011, construction equipment manufacturing kept improving from the depths of the recession as the economy stabilised. Earlier this year it looked like the economy was truly turning around, but we still have some uncertainty, in both U.S. and international markets, and this is hampering stronger, more sustainable growth," said AEM president Dennis Slater. "Export sales have been crucial to help many manufacturers get through the recession, and they still contribute greatly to a positive balance sheet for many companies. That's why export-friendly policies such as free trade agreements are important to keep American companies in business."

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • JCB reports strong performance despite tough market
    May 12, 2014
    UK equipment manufacturer JCB is bullish and reports strong sales, despite difficult trading conditions. The company claims that its sales for 2013 are the third highest it has achieved, since the firm was established 68 years ago. Earnings stood at €383.7 million on an EBITDA basis, compared with €447.4 million for 2012. Meanwhile turnover reached €3.28 billion, close to the €3.31 billion achieved for 2012 and machine unit sales stood hit 66,227, compared with 69,250 for the previous year. JCB Chairman Lor
  • US market continues to climb
    April 11, 2013
    A comment often heard at the recent World of Asphalt/World of Aggregates event in San Antonio, Texas was how the US construction market is recovering. The catchphrase for the global construction industry in 2013 seems to be ‘cautious optimism’. The growth rate may be modest and business activity is certainly a long way from the peaks of 2007 and 2008, but the improving conditions can only be good news for the construction sector. In Europe the situation is less clear. The Nordic nations are all in a fairly
  • Europe’s green roads future
    June 17, 2020
    The European Commission’s Green Deal recognises that sustainable road infrastructure will keep Europe’s highways at the core of the continent's economy
  • AIA’s UK ‘crumbling roads’ survey prompts call for greater Government funding
    March 14, 2013
    The annual national survey of UK local road network condition and funding claims there is a crumbling road crisis of increasing concern, prompting renewed calls for increased and longer term Government funding. Commissioned by the Asphalt Industry Alliance (AIA), the 18th Annual Local Authority Road Maintenance (ALARM) Survey was completed by 75% of councils across England and Wales and reports that the number of potholes filled over the last year rose to over two million - an increase of 29% on the previou