The trade association FDM, as the technical organisers of the Usetec used-machine fair, reports that his members are optimistic for 2012. The Managing Director Kurt Radermacher claims that there is an increased demand for used machines.
Herr Radermacher, what is your opinion from the point of view of the trade association about the change in venue for the used-machine fair from Karlsruhe to Cologne?
It is a great step forward for both visitors and exhibitors. The great international interest in the topic ”Used Technologies“ requires a site which is both known throughout the world and is easy to reach. Cologne ideally fulfills these requirements. As a city with ancient roots situated in the heart of Europe, the city of Cologne, famous as a centre for culture and media, is internationally known and is interesting for visitors not only because of the USETEC.
For your members, what is the significance of the extension of the fair’s scope to include moulds and tools?
It is not a question of offering a new fair for tools, but rather of completing the scope of the fair hitherto. After all, even used machines need new tools and because of the change of name the exhibitors can extend and complete the range of products that they show.
From the point of view of your association, how has the market for used machines developed in the past year and what expectations do you have for the year which has just started?
Since the year before last the external economic conditions governing the whole trade have again significantly improved, and there is an increased demand for both new and used machines. In the case of new machines this has meant lengthening delivery dates, while in the case of used machines our member companies have increasing difficulties in obtaining the machines that they need. Assuming that no crisis is lurking around the corner, we have high hopes for the year 2012.
What are the emphases in current demand? Has there been a change here due to the unsettled situation in the Arab countries?
In all segments of the market, demand has increased. This is true in the metal-working sector as well as in the areas of wood, synthetics, textiles, packing, printing, pharmaceuticals and special machines. There is, however, a continuing trend in the used-machine market to over-proportional demand for high-quality machines as well as for conventional or CNC processing centers.
Regarding the demand from abroad, the statistics which we obtain from our used-machine internet portal MachineStock.com tell us that there has been no significant drop in demand from the Arab countries.
How is the trade association’s auction platform progressing?
Several machines have already been sold using our auction platform MachineStock-Auctions. However, the project is still too young to be able to make accurate forecasts. For our member companies it is important that their association be seen as a professional, competent and serious partner and that the auction platform, as well as our used-machine portal MachineStock.com have established themselves as so-called Trusted Market Places in the World Wide Web. It is important to bear in mind that the use of both platforms for would-be customers is completely free and without risk: They will not find any small print or other unpleasant surprises and every seller is named as a stock-carrying dealer; there is no anonymity.
Dr. Rolf Langbein
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