Jan-Reint Voortman, President of the European Association of Machine Tool Merchants (EAMTM), answers questions with reference to the current situation of Association members and to the expectations of Resale.
Mister Voortman, what effect is the worldwide economic crisis having on your members and on the trade in used machine tools?
The present economic situation concerns the metalworking industry, like other sectors of manufacturing. For dealers in used machine tools it is also a time for opportunities to buy equipment at reasonable prices. In addition the fact that banks are hesitating to give loans to industry, might convince companies to go for used machinery in stead of investing in new.
Referring to the demand for used machine tools, are certain regions becoming more prominent?
Regional differences have always occurred. On the other hand business depends also of the type of machines a dealer has for sale.
Your Italian predecessor, Michele Ciadella, always emphasised the importance of the markets in Eastern Europe. What is the current situation there?
Eastern Europe remains a growth market for our association. The EAMTM is now present in all the former East block countries and interest is growing. For these relatively new players on the market being a member of the EAMTM allows them to establish valuable contacts in the trade, which they can not achieve alone. Our Annual Conference – this year in Slovenia – together with the Resale exhibition are the two major events in Europe for the trade.
What must dealers be particularly careful about in times of crisis in order not to suffer?
Over the last decade the trade has seen some transformations, for instance due to the introduction of the internet as a tool for marketing. Members of the EAMTM are in principle dealers having their stock of machines which means a significant capital investment. Outsourcing certain activities is one of the solutions, but costs related to stocking the machines and being able to demonstrate the machines under power as well as providing the service to install machines remains relatively unchanged.
What in your opinion must now happen in order to improve the situation?
The used machine tool business is both a national and a global market. In Western Europe industry has to build on the advantages of qualified labour, available markets, good logistics and government has to try achieving lean management in public services in order to be able to reduce the heavy fiscal burden on the economy.
How are your members reacting to participation at Resale? Will there be fewer exhibitors?
Unfortunately companies tend to think saving money by cutting in their variable costs, like exhibitions, advertising and membership of trade associations. The best solution in the present economic climate is to show one’s presence and be sure that clients find you. Members of the EAMTM will therefore be present in high numbers and represent the largest group at the Resale with members from Scandinavia, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Germany and the Benelux.
What do the exhibiting members of EAMTM expect from Resale?
During this special 15th edition of Resale we count on the expertise of the company Hess GmbH to bring interested buyers to the show. Contacts established during the Resale will deliver business in the following months.
Dr. Rolf Langbein Technical Journalist in Rottenburg
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