State-of-the-North American P/M Industry - 2002

摘要

Generally speaking, business conditions in the U.S. P/M industry are looking brighter after a negative 2001 but the effect on P/M companies involved in all sectors of the industry is inconsistent. Some companies are enjoying a great year while others, especially in the P/M equipment sector, are having difficult times. First quarter 2002 shipments of metal powders point to a steady rise in the production of metal powders and thus P/M parts and products. Industry leaders are cautiously optimistic about the rest of this year, but don't see a strong rebound taking place until at least 2003. Some observers see 2004 and 2005 as very strong growth years. As we all know the U.S. P/M industry, like industries in Europe and Asia, are tied to the fortunes of auto production. U.S. production of light vehicles in 2001 declined about 10%, to 15.8 million vehicles which had a significant negative impact on the P/M industry. The "Big Three" (GM, Ford and DaimlerChrysler) lost market share to transplants and imports, all of which use fewer P/M parts. I believe it is appropriate at this point to define what we mean by the P/M industry in the United States.