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News Release from: Frost and Sullivan
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 16 February 2007
Personal protective equipment market
reviewed
The the Western European market for personal protective equipment earned revenues of EUR 7,800 million in 2006, but cheap imports are affecting local producers.
The Western European personal protective equipment (PPE) market experienced many changes in 2006 Trends indicate a shift in the focus of PPE as workers slowly become more important than the decision process
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 28 Apr 2004 at 8.00am (UK)
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Frost and Sullivan finds that the Western European PPE Market earned revenues of EUR 7,800 million in 2006.
"2006 was a very successful year for the PPE industry in Western Europe," remarked Frost and Sullivan research analyst Paula Connor.
"Manufacturers benefited from a time of stability and used that as a springboard to move into new territories such as Eastern Europe." Despite the continuing shift of heavy manufacturing from Western Europe, the workers who remain are well-paid and highly valued.
Employers are beginning to spend more to ensure worker comfort and safety.
However, there remains a great deal of demand for very cheap products imported from Asia.
Certain regions in Europe are known for their exceptionally high price sensitivity and European manufacturers are suffering due to the competition from cheaper imports.
"The cheapest products available in the PPE market are of very poor quality, but are still in demand," observed Connor.
"Many people realise that the health and safety of workers is exceedingly important, but even in 2006, others see price as their first priority." To sustain growth in this challenging environment, manufacturers are developing products that provide greater comfort and style in response to the cheap, low-end alternatives.
They are making efforts to win new customers by developing products that do not cause discomfort or embarrassment.
Annual Review of the Western European PPE Market, 2006 is part of the Chemicals and Materials Subscription which also includes research in the following markets: Polish Markets for PPE, Western European Markets for Above the Neck Protective Equipment and Western European Markets for Protective Clothing.
All research included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends that have been evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants.
Interviews with the press are available.
* Title: Annual Review of the Western European PPE Market, 2006.
Code: M081 - 39.
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