VDMA: Machine Vision remains on course for success

The European Machine Vision Industry remains on track for solid growth. According to latest surveys, the European industry will achieve the forecasted growth rate of turnover of 10 percent and expects to increase its sales by at least 7 percent in 2016.

The German machine vision industry anticipates a growth rate of 8 percent, which will increase its turnover to almost € 2.26 billion by the end of 2016. As in previous years, strong demand for German machine vision products is expected from Europe, USA and Asia. Uncertainty remains with regard to the automotive industry and China. In the period 2010 to 2014, after North America, China was the most important export market for machine vision from Germany. In 2014 the growth rate dropped to 10% - its lowest level since the 2009 crisis year. Exports to European countries, however, increased above average by 23 percent.

Machine Vision Market Data

According to the latest VDMA market surveys, the sector turnover in Europe grew by 16% in 2014, with a further growth expectation of 11 percent in 2015. The German machine vision industry increased its turnover by 16% in 2014 reaching the mark of € 1.9 billion. The growth impetus came mostly from exports: While domestic turnover grew by 12 percent , exports from Germany went up by 19  percent in 2014. The export share rose from 57  percent to a new all-time high of 59  percent. According to the latest monthly VDMA incoming order index for machine vision, the industry will achieve its forecasted turnover growth of 10 percent in Europe and in Germany, which will increase turnover of the German machine vision industry to over € 2 billion. In 2016, the industry expects to further expand their sales volume: in Germany, growth of 8 percent, and  in Europe, growth of 7 percent is expected.