The AMA Association for Sensor and Measuring Technology e.V. (AMA) surveyed its approximately 450 members on economic development in the third quarter. According to the survey, the industry generated an increase in sales of 1 percent and an increase in orders of 4 percent in the third quarter, both compared to the previous quarter.

Actually, the industry had expected a minus of three percent for the third quarter. Among the large companies, sales by suppliers to their own sensor and measurement technology industry sector developed disproportionately well. Sales of suppliers to the mechanical engineering sector stagnated, while those of automotive suppliers are slowly stabilizing.

Supply chains interrupted at one in four companies

The proportion of companies that introduced or maintained short-time working in the third quarter was 58 percent. Here, suppliers to the automotive industry, 80 percent of which are on short-time working, are particularly affected.

The AMA Association also surveyed its members about Corona pandemic-related supply chain disruptions: Supply chains were disrupted for a quarter of members. 42 percent of them were unable to find adequate replacement suppliers. Again, automotive suppliers were particularly affected.

AMA expects 6 percent increase in 2021

"We are pleased to see a slight upward trend in sensor and measurement technology in the third quarter," said Thomas Simmons, AMA managing director. "However, we see a light at the end of the tunnel for now. Due to the heavy losses in the first quarters, the industry lost the very good industry performance of the past two to three years. The effects of the Covid 19 pandemic are difficult to predict. Nevertheless, our members are mostly optimistic about the fourth quarter and expect a six percent increase in sales."