Two billion euros. The Intermat 1350 exhibitors, which was held from April 16 to 21 in Villepinte near Paris, have not mégoté their investments as they exposed construction machinery and construction worth a total of 2 billion. "This very large sum shows business optimism this year," explains Maryvonne Lanoë, commissioner general of the show.
This event is the meeting point for all actors of the French markets, Southern Europe and North Africa. "The trend is quite good, says Philippe Haugenauer, Sales Director France of Japanese Komatsu. We have seen the show many people who have projects, although few orders were signed on the spot. "With a turnover of EUR 18 billion, the Japanese group is the second largest manufacturer of equipment BTP in the world.
Strong rebound of the market
Reinforces a sense that the latest figures released by manufacturers. "The aggregate producers, who are our customers, have a very good first quarter, so a little unexpected," says Michel Herr, CEO of France Sandvik, the Swedish group specializing in drills and milling machines. The reason: the great works decided by the government after the 2009 crisis. "We take advantage of highway construction and high-speed lines, including those linked to Tours and Bordeaux, Michel Herr says low interest personal loan. This allows us to benefit from a good order book for the second quarter. However, we lack visibility for the future. "
Despite its 15% growth in its European business in the first quarter, Saubot Alexander, general manager of Haulotte Group, Europe's leading manufacturer of aerial work platforms, believes that "this increase is lower than it should be given the fall market in Europe since 2009. " The activity is still far from the highest recorded in 2007 and 2008. Above all, Europe pales in terms of total growth over the period of Haulotte: 24%.
"The strong rebound in the global market for public works equipment recorded in 2010, to 17%, and 2011, 24%, is due in part because it had collapsed by 50% between 2008 and 2009" , said Maryvonne Lanoë. The activity remains well below the pre-crisis level.
"There are many projects, the problem is now often funding," says Philippe Haugenauer elsewhere. Dynamism that allows Buronfosse Renaud, chief representative of ICASA, the union representing the manufacturers of construction machinery, metallurgy and handling, be optimistic for the current year: "We envision an increase of business activity of the profession of 5 to 7% in 2012. "
