Outlook — With the dawn of a new decade CHEManager Europe decided to ask a selection of prominent companies who supply the chemical and industrial processes industry, about their expectations on the development of different trends in their industry and how this is reflected in product development and the services companies are expected to offer their customers. We also spoke about what key events will be of importance in 2010.

Interview with Bodo Schulte-Ellerbrock, Product Manager Industrial, Maag Pump Systems

CHEManager Europe: What is your strategy for 2010?

B. Schulte-Ellerbrock: Maag Pump Systems strategy is to strengthen and extend the market share with their latest development. Overall we do expect to slightly increase our numbers in 2010. The V-Series, launched at the Achema 2009, was specially developed for low inlet pressures and high viscous fluids. This new pump series combines the well establish properties of our polymer pumps with the high demand in industrial and chemical processes. This pump series is heatable and available for sizes from 28 to 70. In recent weeks there has been an increasing demand for "small" pumps in the prepolymer business. We see great success potential for this new pump, especially for laboratory-scale-solutions due to its size.

What trends do you see developing in the sector?

B. Schulte-Ellerbrock: The feedback of our customers in the chemical and industrial processes shows an increasing demand for flexible and customized solutions. Due to our broad knowledge and long lasting experiences we can support our customers with our pump systems to optimize their processes. Our modular construction system provides the customer the best adaption to their process conditions and environment. The customer can choose between different solutions of materials, bearings and seals. Our Application Engineering Department, especially dedicated for demanding applications, supports our customers to evaluate best suitable pump solutions.

What key events are on the agenda for this year?

B. Schulte-Ellerbrock: 2010 is an important year for Maag Pump Systems and the shows we are participating in emphasize the importance of certain markets. China is an important market, this not only visible through the official market data but also the sold number of pumps seen by Maag Pump Systems.The Achema-Asia 2010 in Beijing, China will therefore be one highlight where we will show our latest developments. Furthermore, we invite our customers to share their ideas with our engineers in order to create new customized solutions.
Another big exhibition will be the K 2010 in Dusseldorf, Germany in October where we will introduce the revolutionary products for the prepolymer and extrusion market.
www.maag.ch

Interview with Stephan Brand, Aerzener Maschinenfabrik

CHEManager Europe: What can we expect from Aerzeber Maschinenfabrik in 2010?

S. Brand: The strong point of Aerzener Maschinenfabrik was and is the quality and innovation leadership in the manufacturing of blowers, compressors and gas meters. A look into the success story of 145 years proves this. Just during the current economic crisis we will strengthen the innovation force and in 2010 we will be launching many new products on the market.

What trends do you see developing in the sector?

S. Brand: In view of the current environmental discussions and the simultaneously increasing energy consumption the subject of energy efficiency will be very important for application branches on a worldwide scale. This concerns the saving of energy by optimal selection of plants, the energy reduction by the use of efficient components as well as steps for energy recovery.

How is product development being influenced by this?

S. Brand: Our blower and compressor units will face up to the new trends and challenges and will be able to offer special solutions in the field of energy efficiency. In addition we will offer an environment package, where we offer a premium for the exchange of old and inefficient machine technology.

What key events are on the agenda for this year?

S. Brand: In 2010, our main focus will be on the international fairs Powtech, Nuremberg and IFAT, Munich. We will concentrate on the presentation of our product innovations.

www.aerzener.com

Interview with Wolfgang Horn, General Management, Zeppelin Silos & Systems

CHEManager Europe: What are your expectations for 2010?

W. Horn: 2010 will still be difficult because there are only a limited amount of projects in the market to be definitively placed as orders from our customers. Zeppelin expects an increasing activity on projects to developed, however orders for big projects are expected either late 2010 or first in early 2011. This is valid for the Petrochemical, Chemical, Compounding, as well as for the Rubber and Tire Industry. For the Food Market Zeppelin expects a more stable project situation.

What trends do you see developing in the sector?

W. Horn: The Middle East, India and China will be the regions for the next big investments into Plastics Production Plants. Due to the economic crisis and the delayed start up of plants in the Middle East there is an overcapacity on the market. This leads to a delay in new project decisions. Plastic Processors and Tire Manufacturers are shifting production capacities into the emerging markets where they expect growth in car manufacturing and infrastructure projects.

How is your business being influenced by these trends?

W. Horn: Zeppelin is following these trends by increasing the local presence in the emerging markets to support the customers by their investments. Examples are the market entry in 2009 in India by acquisition of a local company, the start of a Joint Venture in Saudi Arabia and the strengthening of the company's activities in China.

What new products can we expect?

W. Horn: Zeppelin will develop their product range to meet the globalized markets. That means increasing global sourcing as well as local sourcing to increase competitiveness. New product developments are under way to be ready for the next market upswing.

What key events are on the agenda for this year?

W. Horn: The big event in 2010 for sure is the K-Show in Düsseldorf. The event will be the indicator for the Plastics Industry and their performance. We at Zeppelin expect a recovery of the industry by then. Hopefully the K-Show will highlight this and support this trend into the next upswing.

www.zeppelin.com