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.