Matthias Krauss new president of the EPTA - European Power Tool Association
Bulgaria, Sofia, 26 September 2008 – The General Assembly of EPTA -
European Power Tool Association, the trade organisation for Europebased
companies of the power tool industry, has elected Matthias Krauss,
CEO Mafell Corporation, as new president for two years. Krauss will be
the successor of Bo Risberg. Richard E. Geitner, CEO C. & E. Fein
GmbH, Gerry McHugh, Managing Director Hitachi Koki Europe Ltd. and
Alexandre Duarte, President TTI EMEA, have been elected as vicepresidents.
These worldwide leading manufacturers of power tools have met for their
annual Congress from September 23 to 27, 2008 in Sofia, Bulgaria. The
company SPARKY, Bulgaria played host to it. The congress has been
well-attended with 85 participants. Not only representatives from many
European countries were welcomed, but also a lot of guests from the
USA, Russia, Japan and Hong Kong.
Dr. Stoyan Stalev, Executive Director of InvestBulgaria Agency, the guest
speaker held the speech about the economic position and the
development potentials of Bulgaria. Within the frame of the General
Assembly, the participants engaged in an active exchange of ideas about
the market development, the technical and environmental relevant
aspects, as well as the legal aspects that are important for the power tool
industry.
In 2007, the power tool market had a worldwide volume of 8.5 billion EUR
at 170 million sold units. The biggest single market after region was
Europe with around 4.0 billion. EUR. The expectations for 2007 were met
or even exceeded. 2007 was an extraordinarily good year for the power
tool industry which is not likely to come back again. In 2008, the market
growth in Europe will slow down, which partly results from the collapse in
the construction industry in Spain and Italy, and the real estate
development in Great Britain that is similar to the one in the USA.
For 2008, a worldwide growth of 2.5 percent after value is expected for
the power tool market in general. In the given circumstances, this growth
rate is acceptable.
For 2009 though, the market development is seen
rather sceptical in comparison with the prospects for 2008, from today’s
point of view.
Krauss sees a considerable challenge for the power tool industry
regarding the demands for health and safety. Due to further
developments for devices and systems, the industry permanently lobbies
for offering the users the best possible protection. The power tool industry
is still confronted with the growing legal demands, mainly in
environmental issues. As the cost pressure on the manufacturers will
continue, it’s up to the European power tool industry to maintain its
capability for efficiency and innovation, as well as its competitiveness. In
statements and initiatives, EPTA actively lobbies for economically
justifiable solutions.