Autumn is coming

When writing this editor's page the holiday season in Europe is about to finish. While people are returning back to offices, I am wondering what the coming autumn will bring for Tube and Pipe Industry.

USA

What comes to Tube and Pipe Industry in US, it has been rather quiet for last 1.5 years. What really will happen when the autumn comes? Are industries brave enough to start making investments? What about September 11:th? Will it postpone investments further? I am not able to make predictions - our world is just so strange nowadays. Anyhow, it is still very quiet in the US and my guess is that we have to wait at least until September 11:th before anything really could start happening within Tube and Pipe Industry.

Note: Fabtech Cleveland will be on October, so it may be a good timing this year.

Europe

What comes to Europe it is difficult to make predictions also. However one matter is rather clear to me. Industries are moving production to ex "East-European" countries like Poland and Czech-Republic. I have also heard Hungary and Romania named as potential countries. It is clear to me that also Russia is getting up and has tremendous potential what comes to Tube and Pipe industry. I have personal experience of machine sales Poland, Czech and Russia during last 6 months, so it is not just thinking.

Generally speaking, during last 3 years many "West-European" companies have moved their production to these ex."East-European" countries and The cost of labor is still low which makes them very interesting. Improving stability of societies is also making them more favorable for foreign investments. So, it is no wonder why production is moving from "West to East".

Cheers,
Juha